Santa Barbara is not just another hotel, but a dream given form by João Reis, an entrepreneur and enthusiastic surfer of the northern coast of São Miguel. It began from a passion: a passion for the dark, sandy beach, mysterious blue waters of the Atlantic, and the mystic green pastures and forested mountains of Ribeira Grande. This beautiful environment mixed with the desire to transmit the same passions for nature, the sea, and, above all, the Azores resulted in Santa Barbara.
João Reis respected the natural beauty of the island and developed this resort to be in harmony with the island’s unique surroundings. Built from scratch, and in perfect symbiosis with the coastal ecology, the eco-friendly beach resort is integrated into its environment. Its architecture, the materials and the framing of the landscape were the three main concerns of the project. What resulted was a site that breathes in the island and coastal ecosystem, providing its visitors with a tranquil stay.
Santa Barbara has 14 studios, 7 one-bedroom villas, and 9 two-bedroom villas. These alternatives are nicely furnished, with a small fitted kitchenette, a trendy living room, and a big balcony from which visitors may view, reflect, and rest to the sound of the sea.
Being an eco-beach resort, Santa Bárbara was built with natural materials, primarily indigenous wood (cryptomeria), cork, and bamboo, and integrated ornamental features that reference traditional Azorean themes and accents.
Santa Bárbara offers a gastronomic concept that will take you through an oriental journey from India to Japan, in an unexpected discovery of exotic spices and authentic flavors. All this with an amazing quality of local products – which includes Azorean meat, fresh fish and seafood from the Atlantic, alongside the freshest vegetables, aromatic herbs and fruits that now arrive from their farm installed on the property, with two greenhouses and an approximate area of 4000m2. A way to guarantee a zero kilometer product and extra quality in a true “farm to table” concept. It also offers an extensive list of national wines (various Azorean options) and innovative cocktails with Santa Bárbara signature.
Santa Barbara offers breakfast from 8:00 AM -11:00 AM, they know it is one of the most important moments of the Singular Properties Experience, so they have prepared a selection of the best regional products and a menu with hot options prepared upon request. After breakfast head to the beach or the pool where you can also enjoy a variety of light meals and snacks, making it the ideal option for both a lunch between dives and a fresh cocktail in the evening.
Last but not least Santa Barbara’s restaurant is open from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM, here you will find a disruptive cuisine that breaks away from the traditional ways of thinking, preparing and enjoying gastronomy, with origin in their farm, their pastures and their seas. The secret lies in the dedication to each moment, from ensuring the best origin of the ingredients, to the preparation and treatment of all gastronomic elements. In order to provide ingredients with maximum flavor and freshness, all vegetables and aromatics are grown by themselves in their seasonal and sustainable farm, being harvested daily for their guests.
Do you feel like a fish in the water? You cannot miss these experiences! The Azores are a privileged place to spot whales, dolphins and the underwater wildlife. It is considered one of the best places in the world to do this kind of activity. The animals are respected during these interactions and the fun is guaranteed. You will get to experience the following highlights:
Santa Bárbara is one of the best beaches in the Azores to practice surfing. The ocean that surrounds the islands allows the formation of waves all year round for all types of surfers.
Explore the coastline or paddle inside a dormant volcano and observe the beauty that surrounds you.
The Azores are a group of active volcanic islands, on São Miguel there are several examples of this activity, which can provide guests with unique moments of pleasure. There are thermal pools on different locations of the island, which are mandatory stops for nature lovers, as well as for those who want to feel the unique sensation of a warm outdoor bath.
