Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort

S A N TA B Á RB A RA EC O - BE AC H RE S ORT

P o r t u g a l

T h e P l a c e w h e r e a r t , n a t u r e a n d h o s p i t a l i t y M e e t

CovetED had the pleasure of experiencing one in a lifetime treatment by staying at the fantastic Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort. The experience was overwhelmingly peaceful, with so many amenities, our editor couldn’t not decide on a starting point. So, let’s start with the beginning. In 2015, when the first eco-beach resort in the Azores opened on a piece of land right beside Santa Bárbara beach. The project was not just another hotel; it was the realisation of an old dream held by João Reis, businessman and also a surfer in love with São Miguel, home to the SANTA BÁRBARA ECO-BEACH RESORT.

n in 2015, when the first eco-beach resort in the Azores opened on a piece of land right beside Santa Bárbara beach. The project was not just another hotel; it was the realisation of an old dream held by João Reis, businessman and also a surfer in love with São Miguel, home to the SANTA BÁRBARA ECO-BEACH RESORT.

And this personal touch, and love is breathable through the all experience, by the thoughtful staff and also resort surroundings. The materials used, the architecture and the framing in the lands-cape have been the project’s three key concerns. The result is a resort where the island in all

its entirety can be experienced, consisting of a total of 30 villas & studios offering a stay that is in perfect harmony with nature, becoming the perfect calm and soothing retreat for a relaxing vacation or stay. In the exterior areas of the resort the respect for nature also stands out. An enormous

saltwater pool, with stone beds inside and a view of the ocean, promises to delight those seeking moments of contemplation; on a wooden deck, built on top of the cliff from which you access the beach, you can enjoy a massage to the sound of the sea; and the sports activities centre is a stimulus to anyone looking for some adventure, with access to the surf school and hire equipment for snorkelling, stand-up paddle, surfing and kayaking. Because you can have a relaxing adventure right? All of the resort’s gardens are regularly supplemented with new indigenous plant species in the aim of offering a more exclusive atmosphere without interfering with the magnificent natural landscape that characterises the hotel. A lovely personalized service elevated CovetED stay to a complete new level, with the careful and rigorous selection of the best providers for each activity and advice about the best restaurants and most interesting places to visit, alongside proposals for customised itineraries based on CovetED interests.

With an unforgettable view, Restaurant Santa Bárbara had a new culinary concept that taked us on a journey to the East – from India to Japan – where we unexpectedly discover exotic spices and authentic flavours.On a highly diverse menu, where you can still find Santa Bárbara’s famous sushi and sashimi, among many other dishes inspired by Thai, Indian, Korean and Japanese cuisine stemming from the close ties to Asian cooking of Chef André Santos, former sous chef at Spices and part of the kitchen team at Midori (1 Michelin star). The delicacies were mouthwatering. Culminating into an ultimate luxury relaxing experience, was one of the other big new features at Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort, the Wellness Retreat. Housed in a facility at the resort’s highest point, it has a wonderful view over the 3.3 hectares of this seafront

property and offers a huge range of services, namely signature rituals such as the Salt Detox, a relaxing massage with exfoliation, alternative treatments like the Bamboo Detox, and even yoga classes and SUP yoga. We couldn’t ask for more. CovetED was amazed with such a wonderful and

unwinding experience. Exceptional food, marvelous staff and a breathtaking view, all in a green conscious and eco friendly resort, we recommend you to stay at Santa Barbara Eco-beach Resort on your next visit to Portugal.