The most awarded hotel in the Azores, an Art Deco property opened in 1935 set inside the famous Terra Nostra botanical garden in Furnas, with a large volcanic thermal pool kept at a steady 40 degrees Celsius.
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is set inside the Terra Nostra botanical park in Furnas, on São Miguel, and is widely regarded as the most awarded hotel in the Azores. The Art Deco building opened in 1935 and retains much of its original character, blending historic architecture with the surrounding sub-tropical garden of ferns, camellias, and towering tree species collected over more than two centuries. The hotel's signature feature is its large volcanic thermal pool, kept at a steady 40 degrees Celsius and coloured a distinctive orange-brown by dissolved minerals, open to hotel guests at extended hours beyond the park's public visiting times. Rooms range from Standard and Superior categories to Garden View Suites, several overlooking the park's ponds and mature tree canopy. Wellness facilities extend beyond the thermal pool to a spa, sauna, and Turkish bath, making it a genuine spa destination rather than simply a hotel with a pool. The on-site restaurant and bar serve Portuguese and Azorean dishes, including cozido das Furnas cooked using the valley's geothermal vents. The garden setting and historic pedigree make the hotel a strong choice for couples and garden or wellness enthusiasts, while its early and late access to the thermal pool is a genuine advantage over day-tripping through the park during public hours.
| Price | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Address | Rua Padre Jose Jacinto Botelho 5, 9675-061 Furnas, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal |
Room types
- Standard Room
- Superior Room
- Garden View Suite
Amenities
- thermal pool
- botanical garden
- spa
- restaurant
- bar
- wifi
- sauna
- Turkish bath
Weather through the year in Portugal
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Portugal.
Location
Rua Padre Jose Jacinto Botelho 5, 9675-061 Furnas, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
37.7677, -25.3211 View on map
Highlights
- Volcanic thermal pool heated naturally to around 40°C
- Set inside the historic Terra Nostra botanical garden
- Art Deco building dating to 1935
- Spa, sauna, and Turkish bath on-site
- Extended guest access to the thermal pool beyond public park hours
Tips for visiting
- Guests get extended thermal pool access outside the park's public opening hours
- The mineral-rich pool water can stain light-coloured swimwear
- Book a Garden View Suite for the best outlook over the botanical park
- Visit the thermal pool early morning or evening to avoid day-tripper crowds
- Layer clothing, as Furnas is cooler and mistier than coastal São Miguel
Accessibility
The hotel has elevator access to guest floors, though the surrounding garden paths and thermal pool area include uneven, natural terrain; guests with mobility needs should check specific route access with the property.
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Frequently asked questions
Can hotel guests access the thermal pool outside normal park hours?
Yes, staying guests typically have extended access to the thermal pool beyond the botanical park's public visiting hours.
How hot is the thermal pool?
The volcanic thermal pool is naturally heated to around 40 degrees Celsius.
Is the hotel located inside the botanical garden?
Yes, the hotel sits within the Terra Nostra park grounds in Furnas.
Does the hotel have a spa beyond the thermal pool?
Yes, there is a separate spa with a sauna and Turkish bath in addition to the thermal pool.