Experience Slow Travel at Solar Branco Eco Estate in the Azores

Stepping off the road just outside Ponta Delgada, we were met not by crowds or noise, but by green hills stretching all around—the kind that make you pause without realising. A friendly wave from a staff member and a cool breeze hinted that Solar Branco Eco Estate was nothing like your average hotel. It felt like the kind of place where you read under the trees, and forget where your phone is—on purpose.

Solar Branco Eco Estate surrounded by the green hills of São Miguel Island.

Caroline, Solar Branco co-owner and host, greeted us with a genuine smile. After a quick tour of the space, she shared the vision behind Solar Branco Eco Estate. With no more than 8 units (3 rooms and 5 studio apartments), the aim is to keep things intimate and ensure every guest feels like part of a family rather than a crowd.

Mornings here aren’t about endless buffets or imported everything. Instead, breakfast features a small but lovingly prepared spread: seasonal fruits and homemade vegetarian dishes, all sourced from nearby farmers or directly from the estate. And if there are any leftovers? They go straight to the resident hens, which, in turn, supply the eggs for tomorrow’s omelettes. It’s a perfect little circle of sustainability.

That philosophy flows into every corner of the estate—supporting local culture and craft, minimizing waste, and maximizing guest comfort.

Inside the rooms, you’ll find modern comforts (air-conditioning, ceiling fans and windows that open wide) balanced with thoughtful, natural touches. The beds are dressed in sheets spun from plant fibers that help regulate your body temperature, and the bath products, packed with essential oils, come from a women-run business. Even the breakfast tables and some room furniture are the work of a local artisan—he turns fallen trees into one-of-a-kind pieces.

Solar Branco Eco Estate is committed to sustainability in ways that go far beyond what you’d expect. They’ve completely banned single-use plastics and pesticides, and are proud to be the first zero food waste hotel in the Azores. The estate’s gardens are home to three dedicated wildlife ponds, creating safe spaces for frogs and local birds. Their free-range chickens roam freely, and the fields are maintained with wildflowers, cut only twice a year, providing a perfect habitat for pollinators and other local wildlife. Sustainability here is a continuous journey—not a one-time achievement.

Solar Branco Eco Estate is the perfect place to slow down, appreciate São Miguel Island, and feel good about the footprint you leave behind. Owners Ali and Caroline are always happy to chat about the ongoing projects and how they’re making a lasting impact on the environment. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel connected to nature and to the people behind it. And we can’t wait to go back!

The Gin Library is an integral part of Solar Branco, offering an impressive collection of over 2,000 different gins. It’s also home to their own gin, Ghosts of the Ocean, a must-try! To learn more about this unique experience, stay tuned for our full article on the Gin Library.

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Bookings & Contacts

For bookings and more information, visit their website.

Address: Solar Branco Eco Estate, 9500-604 Ponta Delgada.