GATHER IN A CIRCLE

Assemble in a small circle. Gather amidst the moistness of Azorean moss, cryptomeria bark, tree ferns and everything there is.

Some furrowed brows follow the soft-voiced request. ​A canary chirps. In the stillness of the volcano, the faint scent of its vapors in the air.

We're on a hike and that faint sulfur smell reminds us of the reward, a meal cooked by the earth itself. So, let's get on with it. On to the meal! But the calming voice insists. Gather in a circle. Place your left hand on your heart; your right hand on your belly. Feel your breath. Slowly. Feel.

The green perhaps looks greener. Perhaps I can smell the cozido meal from here. I can hear birds I hadn't before. The moistness of the air and the smell of the land and its salt feels amazing and fresh.

One by one, the hikers relent. Stopping here, stopping the talking, turning inside for a few moments, makes them realize something they hadn't noticed before. They were now feeling. Feeling the Azores. Feeling the volcano. Simply feeling.

Similar experiences occur at the dinner table or by the campfire. They breathe and feel. For us it may be another day in the office; for these travelers it's now become part of their experience.

Each week MINUVIDA AZORES leads travelers on hikes, through meditation, yoga and even teaches them to enjoy the local flavors.  We are, hopefully, fulfilling our vision and helping guests Discover and Feel the Azores.

Staying at minuvida orchard lodge can be friendly travel advice, wholesome, local breakfasts, or simply a comfortable bed. But it can be much more. To find out more about our signature minuvida experience packages, start here

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Stopping here, stopping the talking, turning inside for a few moments, made them realize something they hadn't noticed before. ​

The minuvida experience

MINUVIDA AZORES offers thoughtful accommodation and curated experiences to guests who choose to sign up for a five-night package.

Experiences include a guided hike focusing on the island's ecology, as well as chances for mindfulness and Azorean volcano stew picnics, a creative Azorean five course dinner and access to yoga classes. Experiences are led by the hosts Rimi and João and their team members.

The minuvida experience allows  participants to be travelers and not tourists and to truly Discover and Feel the Azores.