YOUR HOMEBASE IN THE AZORESSITTING ON THE SLOPES of the Fogo volcano, quinta minuvida orchard lodge celebrates the traditional fruit orchard, the quintessential Azorean getaway.
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Endless vistas, challenging volcanic slopes, Jurassic-like forests. That's the promise of
a hike in the Azores. A tiring ascent is always rewarded with jaw-dropping views – often shrouded in clouds that miraculously lift to reveal the magic below. |
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THE OUTDOORS EXPERIENCES described below are a sampling of our most popular offerings. Experiences can be curated specifically for each group. When you conclude your reservation you will be asked to tell us what experiences peeked your interest. Other experience examples are available here as well.
VOLCANO COZIDO HIKE. João prepares this unique take on a meat stew and lowers it into a volcanic vent in Ribeira Grande, where it will slow-cook for 5 1/2 hours. We then start our easy 3-hour circular hike through a spectacular waterfall. Upon our return the traditional cozido picnic meal (just-lifted from the ground) will be waiting. Starts at quinta minuvida. Held on Mondays. Approximate experience duration 5 hrs. Weather dependent. FEEL THE VOLCANO HIKE + YOGA. We head east to Furnas and visit the most active volcanic region on the island. Experience a brief walking meditation among geothermal mists and hike around the emerald Furnas lake. Taste naturally sparkling waters and enjoy a post-hike soak in our favorite hot springs. Held on on Mondays or Wednesdays, depending on availability. Total experience duration approx. 7 hrs. Experience is highly weather dependent, due to foggy mountain location. RIDGE HIKE + OFFROAD. Enjoy a 2-hour hike over some of the most scenic mountains on the island, featuring stops at several lakes and beautiful endemic mosses. See the stunning birds-eye view over Sete Cidades lakes (weather dependent) and finish it off with a offroad drive over the famous caldera ridge road with possibilities for stops at ocean hot springs. Held on on Mondays or Wednesdays, depending on availability. Total experience duration approx. 7 hrs. Experience is highly weather dependent, due to foggy mountain location. Experiences described above are exclusive to minuvida experience package guests. Experiences can be modified or catered to specific groups. Lodging only guests may sign-up at additional cost. Schedule posted in reception. Experiences not suitable for children under 12. If you are not staying at quinta minuvida and want to sign up for one of our small-group experiences, please visit our sister company minuvida azores experiences
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YOGA CLASSESSUNDAYS quinta minuvida, 10:30 a.m. - noon
TUESDAYS S. Bárbara Eco Beach Resort, 6 - 7:30 p.m. THURSDAYS quinta minuvida, 10:30 a.m. - noon SATURDAYS Hotel Caloura Resort, 10:30 a.m. - noon All classes led by Rimi. Mats and props available in studio. Transport outside quinta minuvida not provided. "This experience was one of our favorite days in the Azores. We booked a day excursion with Minuvida to hike and practice light yoga. It was everything we could have hoped for." |
A WORLD OF FLAVORSTASTE THE AZORES! We marry the traditional with the innovative and creative. We only serve local and in season. Many of the ingredients come directly from our orchard. The minuvida experience stay includes a five-course tasting menu paired with wines – a sensory journey through Azorean flavors.
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FOOD IN THE AZORES
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The Azores beckons. It's unexpected. Sometimes you think you are sitting on the lush volcanic cliffs of Hawaii. Sometimes it seems you just descended on the Irish countryside. Our white-washed towns could be at home in Tuscany. It's Europe meets the tropics.
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WHAT' IT LIKE?Dark sandy beaches or craggy volcanic cliffs ascend to mountains as tall as 7,700 feet. It's a lush, dramatic volcanic landscape. While original laurel subtropical forest once covered most of the islands, today everything seems to grow here. The capricious Azorean landscape is dotted with white-washed Mediterranean villages, full of color and vibrancy. Locals drive fast, live slow and eat fresh.
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how's the weather?
Everyone's #1 question. In short: Changeable. There are many other more reliable weather destinations, but the Azores is so much more! It's spring-like most of the time; temperamental, with days of sun interlaced with low clouds, a shower, a rainbow – and then sun again. Never too cold (seldom drops below 50 during the coldest winter nights) or too hot (rarely rises above 82 during the warmest summer days). Humid and often cloudy. Perfect for the outdoors. See how the Azores climate compares to Boston and Bermuda hereA word about indoors temps: No ifs or buts about it, it can get chilly indoors during the cooler months (November through April) in unheated homes (which is the norm). With indoor temps sometimes hovering around 15c (59F) during the coolest periods, layers are strongly advised. On the bright side, the warmer months are never stifling. what's there to do?
If you love the outdoors, geothermal hot springs, the deep blue ocean full of whales and dolphins, the lushest forests and the greenest fields, rainbows and clouds, plus the most spectacular vistas, then the Azores is for you. Climb a mountain, or descend it on a bicycle, jump in the ocean from a cliff or simply fill your eyes and soul with the scenery. What to do each month hOW DO I GET THERE?
Azores Airlines offers direct flights from Boston to Ponta Delgada and Lajes (Terceira island) almost daily during the summer months but less frequently during the winter. SATA also flies out of Oakland, Calif., Toronto and Montréal, Canada. Check travel schedules and book flights here From Europe, both Ryanair and easyJet fly from London and Lisbon to Ponta Delgada. where is it?
The Azores are a string of nine dark pearls in the North Atlantic, 900 miles west of Portugal and about 3,000 miles due east of Richmond, Va. We are in Azores Time (AZOT) GMT -1, or 4 hours ahead of New York. So, When should i visit?
The Azores are not a conventional, mass-tourism travel destination. You'll find an authentic paradise that hopefully will remain so by attracting the right travelers. We are not a resort destination with perfect weather and senseless entertainment. Thankfully. OCTOBER THROUGH MAY Loves to be in nature. Loves hiking, surfing, eating fresh fruit; contemplating. Doesn't get bothered by wet towels, occasional mustiness, the perfect storm or shorter days. Will find a paradise without crowds. JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER Really concerned about comfort, nightlife, entertainment. Needs great weather during vacations. Doesn't mind sunburn. Would rather be lounging than hiking. Will find paradise, but a little more crowed; a little more expensive. |
WHAT'S THERE TO DO?An outdoors paradise, the Azores the perfect off-the-beaten-path vacation destination. Enjoy the cooling Atlantic waters from natural rock pools in the summer and soak in volcanic hot springs in the winter. Take to the trails, surf the ocean, maneuver a mountain on a bike.
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cuisine
You can find a restaurant or tasca offering the most delectable local cuisine virtually everywhere around the island. Cafes They are plentiful! Stop in for an espresso, sandwich or dessert. Volcanic vent-cooked Best yet, in the town of Furnas you can eat food cooked under the volcanic soil (local restaurants will do this for you, for example, check out Caldeiras & Vulcões adventure
Hiking Some of the world's best hikesare in the Azores and there is something for everyone in terms of length, difficulty, and views. Volcanoes Furnas is an active, living volcano. Not to fear, though, you're safe visiting. Furnas is amazing, featuring bubbling geysers, Hawaiian-looking mountainscapes and a lake that wouldn't be out of place in a fairytale. Best yet, you can eat food cooked under the volcanic soil (you can cook it yourself but local restaurants will be happy to do this for you). Surfing The Azores are a highly sought-after destination for surfers; the WSP circus stops in S. Miguel every September and there are a number of local partners who can provide lessons and equipment. culture
This idyllic island-paradise mixes Portuguese culture with the allure of the Atlantic. Here are our favorites: Beaches Vila Franca is one of S. Miguel's most sought-after beach towns. The town features an off-shore islet with a round lagoon the size of a football field! An amazing spot for swiming and snorkling... or cliff diving. The City Ponta Delgada is the island's capital city. It's about 10 minutes from minuvida. The white-washed town is bustling and offers many fine restaurants, nightlife, interesting architecture, beautiful parks and waterfront activities. Check out the Portas do Mar district, which offers many places to book your next adventure. |
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Luís Fernandes GUEST MANAGER He'll tell you where to go |
Ana Pinheiro INnKeeper She keeps you fed and clean |
José Tavares gROUNDSKEEPER He keeps things looking beatiful |
