SOLAR BRANCO ECO ESTATE:
Solar (Portuguese) / noun-PORTUGUESE: Meaning: Large country house. Branco (Portuguese) /branco, brancura/ Adjective–PORTUGUESE: White.
Breathe in the clear Azorean Atlantic air as you walk through the citrus-inspired gardens. Take in the view over green hills to the ocean beyond. Hideout, forage, think in peace. Enjoy this beautiful heritage home, built over 100 years ago, lovingly restored and brought back to life. Sleep in the big, dreamy beds. Hike, run, read. Relax. Put your phone down. Laugh out loud. Dream. Enjoy life with those around you.
The history of the Azores and the citrus trade of the 1800s: At first the English merchants came out to the Azores at the start of the season to supervise purchase and loading, but by the mid-19th century many, along with their families lived permanently on Sao Miguel in their large country mansions. Citrus was a luxury fruit, available in season from November to May only, and at its peak of desirability for the Victorians was Christmas, when oranges and lemons were the fruit to have on the table, most coming from the Azores.
In 1854, 60 million oranges and 15 million lemons were imported to London on at least 70 vessels from the port of Ponta Delgada.
– David Sayers
Leaders in Sustainable Tourism in The Azores: Hotel Opening 2022
Stay in eco luxury on the island of Sao Miguel
Stay with hosts who share your values and your belief in responsible and sustainable travel. Our sustainability initiatives focus on supporting the local economy, protecting and promoting natural and cultural heritage and safeguarding the environment.
Our buildings and infrastructure are being planned with consideration given to the landscape and natural heritage. We are maximising use of local materials and sustainable design and focusing on endemic plants for our landscaping. The estate will create long term employment opportunities for local residents with training and development opportunities for staff. We focus on local cuisine and regional products, and partner with Azorean entrepreneurs.
The Gin Library
Visit The World’s Largest Private Collection of Gin here on the island of Sao Miguel, part of the Azores. Enjoy a gin experience like no other. Taste the local Azorean gin, Rocha Negra as you learn about the history of all things juniper at The Gin Library. Or taste on the gins on display, choosing from over 450 in the collection. Bring your own bottle of craft gin and you and a guest will enjoy a complimentary Azorean Gin Tasting. More details here.
Ali is the creator of Baleia Gin, and the brand ambassador for Rocha Negra. He has spent the last 20 years travelling the world, tasting and collecting one of the world’s largest gin collections. These travels inspired him to craft Baleia as well as the perfect Gin & Tonic. He was the first to bring the Gin Sonic, a lower sugar variant of the G&T from Japan to Europe.
Luxury Accommodation
We hold a firm belief that luxury and sustainability can be done without compromise is core to what we do. Each house ensures privacy and distance. Bring the outdoors inside with views of the surrounding countryside. Breathe in the air of the Atlantic Ocean, just 5 minutes from the capital city of Ponta Delgada.
Sustainability does not mean forgoing luxury, it means making a careful and conscious balance in what we do each day, and the impact we have on the environment. We ask our guests to support us in our mission as we source and buy local products, improving our own wellbeing as well as those who live and work in the Azores.
The Solar Branco Eco Estate is proud to be a leader in this growing movement. Our hotel and experiences eschew exotic or unnecessary products and foods, opting for local over global and removing unnecessary plastic throughout.
A perfect location
Step into a beautifully restored, Azorean mansion and estate, overlooking green hills to the ocean beyond. Perfectly located within a 5-minute drive to the bustle of Ponta Delgada, the serenity of the beach at Populo and within easy reach of the town of Ribera Grande in the north of the island.
This is a home from home. Take time out and enjoy the surroundings or explore the island from the land to the sea. Your options are endless, and we are here to help you in person and with our guides. Please contact us anytime if you have a question. Enjoy your time on The Solar Branco Eco Estate and São Miguel.
Foodies & Food lovers welcome
Eat slow. Eat local. Enjoy our slow eating philosophy. A private dining experience with no rush to eat, no fussy service interrupting you. Just sit back, as you take time to enjoy the food and the company. Breathe. Laugh. Look out over the green landscape of São Miguel to the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
Eat slow. Eat local. Enjoy our slow eating philosophy. A private dining experience with no rush to eat, no fussy service interrupting you. Just sit back, as you take time to enjoy the food and the company. Breathe. Laugh. Look out over the green landscape of São Miguel to the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
Check out our delicious Vegan Volcano Dinner or our special Sushi Dinner here. And read about the best restaurants with our locals guide to São Migiel.
Join our Facebook group Azores Foodie here.
Ocean Azores Foundation
We believe in leading the way in the Azores in the world of eco-hotels and sustainability. Our work will always be ongoing on the estate and we are happy to share our ideas, and hear yours. From the beginning of the project, we wanted our hotel to lead in the area of sustainability. You can read more on our commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism here.
The Ocean Azores Foundation looks to fund ocean based research and conservation projects based on all islands of the Azores. While it is currently a work in progress the aims are to give back to the community and environment that we now call home. Funding will come from sales of Baleia Gin, as well as guest donations, donations from the Solar Branco Eco Estate as well as events hosted on the grounds.
Projects under consideration include, certifying this the Azores as a Whale Heritage Site. the ORCA Surveyor Network, Smart Ocean Planning with The Ocean Conservancy and research work with Oceana Europe.
EVENTS & NEWS There is always something new happening on the eco estate. From renovating a hundred old country house, to our monthly events and sustainable programs we love living in the Azores and are keen to show you the best that the island of Sâo Miguel has to offer.
The eco estate is committed to sustainable projects, from leading the way in the Azores and the hospitality industry, to donating funds to Casa do Gaiato (Ponta Delgada’s Children’s home) as well as founding the Whale Heritage Site on Sâo Miguel, the first island in the Azores. Read more here.
Breathe in the clear Azorean Atlantic air as you walk through the citrus-inspired gardens. Take in the view over green hills to the ocean beyond. Hideout, forage, think in peace.
Enjoy this beautiful heritage home, built over 100 years ago, lovingly restored and brought back to life.
Sleep in the big, dreamy beds. Hike, run, read. Relax. Put your phone down. Laugh out loud. Dream. Enjoy life with those around you.