SOLAR BRANCO ECO ESTATE: OPENING MARCH 2023

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 big, dreamy beds. Hike, run, read. Relax. Put your phone down. Laugh out loud. Dream. Enjoy life with those around you. 

Sustainability & Luxury

OPENING FOR MARCH 1 2023: 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 clear air of the Atlantic Ocean, just 5 minutes from the capital city of Ponta Delgada.

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RESTORED IN 2020 

BUILT IN 1860

 A 5 YEAR RESTORATION EFFORT: This was never going to be an easy restoration. With over 100 years of history to protect. A project to breathe new life into the estate was born in 2018. Each building has a history, started with the citrus trade in the 1800s. Abandoned and unloved it is now coming back with a new lease of life as a boutique eco hotel.

The gardens will take 5 more years to restore, regrow and regenerate to their own glory. Supporting the space with food for both guests and the wildlife that lives here on São Miguel.

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Europe’s Largest Gin Collection

Enjoy our award winning Baleia Azorean Gin as you learn about the history of all things juniper at The Gin Library. Or taste on the gins on display, choosing from over 600 in the collection. Or bring your own bottle of craft gin and you and a guest will enjoy a complimentary Azorean Gin Tasting.

Strictly adults only. Guests visiting The Gin Library are not permitted to bring babies or children under 16.

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SENHOR RAPOSA’S SECRET DRINKING DEN

Journey back to 1860. upon his return to the Azores, Senhor Raposa would share stories of his adventures around the world in his secret drinking den. Special drinks and cocktails would be enjoyed late into the evening.

The only way to discover the secret drinking den is to be invited by Senhor Raposa himself.

Strictly adults only. Guests visiting Senhor Raposas Secret Drinking Den are not permitted to bring babies or children under 16.

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THE GREEN PANTRY

Sustainable Gastronomy comes to the Azores. 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 Sustainable Sushi Dinner here. 

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A perfect location on São Miguel

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.

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Ocean Azores Foundation

We believe in leading the way in the Azores in the area of sustainable tourism. Our work will always be ongoing on the estate and beyond as we grow our mission and the work of the foundation to protect the ocean that surrounds the Azores. 

The Ocean Azores Foundation looks to fund ocean based research and conservation projects based on all islands of the Azores.

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Rewilding The estate grounds

Our dream began in 2018 to restore the estate gardens and grounds to their eighteenth century glory. With over 1,000 plants and trees going into the Estate grounds over a 5 year rewilding project. We hope that this initiative will boost plans for community regeneration in the area of Livramento, including nature-based tourism opportunities.

We look forward to showing you around the grounds as you stay with us. 

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Foodies & Food lovers welcome

Eat slow. Eat local. Our focus here at The Solar Branco Eco Estate is to showcase the best produce from the Azores.

From the green lands that supply beef and vegetables to the bounty from the never ending blue Atlantic Ocean.

Read about the best restaurants with our insiders guide to São Miguel. 

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Gimmie Shelter!

Welcome to the rescue animals of the estate. We love all animals, but the rescued ones have a special place in our hearts. From our rescue dogs and cats, to chickens, birds, parrots, hedgehogs and even a T-Rex*. We have a wide variety here on the estate.

It is these animals that give joy to us and we hope you enjoy meeting them when you are here.

* OK, we don’t have a T-Rex. Yet.

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The Baleia Bus

Baleia Gin on the go. You asked for the best gin and tonics to be served around the island. And we are pleased to announce we are delivering. Join us in all the best spots, overlooking the ocean to the marina and enjoy a Baleia & Tonic.

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Our Xmas Tree

Christmas in the Azores. In the autumn of 2019 I had a conversation about the beautiful tree in our field. As the sun began to set over the hills opposite, the conversation turned to Christmas and celebrations. Just 6 weeks later we had a plan, 3 km of lights, the tallest crane in the Azores and one tree to light up for Christmas.

We hope to light it up again in 2023.

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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.