UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF SAO MIGUEL
Enjoy an amazing experience at the Solar Branco Eco Estate. We carefully curate unique insights into the Azores through activities such as Shinrin Yoku (Forest bathing), a vegan cozido as well as our gin tastings in the world-famous Gin Library. Our experiences are designed to be sustainable and aim to highlight and support the local economy.
Book a table at the gin library
Visit to The Gin Library, home to Europe’s largest gin collection, with over 600 bottles from 34 countries. Our collection showcases Baleia, our in-house gin, as well as Rocha Negra, both proudly distilled in the Azores on the island of São Miguel. Your visit includes a G&T made from your choice from the collection, an introduction on how to make “the perfect gin and tonic” as well as the opportunity to capture photos and videos of this unique location. You can try additional gins from the collection for €15 per drink.
Taste Baleia Gin
Advance booking highly recommended – Click here to check availability. Named after the Portuguese word for whale, Baleia is distilled overlooking the never-ending Atlantic Ocean on the island of São Miguel. Blending traditional botanicals such as juniper, citrus and rosemary with seaweed sustainably sourced from the waters around the island. Baleia gin has an exceptionally smooth flavour, mixing a touch of sweetness with the salt of the ocean. Every bottle sold supports marine conservation projects in the region, through a donation to The Ocean Azores Foundation.
Azorean Gin Masterclass
Advance booking highly recommended – Click here to check availability. The Azores may be a tiny archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, but that hasn’t stopped it from producing several excellent gins. Your tasting takes you through gins created or inspired by the Azores as you learn about the rich history of gin and its modern renaissance. You will try 3 gin and tonics with selected tonics and garnishes matched for each.
VIP Gin Masterclass
VIP guests are invited to join a private Gin masterclass at the Gin Library, where you are invited to taste an exclusively curated range of gins. Each gin is individually paired with its perfect match of tonic water and garnish. The Gin Library houses one of the largest collections of gin in the world.
Free Gin Masterclass
Free Gin!? Join us for a gin masterclass, bring a craft gin we don’t have in the collection, and you and one other will enjoy the class for free (please note the terms and conditions below.) The gin collection was started with friends brining new gins to the collection and trying out ones already here.
Azorean Wine Tasting
Join us for a wine tasting at the historic Solar Branco Eco Estate, above the town of Livramento. The area was known for growing wine grapes in the 1700s, before citrus took over in the 1800s. You will be hosted by João Couto, our in-house private wine sommelier.
Note: Minimum 4 people for this experience
WHALE WATCHING with TERRA AZUL
Located in Villa Franca this is our recommended partner for a sustainable whale watching company. Loved by locals for their initiatives and by guests for their thoughtful whale watching. Thank you for supporting this responsible and sustainable whale watching company.
Japanese massage
Take time for yourself. Turn off your phone and tune in to the sound of the birds, the wind breezing through the trees above you and the songs of nature as you relax in the careful and experienced hands of Ricardo and his team at The KeepMovingProject. Enjoy a Japanese Seirai massage as you breathe in fresh Atlantic air of the Azores. This private space is perfect for a solo traveller or couple to enjoy. As a couple you are welcome to split the massage for 1 and the gin for the other should you wish.
Shinrin Yoku
Discover the never-ending green lands of the island of São Miguel. Take part in our signature Shinrin Yoku experience. The Eco Estate is a place to allow your unique senses to experience and connect with nature. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without modern-day distractions. Shinrin Yoku is often referred to in English as forest bathing (the literal translation of this Japanese term) or forest therapy.
