Pros
- Eco-friendly resort set in lush tropical gardens
- Cliff-top setting with direct access to the ocean
- Colorful rooms, some with separate living areas, kitchenettes, and sea views
- Swimming pool with terrace overlooking the sea
- Whale-watching station with binoculars
- Restaurant with outdoor terrace and free breakfast
- Cozy lounge with fireplace and piano
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
Bottom Line
The Hotel Aldeia da Fonte is an upscale, eco-friendly resort set in lush tropical grounds on the edge of cliffs overlooking Pico Island's rugged south coast. Some of the rooms, which include studio-style apartments, units with separate living areas, and a few rooms with kitchenettes, feature sea views -- and whale-watching opportunities -- but rooms on lower floors can feel a little damp during wetter months, and beds are on the firm side. Standout features include an ocean-view swimming pool and direct access to the sea and a natural rock pool. All in all, for a relaxed hotel surrounded by nature, this one ticks the right boxes.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Fitness Center
- Internet
- Pets Allowed
- Pool
Scene
Family-run, lava-rock lodgings set in lush tropical gardens next to the sea
The Hotel Aldeia da Fonte comprises a collection of two-story bungalows, all constructed from the island's ubiquitous dark volcanic rock and featuring Asian-style terra-cotta tile roofs. The hotel's colorful interiors, with rustic wooden furnishings, create a genuine island-village feel, while the property sits among lush gardens brimming with palm trees, colorful flowers, and tropical plants. Cobblestone paths lined with flora and decorative ceramics lead through the verdant grounds to cliff-top trails and down to the rugged coast and a natural swimming pool formed from sea and rocks. One of only a handful of hotels on the island, this family-run, eco-sustainable lodging focuses on maintaining a balance with the surrounding natural environment. The vibe is friendly and relaxed, attracting a mix of casual young travelers and nature buffs hoping to catch sight of a passing whale. Rocky and steep paths, however, which are often slippery from the Atlantic spray, mean it's not recommended for young children or travelers with limited mobility.
Location
Secluded cliff-top setting within a 45-minute drive of Pico Island's Airport
The resort is set within lush gardens overlooking a line of cliffs that run along the south coast of Pico Island -- the second largest of the Portuguese Azores. While the whales that pass close to this island when migrating are the main attraction, its also known for its immense dormant volcano that lies close to the center of the island, along with its tropical landscapes and rugged coastline. The nearest villages -- and basic local facilities -- are Sao Joao to the west and Lajes in east, both a five- to 10-minute drive away, while Pico Airport is about 45 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Colorful rooms with firm beds, some with sea views and kitchenettes
The accommodation varies between regular guest rooms, studio-style apartments, and units with separate bedroom and living areas. Decor is colorful with an island vibe and with simple wooden furnishings -- with beds on the firm side. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, safes, minibars, and flat-screen TVs (with limited channels), while bathrooms have wall-mounted hairdryers and soap/shampoo dispensers. Suites include tea- and coffee-making facilities and lounges with fireplaces, and a few come with kitchenettes. A few of of the lower-floor rooms can feel damp, especially during wetter months. Some apartments offer sea views, and all come with binoculars for spotting the passing whales.
Features
Sea-view swimming pool and whale-watching station
The hotel's restaurant serves a small buffet breakfast at no additional charge, as well as a menu of Azorean cooking and a weekly Chinese buffet. In addition to the main dining area, there's also a pleasant terrace overlooking the gardens, plus a cozy lounge with a fireplace and upright piano. There's also an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by wooden decking overlooking the sea, as well as a natural rock pool for bathing within the grounds, and direct access to the ocean. Wellness facilities include a fitness rooms and a sauna, and there's also a whale-watching station and a shop selling local handicrafts and souvenirs. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
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Scene
Family-run, lava-rock lodgings set in lush tropical gardens next to the sea
The Hotel Aldeia da Fonte comprises a collection of two-story bungalows, all constructed from the island's ubiquitous dark volcanic rock and featuring Asian-style terra-cotta tile roofs. The hotel's colorful interiors, with rustic wooden furnishings, create a genuine island-village feel, while the property sits among lush gardens brimming with palm trees, colorful flowers, and tropical plants. Cobblestone paths lined with flora and decorative ceramics lead through the verdant grounds to cliff-top trails and down to the rugged coast and a natural swimming pool formed from sea and rocks. One of only a handful of hotels on the island, this family-run, eco-sustainable lodging focuses on maintaining a balance with the surrounding natural environment. The vibe is friendly and relaxed, attracting a mix of casual young travelers and nature buffs hoping to catch sight of a passing whale. Rocky and steep paths, however, which are often slippery from the Atlantic spray, mean it's not recommended for young children or travelers with limited mobility.
Location
Secluded cliff-top setting within a 45-minute drive of Pico Island's Airport
The resort is set within lush gardens overlooking a line of cliffs that run along the south coast of Pico Island -- the second largest of the Portuguese Azores. While the whales that pass close to this island when migrating are the main attraction, its also known for its immense dormant volcano that lies close to the center of the island, along with its tropical landscapes and rugged coastline. The nearest villages -- and basic local facilities -- are Sao Joao to the west and Lajes in east, both a five- to 10-minute drive away, while Pico Airport is about 45 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Colorful rooms with firm beds, some with sea views and kitchenettes
The accommodation varies between regular guest rooms, studio-style apartments, and units with separate bedroom and living areas. Decor is colorful with an island vibe and with simple wooden furnishings -- with beds on the firm side. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, safes, minibars, and flat-screen TVs (with limited channels), while bathrooms have wall-mounted hairdryers and soap/shampoo dispensers. Suites include tea- and coffee-making facilities and lounges with fireplaces, and a few come with kitchenettes. A few of of the lower-floor rooms can feel damp, especially during wetter months. Some apartments offer sea views, and all come with binoculars for spotting the passing whales.
Features
Sea-view swimming pool and whale-watching station
The hotel's restaurant serves a small buffet breakfast at no additional charge, as well as a menu of Azorean cooking and a weekly Chinese buffet. In addition to the main dining area, there's also a pleasant terrace overlooking the gardens, plus a cozy lounge with a fireplace and upright piano. There's also an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by wooden decking overlooking the sea, as well as a natural rock pool for bathing within the grounds, and direct access to the ocean. Wellness facilities include a fitness rooms and a sauna, and there's also a whale-watching station and a shop selling local handicrafts and souvenirs. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Best Rates
Amenities
-
Balcony / Terrace / Patio
-
Cable
-
Fitness Center
-
Free Breakfast
-
Full Kitchen
-
Internet
-
Kids Allowed
-
Laundry
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Meeting / Conference Rooms
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Mini Bar (with liquor)
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Pets Allowed
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Pool
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Poolside Drink Service
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Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
-
Swim-Up Bar
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.