Octant Hotels Ponta Delgada

Just as the Portuguese mainland is suddenly the hottest ticket in European travel, the Azores seem to have overtaken the Canary Islands and the Balearics in recent years. It’s not a new destination, really — the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century. But the introduction of a few new airline routes has made these mid-Atlantic islands feel much less remote, and much more attainable. And when you do find yourself touching down there, Azor Hotel is more than ready to welcome you.

It’s on São Miguel, the largest island, noted for its deep lakes and lush green hills. Conveniently for travelers arriving by air or sea, the hotel is located beside the Ponta Delgada marina, and just a ten-minute drive from the local airport. From the outside, it’s a big, boxy white structure on the water. But inside, it’s an architectural showpiece. The modern design, cool and geometric with huge cantilevers and massive glass panes, smooth wood planks and grand spiral staircases, takes inspiration from the natural materials found around the volcanic island.

Forget minimalist décor, though. At Octant Hotels Ponta Delgada, the details are as fanciful as the building, and the atmosphere is surprisingly cosmopolitan, given the hotel’s far-flung location. A striking installation of bare light bulbs illuminates the reception desk; living areas are artfully outfitted with cozy leather sofas and eclectic sculptures made of vintage bicycles or old film canisters. Shop for organic snacks in the cool lobby market, or kick back for cocktails in a cushioned copper swivel chair that looks like something out of The Jetsons.

Guest rooms are as sleek as you’d expect, with marble bathrooms, bespoke linens and down comforters, 40-inch flatscreen TVs, espresso machines, and, importantly, private balconies facing over the sea. If you haven’t done your homework on things to see and do in the Azores, you can leave it to the hotel staff to plan your excursions and island tours. You can even eat here afterward, sampling traditional Portuguese cuisine onside, albeit with a distinctly gourmet twist, at the hotel’s À Terra restaurant. Before breakfast, head to the rooftop pool for a dip while scanning the horizon for whales. Yes, that’s a thing: welcome to the Azores.