Sao Vicente Lodge - Atlantic Retreat

The location! If the views don't make you speechless, there's something wrong with you. The cliffs, the ocan, the light and the sound of the waves would compensate for any shortcomings of the apartment, if there were any. It's perfectly located on the spectacular north coast of sao miguel, you can start a beautiful hike directly from there. The apartment is well and beautifully equipped, only a deckchair on the terrace and a coffee table for the sofa would be a great addition.

The apartment was very nice and clean. The terrace had a beautiful view on the ocean protected by window shields, which was the perfect location to enjoy a calm breakfast or a drink at sunset. Breakfast option is available but decided to not have the service. The bathroom was equipped with shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hairdryer and big towels. Towels for the swimming pool were provided too. The bed was big and comfortable. The swimming pool and the terrace are lovely to chill after a day of going around the island. Staff was friendly and helpful and provided all the information via text. There are some cards of restaurants available in the hall in case you need suggestions but we also cooked in the kitchen one night: very helpful to have the small bags of olive oil, vinaigrette, pepper and salt as well as the Microwave and the toaster. A car is needed.

I chose Sao Vicente Lodge near Capelas to explore the western part of the island and to have somewhere tranquil to return to every day. In fact, I arrived a bit frazzled on my first day as I could not pair my phone GPS with the car and had a difficult time getting around the first day of the car rental, and I was met with a hug from the staff who could feel my frustration. After a day, I settled in and enjoyed the walking trail that passes right front of the property with beautiful views. In fact, the property provides the most comprehensive hiking map you will ever find on paper for the entire island. I immensely enjoyed my view over the next few days after my day trips and left a different person than I had arrived (I did eventually figure out the GPS). The unit itself was tastefully decorated with everything you need and the bed was very comfortable. The kitchenette is tiny but workable for small meals. The staff were top notch, so welcoming and helpful.

A large modern place, a very comfortable bed, nice shower, right by the ocean. The patio view, nice walkway to the park. Would be great with a bit more effort.

The place has an amazing view over the ocean: the only flaw in my opinion was the external glass of the terrace, useful to protect from the wind, but which disturbed the view a little. it would have been beautiful to have breakfast on the terrace but unfortunately the weather was uncertain. Kitchen was very well equipped :)