EXPERIENCE THE TRUE ESSENCE OF PORTUGAL THIS SUMMER WITH OCTANT HOTELS

The best vacations aren’t measured in hours—they’re felt on the skin, stretched between swims, slow lunches, aimless strolls, and conversations that bring us back to what matters. These moments come to life in places with soul, where travel is a return to the essential.

This summer, Octant Hotels invites you to discover three distinct ways to experience the purest side of Portugal: surrounded by volcanoes and hot springs in the Azores, nestled between pine forests and golden beaches in the Algarve, or immersed in vineyard terraces and riverside views in the heart of the Douro Valley. Each destination offers a hotel with its own unique personality—and a shared philosophy: true freedom is having time for what really matters.

OCTANT FURNAS

A hot spring sanctuary in the Azores

On São Miguel Island—where the earth breathes and green takes on a deeper hue— Octant Furnas delivers a truly transformative escape. Located in the lush Furnas Valley, home to the highest concentration of thermal waters in Europe, this five-star hotel is a wellness haven, surrounded by nature at its wildest and most beautiful.

With 55 rooms—many featuring private pools—Octant Furnas blends contemporary design with natural materials in perfect harmony with the volcanic landscape. Geothermal pools, open 24/7, and a spa with ten treatment rooms offer guests deep rest, serenity, and disconnection.

But beyond wellness, this is a place for exploration. Kayak the coastline past caves and cliffs, or ride an electric bike to hidden viewpoints and secret lagoons. São Miguel’s rugged, untouched beauty is always close by.

At the heart of it all is À TERRA, the hotel’s restaurant, where Azorean flavors are brought to life through ancestral techniques: wood-fired ovens, Josper grills, and even geothermal cooking. Adventurous guests can prepare the island’s iconic cozido das Furnas, slowly cooked underground in volcanic soil. And for a magical surprise? A gourmet picnic in a remote meadow reminds you that the best moments are often the unexpected ones.

Because at Octant Furnas, it’s not just about caring—it’s about transforming. Here, freedom means slowing down and living fully.

OCTANT PRAIA VERDE

The perfect retreat to experience the true Algarve

In Castro Marim, on the eastern edge of the Algarve—where the Ria Formosa meets the Atlantic and the Guadiana River marks the Spanish border— Octant Praia Verde redefines the coastal retreat. Nestled between a pine forest and white-sand beaches, this secluded hideaway invites guests to experience the Algarve at its most authentic, far from the crowds. 

Fresh from a full renovation, the hotel features 23 rooms and 42 suites with sea or garden views, soon to be joined by new Beach Suites, a spa, and a gym. Natural textures and calming interiors create a seamless connection to the outdoors, setting the tone for true relaxation.

Each day unfolds with meaningful moments and soulful flavors. At À TERRA, Chef David Domingues celebrates the Algarve’s culinary roots with open-fire cooking using local, seasonal ingredients—many from the hotel’s garden or nearby producers. Fresh fish is delivered daily from the Vila Real de Santo António market; herbs and vegetables are foraged from the neighboring forest.

Dining here is a sensory journey: citrus fruits, rustic breads, artisanal cheeses, Algarve wines, and seafood harvested with the tides. Guests can also take part in hands-on cooking classes—perfect for families—where tradition and local pride are shared across generations.

Kids will find their own world at the Kids Club, with creative play, outdoor workshops, and nature adventures. Families can enjoy easygoing golf sessions, while ocean lovers can set sail on a yacht across the Ria Formosa—perhaps even spotting dolphins along the way.

For land-based adventurers, horseback rides along the beach or through the countryside reveal a quieter side of the Algarve. And as the sun sets, Vita Nativa leads guests on guided nocturnal walks to discover local wildlife—chameleons, butterflies, and constellations alike.

Octant Praia Verde is a place where nature sets the pace, the ocean whispers from your window, and every flavor tells a story. A sanctuary where time slows down… and saudade begins before you even leave.

OCTANT DOURO

Natural luxury in the idyllic Douro Valley

In the heart of Portugal’s oldest wine region—where terraced hillsides rise above the winding river— Octant Douro is a design-forward hotel that honors the region’s heritage, landscapes, and flavors. Located in Castelo de Paiva, at the 41st kilometer of the Douro River, the hotel’s glass-and-slate architecture blends seamlessly with the mountainside.

All rooms and suites feature panoramic river views and a blend of modern design with cozy, natural materials. In the summer, the outdoor pools are perfect for cooling off; year-round, the spa offers rejuvenating Moss of the Isles treatments. This season, the hotel introduces its House Collection— private one- and two-bedroom villas with pools—designed for guests seeking privacy with all the comforts and service of a luxury retreat.

At Octant Douro, the experience flows from land to river. Sail aboard the Octant I, a restored traditional rabelo boat, to the romantic Ilha dos Amores. Practice yoga on deck, enjoy a gourmet picnic, or raise a glass of Douro wine at sunset.

Back on land, the Passadiços do Paiva—wooden walkways suspended over gorges and waterfalls, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site—offer breathtaking hikes. Wine lovers can join guided tastings at local estates, sampling both vinho verde and Douro reds in unforgettable settings.

Culinary experiences abound. At À TERRA, dishes are rooted in local ingredients and rustic flavors. At Raiva, awarded by the Michelin Guide, Chef Dárcio Henriques reinvents the cuisine of the Lower Douro with innovation and deep respect for tradition.

Sustainability is at the core of Octant Douro’s mission. Guests are encouraged to explore the organic garden, join in on riverside cleanups, or participate in environmental education programs—becoming stewards of the landscape they’ve come to love.

Because discovering the Douro is about more than seeing it. It’s about tasting it, feeling it, and protecting it. At Octant Douro, every detail is designed to make that connection real and lasting.

Octant Hotels doesn’t just offer stays—it offers stories. Timeless days, thermal baths, open-air dinners, paths not found on maps, river swims, bike rides, horseback adventures with loved ones… That’s summer when you travel with purpose: to create the kind of memories that stay with you long after the journey ends.