Pico do Refúgio - Casas de Campo

We booked 2 apartments for a 5 night stay: the central apartment behind the chapel and one backing on to the road. First let me say that we had a wonderful stay. The first night here we were lucky enough to attend the inaugural “last supper” dinner held for a select 12 in the 17th Century chapel. A wonderful dinner and great way to meet fellow guests and some of the management team. As I understand these are going to be held once a month so if you’re lucky enough to be there I recommend attending. The apartments are generally clean, spacious, well equipped and a dehumidifier is provided - much appreciated in a humid environment. Our apartment did need some maintenance - specifically replacement of the fridge and repairs to the kitchen units. It’s on the list for the new management team. The grounds and views are lovely as is the pool. The reception area is really great with fantastic art reference books for those with an interest or just a place to sit and read - not withstanding the free coffee, cakes and cookies! The location is a short drive from Riberia Grande (15mins) and maybe 30mins to Ponta Delgada but there are no local shops or restaurants. In that respect it is a little remote but peaceful. One piece of advice on the apartments. The ones backing on to the minor road do get some traffic noise through the walls which can be an issue at night. We also had a lot of festivals and the very loud bangers are a pain at 7am on a Sunday (nothing that the management can do about that of course). If you’re looking to book here consider the apartments in the main house adjacent to the reception - they have the best views and would be quieter. There is a laundry facility - washer and dryer - which seems to be unusual for many rental accommodations on the island. Much appreciated! Many thanks to all for a great stay.

Beautiful setting, warm attentive and super-responsive service (even prior to our arrival). Spacious rooms with great design sense. One note (and this did not bother me in the least), this is a rural setting and therefor you may hear animals (roosters, dogs) especially in the mornings. LOTS of songbirds around! We decided to add on breakfast, and for €10 a person meats and breads and cheese and fruit and orange juice were delivered in the morning

Nous avons déjà été 3 fois au Pico do Refugio avant le Covid, et nous y sommes retournés fin août, avec un peu d'angoisse dans le ventre: et si tout avait changé ? L'île de Sao Miguel subit de plus en plus l'assaut du tourisme (toutes proportions gardées), et les bons plans connus d'autrefois (sources chaudes, cascades, plages, randos etc. ) sont maintenant nettement plus peuplés. Alors le Pico do Refugio dans tout cela ? Après une semaine sur place, force est de constater que RIEN n'y a vraiment changé. Du calme, beaucoup. De la place, énormément. Du joli, partout. De l'empathie, tout le temps. Un petit déj sain et copieux, c'est nouveau. Le Pico restera donc notre endroit vacances préféré dans le monde, tout court. Rien que ça, eh ouais ! Après, il faut aimer les Açores et faire l'effort de sortir maintenant un peu des sentiers (de randonnée) battus pour retrouver l'ambiance sauvage de l'île. Aussi, ne faut-il pas s'attendre à un endroit aseptisé genre hôtel 5 * style Sheridien our Mérathon, vous êtes logés dans une ancienne usine à thés avec de vieilles pierres partout. D'aucuns trouveront le Pico un tantinet vieillot, nous on trouve que c'est la classe absolue ! Bref, on est déjà en train de réserver pour l'année prochaine.