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Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort is a Dream of a Hotel Within the Magical Nature of the Azores

Green pastures and mountain hues contrasting with the azure blue of the Atlantic Ocean are the backdrop for the Azores’ first ecologically friendly beach resort. The inviting natural landscape in combination with the owner’s passion for hospitality and nature allows for the hotel’s exclusivity. Designed and built from scratch and harmoniously aligned within the natural environment, the resort creates the perfect symbiosis with the coastal ecosystem. 30 Villas and Studios overlooking the Santa Barbara coastal area promise relaxation and delight. Modern in design, incorporating dark polished concrete and natural elements such as driftwood, they range from single rooms with kitchenettes to 2-bedroom villas with private outdoor Jacuzzis. The compound is equipped with a large saltwater pool, while a wooden deck overlooking the sandy beach offers the perfect location for a massage.

The authentic sound of waves, seabirds, and wind allows for thorough relaxation while appreciating the natural beauty of dark, sandy beaches and the harmony of its environment. A wide range of treatments and signature rituals provide recreation for body and mind. Tranquil surroundings provide gentle disconnection from any daily worries. Santa Barbara’s culinary offerings allow you to discover new aromas and flavors with a farm-to-table approach. Food is being harvested from the hotel’s organic farm daily. Fresh local ingredients and a menu inspired by international cuisines provide a unique combination of flavors. Think ceviche from freshly caught local Atlantic fish.

Experience the unique vegetation of the “green island” of São Miguel. Take a deep breath and simply enjoy the sense of being, while letting the excellent service at Santa Barbara inspire and surprise you. If you prefer activities such as hiking and surfing, those are possible along the most beautiful beaches and mountains on the island. The experiences provided extend from earth to sea and help you to explore local traditions and the most iconic places. Whichever activity you may choose, it surely will be adventurous, natural, and full of discovery.

6/8
SGH Criterias

Sustainability Criteria

    • The hotel conducts regular beach clean-ups and is committed to protecting marine life
    • They use environmentally friendly cleaning products and laundry procedures
    Icon Conservation
    Conservation
    • Hot water is generated by heat pumps
    • To enhance energy efficiency, natural materials were used in the buildings’ exterior cladding for thermal insulation
    • LED lighting throughout, A+ windows
    • Key cards and motion sensors to switch off lighting
    Icon Energy
    Energy
    • The food in all restaurants comes from their own organic cultivation or is directly and freshly sourced from the Azores
    Icon Food
    Food
    • Construction materials selected are natural and of local/national origin, such as cryptomeria wood, bamboo and cork
    • Furniture in rooms is made from with organic materials
    Icon Materials
    Materials
    • The resort is single-use plastic free
    • Waste is separated and recycled, or composted
    • They have a composting system on-site and offer training to the staff on how to separate waste
    Icon Waste
    Waste
    • Water consumption is consciously tracked and water-saving devices are installed throughout the hotel
    • For irrigation, rain water is collected and used
    • The pool is a sea water pool
    Icon Water
    Water

Features & Activities

  • Bar at Hotel
    Bar
  • Beach
    Beach
  • Gym at the Hotel
    Gym
  • Hotel for Honeymooners
    Honeymoon
  • Horseback Riding Nearby
    Horseback Riding
  • Hotel in the Mountains
    Mountains
  • Hotel Close to Nature
    Nature
  • Pool at the Property
    Pool
  • Spa Treatments Available
    Spa
  • Surf Spots
    Surfing

ACTIVITIES
São Miguel is a perfect destination to experience something different every day of the vacation. Guests can book various activities from the hotel such as hiking, horseback riding, biking, and much more. Other activities such as snorkeling, kayak tours, bird, dolphin, and whale watching, or various water sports activities are offered.

There is a surf school in the immediate vicinity. Guests can surf and book surfing lessons there.

The capital Ponta Delgada is just a 20-minute drive from the accommodation. Visitors can explore sights, stroll through the alleys and browse in boutiques.

SPA
In the spa area, guests can expect a wide range of exclusive massages and treatments such as water therapies, signature rituals, and supportive yoga classes. For the gym, guests can book a personal trainer.

POOL & BEACH
The hotel offers an outdoor seawater pool, sun terrace, and sunbathing lawn. There is a raised plunge pool in the wellness area.

The accommodation is located directly on the beach.

4.5
971 Google Reviews
Tamás Sas
a month ago
One of the best rest and recharge experiences of my life. The location is simply outstanding, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, and the villa I stayed in was absolutely perfect. The staff were exceptionally kind, attentive, and helpful – they spoke excellent English and went above and beyond to accommodate every request I had. :) One of the best rest and recharge experiences of my life. The location is simply outstanding, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, and the villa I stayed in was absolutely perfect. The staff were exceptionally kind, attentive, and helpful – they spoke excellent English and went above and beyond to accommodate every request I had. :) Every morning at 5 a.m. I went to the wellness area to work out, and the staff’s response was always: “Of course, sir, please go ahead, we’ll notify security to open it for you.” This level of care truly impressed me. The food was of excellent quality, and the drinks were wonderful. Despite the hotel being fully booked, the property offered plenty of serene spaces where I could be alone with my thoughts. I can only speak in superlatives about my stay here. I am certain I will return at least once every year – and if I can, I will come twice or more. Thank you, Santa Barbara Eco Beach Hotel, for this unforgettable experience. [...]
Isabella Schösswender
a month ago
The hotel itself is beautiful, with a stunning property and a very charming atmosphere. Breakfast is lovingly prepared – not a buffet, which I personally prefer – but you still get everything your heart desires. It’s not easy for me to give four stars instead of five, but a few things could have been better. The hotel itself is beautiful, with a stunning property and a very charming atmosphere. Breakfast is lovingly prepared – not a buffet, which I personally prefer – but you still get everything your heart desires. It’s not easy for me to give four stars instead of five, but a few things could have been better. We had booked a room with two beds, as no smaller rooms were available, and unfortunately one of them was hardly usable due to a strong sewage smell. The whirlpool wasn’t clean upon arrival, though it was taken care of the next day after we mentioned it. On another day, while we were out on an excursion, the air conditioning was replaced in our room without us being informed beforehand. Coming back to find strangers in the room felt a bit unsettling, and the timing was inconvenient since we had planned to shower and head out right after hiking. Although the staff apologized, we felt our concerns weren’t really addressed. That being said, I would stay here again, but likely in a different room category. The restaurant was fantastic, the dinner outstanding, and the cakes absolutely delicious! [...]
J Doe
3 months ago
Exceptional stay for our family – truly unforgettable! In February 2025 we stayed at Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort as a family with our baby. We were absolutely blown away by the entire experience. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and genuine care. The location is stunning, nestled between the lush Exceptional stay for our family – truly unforgettable! In February 2025 we stayed at Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort as a family with our baby. We were absolutely blown away by the entire experience. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and genuine care. The location is stunning, nestled between the lush green hills and the Atlantic Ocean – peaceful, yet perfectly situated to explore São Miguel. The design of the resort is exclusive and thoughtfully integrated into the natural surroundings, combining luxury with sustainability in the most inspiring way. The facilities are of the highest quality – everything was perfectly suited even for traveling with a baby. Our accommodation was stylish, spotless, and well-equipped, with every comfort we could ask for. But what truly made our stay exceptional was the outstanding service. The entire team – especially at reception and in the restaurant – went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable. Their heartfelt hospitality, attention to detail, and holistic, guest-centered approach were impressive. This resort is a true gem, and we can’t wait to return. [...]

Location

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The hotel is located on the north coast of São Miguel Island about 3 km from the town of Ribeira Grande. Capital Ponta Delgada can be reached in about 20 minutes by car.

Ponta Delgada airport is 23km away. The hotel can book a transfer on request.

Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort
Santa Bárbara Eco Beach Resort, Ribeira Grande, Portugal
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