Perched above the Atlantic: the only hotel in the Azores with a Michelin Key

Créditos: Francisco Nogueira

11 June 2025, 9:00

In the heart of the Azores, where dramatic landscapes meet refined design, one boutique hotel is setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality. Nestled atop a volcanic cliff on São Miguel Island, WHITE Exclusive Suites & Villas has just become the first and only hotel in the region to be awarded a coveted Michelin Key — a new recognition from the Michelin Guide, celebrating excellence in hospitality worldwide.

This striking property, just 15 metres above the Atlantic Ocean, opened in 2017 as a pioneering concept in the archipelago. With only ten suites and villas, WHITE offers a sense of seclusion and sophistication that’s rare to find — even more so in such an extraordinary natural setting. Now listed among just a handful of elite hotels across Portugal in the 2025 Michelin selection, WHITE is officially on the map for discerning travellers seeking authenticity, design, and impeccable service.

Créditos: Francisco Nogueira

Following a recent renovation, the hotel re-emerged with a fresh look guided by Spanish interior designer Daniela Franceschini, creative director of Quiet Studios. The aim? To elevate what was already exceptional: its seamless connection to the sea, the volcanic textures of the land, and the calm, contemplative spirit of the Azores.

Créditos: Francisco Nogueira

The result is a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity. Handmade ceramics feature throughout the interiors, while bespoke furniture — crafted from native cryptomeria wood — anchors the rooms in local identity. Franceschini’s design is a masterclass in quiet luxury, where every detail speaks to place and purpose.

For those inspired by the idea of owning or developing unique, design-led properties in Portugal, WHITE is a prime example of how thoughtful architecture and deep respect for the natural environment can lead to international recognition — and enduring desirability.