The island of São Jorge is one of the most beautiful in the Azores. To get to know it, there’s nothing like experiencing the fantastic glamping at Retiro Atlântico.
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Between the sea and the forest is Retiro Atlântico, the first glamping space on São Jorge Island, Azoreswith a certified biological farm.
In this little paradise, nights are spent in the comfort of a yurt, circular tents traditionally used by nomadic Mongolian herders.
The space has four tents in total, each with its own unique decoration where the rustic contrasts with the sophisticated, and each yurt also has a private bathroom located outside the tent, a few meters away.
A unique and comfortable way to get to know one of the most beautiful islands in the Azorean archipelago.
Retiro Atlântico: innovative experience
Staying in a yurt is a unique experience of glamor in the middle of nature. It’s waking up to the sound of birds, letting yourself be enveloped by the countless varieties of plants present in the space and marveling at the view over Pico Mountain.
The stay includes breakfast every morning in the support house where guests also have access to free Wi-Fi. There is also a communal kitchen for those wishing to cook their own meals and socialize.
During their stay, guests can enjoy some additional services at an extra cost, including a tour of the farm, getting to know the largest collection of rare and organic tropical and subtropical fruit trees in Europe.
You can also take the opportunity to take a yoga class overlooking Pico or a session of health coaching.
Retiro Atlântico is located in Urzelina, one of the best areas of the island and known as Sintra de São Jorge.
About 1 kilometer from the accommodation is the center of the parish where you can find a mini-market, cafes, restaurants and an ATM. Close to the development there are also several bathing areas.
Those staying at Retiro Atlântico can also use the services of a certified tour guide (at an extra cost) who will allow you to discover a substantial part of the island and different classified trails.
Thus, very close to the retreat people can find four bathing areas, the port of Terreiros, port of Urzelina, swimming pool of Urzelina and Portinhos.
It should be noted that there are no beaches on the island of São Jorge, which is why these spaces are the most suitable for taking advantage of the Atlantic waters for a swim.
Various points of interest
But there is much more to see on the island of São Jorge, one of the most discreet of the Azores archipelago, but no less exuberant and beautiful for that.
The Church of Santa Bárbara nas Manadas, known as the most beautiful on the island due to its gilded interior, is one of the attractions to visit. The same happens with Torre da Urzelina, what remains of the old Church of Urzelina, submerged by the volcanic eruption of 1808.
But the great attraction of the island of São Jorge, and which you can visit based on the Retiro Atlântico, are the fajãs. It is a flat land, generally arable, of small extension, located by the sea.
As a general rule, it is formed by materials detached from the cliffs or by lava deltas resulting from the penetration of lava flows from the slope into the sea.
On the island of São Jorge, there are something like 78 different fajãs, providing spectacular landscapes and constituting a delight for nature lovers.
Fajã de Santo Cristo and its Topo-Fajã de Santo Cristo trail, Fajã dos Vimes with its unique coffee plantation in Europe or Poça de Simão Dias in Fajã do Ouvidor, are some of the places you must visit on the island Azorean.
You should also visit Parque Florestal das 7 Fontes, Parque Florestal da Silveira, Ponta dos Rosais or Cooperativa do Queijo de São Jorge (with a guided tour).
Also noteworthy for those who enjoy adventure sports, as in São Jorge there is the possibility of doing various sports with certified companies such as canyoning, abseiling, climbing, diving or kayaking.
As is easy to see, glamping Retiro Atlântico is an original and unforgettable option for anyone visiting the island of São Jorge.
sustainable tourism
The project emerged from the combined strength of the spirits of Hugo Mesquita and Natacha Moitinho, who found the island of São Jorge the ideal place to embody an idea of sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism.
Hugo Mesquita has a degree in Nature Guides and is a specialist in permaculture. His passion for plants motivated him to build and develop the organic farm.
Natacha Moitinho has a degree in Social and Cultural Communication and a Master’s in Women’s Studies. She has volunteered in India, China and Cape Verde. In 2012 she followed her heart and moved to São Jorge Island. She is a health coach and author of the book Back to Natural.
Like this, to meet them just head to the island of São Jorge and Retiro Atlântico.
