When a Portuguese aristocrat visited the island of São Miguel in the 19th century, he wrote that the Furnas Lake was a “pearl set in gold so fine”. At that time, in 1894, the Furnas Valley had long been noted as the largest concentration of thermal waters in Europe, and since 1783 there had been the very large hot water pool of the Terra Nostra Park, built by Thomas Hickling, a Boston businessman with a passion for the Azores. Right next to this natural spa and its geological singularities, surrounded by the valley, stands the Octant Furnas – and you will really want, trust us, to disconnect from the world and dilute yourself here.
We could just mention the eight Terrace Pool Rooms and their private heated swimming pools with an underwater divan, or the Furnas Suite, measuring 50 square meters and decorated to reflect the powerful nature of the valley (the Octant has plenty of experiences in it waiting for you to explore it), and that would be all, but this amazing retreat is irresistible in every direction.
When a Portuguese aristocrat visited the island of São Miguel in the 19th century, he wrote that the Furnas Lake was a “pearl set in gold so fine”. At that time, in 1894, the Furnas Valley had long been noted as the largest concentration of thermal waters in Europe, and since 1783 there had been the very large hot water pool of the Terra Nostra Park, built by Thomas Hickling, a Boston businessman with a passion for the Azores. Right next to this natural spa and its geological singularities, surrounded by the valley, stands the Octant Furnas – and you will really want, trust us, to disconnect from the world and dilute yourself here.
We could just mention the eight Terrace Pool Rooms and their private heated swimming pools with an underwater divan, or the Furnas Suite, measuring 50 square meters and decorated to reflect the powerful nature of the valley (the Octant has plenty of experiences in it waiting for you to explore it), and that would be all, but this amazing retreat is irresistible in every direction.
The spa, which in itself is a sophisticated architectural object, is unique for its two thermal pools, indoors and outdoors (the latter is therefore warm in winter). At À Terra, the restaurant, there’s scrupulous respect for the combination of sea and land flavors that define Azorean gastronomy. And, of course, there is no shortage of the town’s distinctive “Furnas stew”, which implies the pot being literally buried in the hot soil near to the natural calderas, cooking for six hours between 147 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a culinary phenomenon, with the Octant bio-twist.
So, go ahead, enjoy everything the Octant has to offer. Discover the mountains: there are waterfalls and cinematic lakes. Climb up to the Salto do Cavalo viewpoint and understand why the island of São Miguel is unforgettable. Lose yourself in the Ferns Valley. Ask the Octant to book you a round of golf at the club just 10 minutes away, which is one of the courses in Portugal with one of the most impressive views – including the cows in the surrounding pastures!
And when your stay is over, do the only sensible thing: book another one, and get back to Octant Furnas as soon as possible.
