The Azores are calling you.
We welcome you to a space of adventure, relaxation and rejuvenation.
In March 2025, my wife and I purchased a property with three apartments, on São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal and we live here part time throughout the year.
The Azores are shaped by fire and water—volcanic earth, thermal hot springs, ocean air, and deep green quiet.
There is a grounded, ancient, healing energy here that resonated with us immediately. I cannot wait to share it with you.
Rest and heal in the peace and quiet of our countryside oasis: we are located in the northwest corner of São Miguel island.
When you join us, you will have your own apartment: Onda (Wave, fully refurbished in December 2025), Mar (Sea), or Praia (Beach). Each apartment offers a living room with a full sized sofa bed, and a 42 inch TV with streaming services, a well equipped kitchenette with a 4 burner stovetop and tabletop oven, as well as a bedroom with a King sized (180x200cm) bed and an en-suite bathroom. The bedroom also has a drawer system for all your belongings, a full length mirror, bedside tables, and a clothes rack. During your stay we will provide all linens, bath towels, organic Turkish beach towels and all paper products. Each apartment has a private patio and garden area with lounge chairs, and additionally there is a shared BBQ and lounge space for grilling and relaxing. Our mini garden library can also provide you with a book to borrow during your stay. The sea is visible from the apartments and garden and the working farm across the street provides authentic Açorean vibes!
The property + apartments are child friendly. :)
We are 35 minutes from the main airport on São Miguel (PDL), 25 minutes from the Sete Cidades Village, 20 minutes from Ferraria Hot Springs (a natural, geothermal, ocean hot spring, and one of only 4-5 in the world(!)), and 10 minutes from the Mosteiros Natural Swimming Pools. A rental car is advised, and we can assist you with this upon request, as we work with a family-owned rental car agency.
*From June 1 to October 1, Breakfast Baskets, Craft Cocktails and Charcuterie Boards are available for purchase.
*Our entire property can be booked for small weddings, family gatherings, or healing retreats.
Please inquire for more information.
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Suggested Itineraries for Ilha de São Miguel (link live soon)
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Our Three Apartments:
Onda
Testimonials:
“I was already a guest at Vila Pilar last year. I visited Vila Pilar for the second time this year. Kathryn and Ryan are the perfect hosts. We were given a very warm welcome and felt very comfortable from the very first minute. Thank you again for the Azorean delicacies, including the welcome tea. Kathryn and Ryan were by far the best hosts I have ever had. We really enjoyed our time at Vila Pilar. Everything you need for a great stay is available, the apartment was perfectly clean. Since the last visit, air conditioning has even been installed in the apartment.
The garden area is wonderful for relaxing, you even have an ocean view. The area around Vila Pilar is very beautiful. Vila Pilar is a great starting point for numerous excursions, such as Mosteiros, Ponta da Ferraria, Sete Cidades and many more. There were also great hiking trails in the surrounding area. We were completely satisfied and would come back anytime. Thank you so much for everything and hopefully see you again!” - Stayed in Onda, Jana, Germany
Mar
“We had a wonderful stay at Vila Pilar on São Miguel—quiet, comfortable, and perfectly located for exploring the island. The house was clean and well kept with plenty of space for our family to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. We especially loved the views and the calm atmosphere, including the charming working farm across the street, which really added to the authentic Azorean feel. The kitchen was well equipped for cooking, the beds were very comfortable, and everything felt thoughtfully prepared for guests.
On top of that, the hosts are fantastic—friendly, responsive, genuinely caring and more than happy to give us recommendation. It’s a perfect base for discovering São Miguel while still feeling tucked away and quiet—highly recommended.” - Stayed in Mar, Jane, Maine, United States
Praia
“We greatly enjoyed our stay in this nice cottage. The location is beautiful: a quiet, beautiful place with a magnificent view where you immediately relax. Kathryn and also her mother-in-law are cordial and communication was quick and pleasant, which made the stay extra relaxing.
The cottage itself has all the comforts. Everything has been thought of, from practical amenities to fine extras such as shampoo, herbs and other basic resources. The decor is cozy, atmospheric and clearly done with a lot of care and love, making it immediately feel very homely.
In short: a wonderful place where we stayed with great pleasure.” - Stayed in Praia, Anke, Netherlands
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