• "FIND THE JOY WITHIN"

May 26-June 2 2026
AMAZING AZORES
DISCOVER HER BEAUTY
ENJOY HER MAGIC

Welcome to your next Adventure,

Wellness & Nature in the Azores

May 26-June 2, 2026

I’m delighted to invite you on an extraordinary retreat to São Miguel Island, the crown jewel of the Azores. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, this island is a hidden sanctuary waiting to be discovered.

Over eight curated days, we’ll explore colorful street art in Ponta Delgada, wander through the island’s one-of-a-kind pineapple greenhouses, and savor world-class spas and cuisine. Our home base will be two exceptional five-star hotels—Octant Furnas and Hotel Verde Mar & Spa—each offering stunning design, luxurious amenities, and unforgettable spa experiences.

Thoughtfully designed activities—from yoga and kayaking to biking and hiking—are balanced with restorative time to recharge and indulge.

Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to rejuvenate both body and spirit. Here, your only responsibility is to fully embrace the joy of being—to DO YOU.

~~

$3,399 per person based on double occupancy
$4,199 per person based on single occupancy
Deposit amount of $500 per person is due no later than November 26, 2025
Final payment is due no later than February 26, 2026
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What’s Included

Hotels:

Meals:

  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 3 Lunches
  • 2 Dinners

Activities:

  • Daily Wellness Activities
  • Guided Hiking
  • Big Truck Tour In Furnas
  • Entrance Fees and Tastings:
    • Caldeira Velha
    • Terra Nostra Park
    • Furnas Park
    • Kayaking and Biking in Sete Cidades
  • Whale & Dolphin Watching*

Other Services:

  • One round-trip group airport transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Transportation throughout the program in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Transfers and tours with an English-speaking guide
  • Entrance fees, road tolls, VAT

What’s  Not Included

  • Tips for porters, guide and driver – the value of the tip is up to the client
  • International flights, airport taxes and extra baggage
  • Hotel early check-in and late check-out
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • City tourist tax. This will be collected directly by the hotel upon check-in
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  • YOUR ITINERARY

    Day1

    Ponta Delgada – São Miguel Island

    Welcome to The Azores! Upon arrival at Ponta Delgada, our representative will greet you and you will be transferred to your hotel. Settle in, relax and unwind. Enjoy the hotel’s facilities and take in the breathtaking scenery all around you. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel with the rest of the group.
    Meals: Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel Octant Furnas
    Ponta Delgada – São Miguel Island
    Day2

    Big Truck To Furnas & Thermal Bath

    Start your morning off with a beautiful wellness session and breakfast. Later on, we will head out on a Big Truck around Furnas, which is inserted in one of the three active central volcanoes of San Miguel island. Your first stop will be the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint, where you will experience a beautiful sight over the lake and Furnas.
    Then, you’ll continue to the heart of the town to find a crater lake surrounded by smoking fumaroles where you can witness the local “cozido” dish being cooked by the heat of the earth and experience this local dish for lunch.
    In the afternoon, we will visit the volcano boilers and the village. The next stop is Terra Nostra Park, a bicentennial garden with unique species and a splendid thermal pool, where we will suggest a relaxing bath. The park is a unique repository of trees and other plant species from around the world. After, you will have free time to enjoy the evening. 
    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel Octant Furnas
    Big Truck To Furnas & Thermal Bath
    Day3

    Guided Hike

    After morning practice and breakfast, we will meet for a guided hike. We head to the charming village of Faial da Terra. Discover the abandoned village of Sanguinho as we go in search of waterfalls. We will take some time to rest and chat over a picnic lunch and perhaps take a swim in the cool spring water. After our hiking excursion, head back to relax or have a swim in the ocean before returning to the hotel.
    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel Octant Furnas
    Guided Hike
    Day4

    Free Day At Leisure In Furnas

    After enjoying a morning wellness class and breakfast, the day is yours to spend at leisure. If you decided to explore on your own or shop in town, the hotel can accommodate reserving a taxi for you. Should you wish to stay on property, wellness activities are endless, including a spa and thermal spring with iron water, an outdoor thermal pool, an indoor dynamic thermal pool, active thermal circuits, massage, body and face treatments, reflexology, a “Floatbed,” a whirlpool, a sauna, a Turkish bath, and a fitness center.
    In the afternoon, we will transfer to the Hotel Verde Mar.
    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel Octant Furnas
    Free Day At Leisure In Furnas
    Day5

    Tour To Lagoa Do Fogo

    We will wake up with an invigorating morning wellness practice by the water and have a leisurely breakfast before getting ready to head out and explore. As we depart toward Lagoa do Fogo, we will stop for a hike to the Waterfall of Salto do Cabrito followed by a visit to the regional park of Caldeira Velha before reaching the magnificent viewpoint over the Lagoa do Fogo. From here, you’ll be able to see both the north and south coasts of the island. We’ll head back to Riberia Grande where you will have free time for lunch on your own. Later, we’ll have a brief tour of the city and a stop at the Goreana Tea House before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel Verde Mar
    Tour To Lagoa Do Fogo
    Day6

    Tour To Sete Cidades

    We will wake up with a heart-centered morning wellness practice and meditation followed by breakfast at the hotel. Today we will explore the most western part of the island where the mountains and lagoon of the Seven Cities are located. A small stop will be made at the viewpoint of Vista do Rei, one of the most important panoramic views of the island. Photos will not do it justice while you look down into the famous lagoon, asleep inside a huge volcanic crater. Then, we will get a different perspective by exploring the lagoon first by kayak then by bike. Afterwards, we will head to the village of the Sete Cidades, an authentic portrait of rural Micaelense with some free time for lunch before returning to the hotel. Partake in an optional afternoon wellness practice to finish your day before enjoying the rest of the evening at leisure.
    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel Verde Mar
    Tour To Sete Cidades
    Day7

    Whale And Dolphin Watching / Vila Franca Campo

    This morning, you will have an early morning wellness practice practice and after breakfast, head to Ponta Delgada to meet our skipper.
    Today we’ll look for whales and dolphins while viewing this treasure of an island from the sea. After this experience, we’ll make a stop in Vila Franca do Campo for lunch. In the evening we will meet as a group to enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel Verde Mar
    Whale And Dolphin Watching / Vila Franca Campo
    Day8

    Ponta Delgada

    Today, we may have time for one last morning practice before leaving the Azores.Have breakfast at the hotel and some time to relax before your transport to the airport.
    Meals: Breakfast
    Ponta Delgada

  • AIR TICKETS + TRAVEL INSURANCE

    On this retreat, we require that each guest carries travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and emergency evacuation and repatriation. It’s a relatively small expense and affords peace of mind.
    We suggest trip cancellation insurance, as well, as you never know what obstacles life can toss at you leading up to a trip.

    InsureMyTrip.com is a good place to see and compare many policies at once, and you can refine the options by what coverage you would like.
    World Nomads provides medical coverage and trip cancellation for guests under 70.

    Carefully consider your choice in travel insurance. What works for some people may not work for others, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions. Please do take the time to consider the best policy for your individual needs.

  • PACKING LIST

    For May in the Azores, pack light layers, waterproof outerwear, and comfortable shoes suitable for varied terrain. This time of year offers mild temperatures but be prepared for both sunshine and showers. Essential items include a waterproof jacket, long-sleeved shirts, hiking pants, and comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Don’t forget swimwear for hot springs and a hat for sun protection. 

    Clothing:
    • Waterproof Jacket: A lightweight, waterproof jacket is crucial for dealing with the Azores’ unpredictable weather. 
    • Long-sleeved shirts: Pack several breathable, long-sleeved shirts for layering and sun protection. 
    • Breathable hiking pants: Opt for lightweight, quick-drying pants suitable for hiking. 
    • Shorts: Pack a pair of comfortable shorts for warmer days. 
    • Sweaters or fleece: A lightweight sweater or fleece can be useful for cooler mornings and evenings. 
    • Comfortable walking shoes/hiking boots: Sturdy hiking boots are recommended for exploring the islands’ volcanic terrain, but comfortable walking shoes are also useful. 
    • Swimsuit: Don’t forget your swimsuit for enjoying the natural hot springs. 
    • Casual clothes for evenings: Pack a few items of casual clothing for going out to dinner or exploring towns. 
    Other Essentials:
    • Hat and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun, especially during sunny spells. 
    • Sunscreen: Pack sunscreen with high SPF to protect your skin. 
    • Backpack: A lightweight backpack is useful for carrying essentials on hikes and day trips. 
    • Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated during your explorations. 
    • First-aid kit: Pack a basic first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. 
    • Travel adapter: Ensure you have a travel adapter if your devices use a different plug type. 
    • Dry bags: Consider packing dry bags to protect your electronics and other valuables from rain. 
    Optional Items:
    • Trekking poles: If you plan on doing a lot of hiking, trekking poles can provide extra stability. 
    • Binoculars: Binoculars can be useful for spotting whales or other wildlife. 
    • Camera: Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery. 
    Note: May is a great time for whale watching in the Azores, as it’s the peak season for many whale species. 

  • FAQ

Elevated Adventures

I am passionate about three things: traveling, movement, and spending time with incredible people.

I created Elevated Adventures as the travel + retreat arm of Joy Is Not Optional—an extension of my philosophy that joy, play, and connection are essential to living fully.

With me, nothing is mandatory. You’re never obligated—you simply take what you need. Along the way, you’ll forge lifelong friendships and explore the globe. Together we’ll experience new cultures, taste the beauty of the natural world, and discover fresh ways to stretch—your body, your mind, and your sense of adventure.

Join me on a journey that’s equal parts joy, growth, and discovery.

✨ Where Gucci meets Teva. Where bougie meets outdoor. ✨

Elevate your spirit. Embrace the adventure. Let’s see what’s out there.

xxx,
Nina

Joy Is Not Optional ©2020

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