A Four Day Dream in São Miguel, The Azores
This was a four day trip that I truly wish had lasted forever…
A photography retreat dreamed up by my talented and beautiful friend Sarah Lord, and brought to life with the help of an incredible local team. Eleni and Delphine of Glamazores & Azoracollective poured their love for the Azores into every single detail, and it showed in everything we experienced.
From the moment we arrived at the Ponta Delgada airport just as the sun rose on Thursday morning, to the minute we were dropped off Sunday afternoon to head home… each day was completely packed with one amazing moment after another.
Stunning styled shoots were woven into every day, set in some of the most breathtaking locations São Miguel has to offer.
Here’s a little glimpse into what those four days looked like…
Day 1
We arrived just as the sun was rising and were greeted by our driver… Branquinho, also known as Tiago. Right from the start, he had that quick, sarcastic humor that we immediately loved. What we didn’t know yet… he wouldn’t just be our driver. He became our tour guide, our comedian, our friend… and eventually, our model. Everywhere we went, he shared pieces of the island’s history, pointing things out along the way and making the experience so much richer.
We arrived at our home for the weekend, the Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico in Ponta Delgada… and it absolutely lived up to its five star name. While we waited for check in, we grabbed breakfast at a nearby café and wandered the city to get some fresh air.
My anxiety decided to make an appearance and knocked me on my ass for a bit… but I found a stone bench by the ocean, laid down, put my headphones in, and just listened to the waves. That salty breeze did something to me… because once I checked into my room, something shifted. A big cozy bed… a balcony with an ocean view… I was literally squealing. And just like that, my anxiety melted away and stayed away for the rest of the trip… thank god.
Once we got settled, we headed back out for a pre fixe lunch at Louvre Michaelense, just a short walk through the city square. On the way, we took our time… soaking in the stunning architecture of Ponta Delgada and, of course, stopping for photos along the way.
The café itself was such a special spot. Originally established in 1904 as a high end haberdashery and hat shop importing goods from Paris, it has since been beautifully restored. It reopened in 2016 as a specialty café and regional goods shop, while preserving its original early 20th century charm… warm wood details, a nostalgic feel, and the atmosphere of an upscale old world market.
I didn’t take many photos of the food because I was more than ready to dive in… but everything was incredible. A local cheese platter, eggs benedict, ravioli… and a few other dishes that I wish I could remember, but was too busy enjoying in the moment.
Our first shoot was right in the hotel lobby, which honestly felt perfect after traveling. Two stunning editorial models, Zipporah and Filipa, brought everything to life against the hotel’s grand golden staircase. We moved through the space… the staircase, the piano, the elevators… even pulled in a very handsome bellboy to push one of the models on a luggage cart. It was playful and creative and the perfect way to start. We ended the shoot running through the hallways for some fun, flash-heavy moments… the kind that feel a little chaotic in the best way.
That evening, we walked to a rooftop bar at the Octant Hotel… and I swear, the views took my breath away. Behind the bar, rolling hills filled with colorful homes layered into the distance… and out front, the ocean just in time for sunset. I thought to myself… this is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I had no idea it was only the beginning.
Dinner was a burger made with Azorean beef… which lives up to the hype… with local cheese and a glass of red wine. Full, happy, and completely content, I went to bed ready for whatever came next.
Enjoy my iPhone photos below since I didn’t bring my camera... I know… some photographer I am!
Day 2
We started the day with breakfast at the hotel… fresh squeezed orange juice that I’m still thinking about, and a plate full of everything good.
Our first stop was Cerâmica Vieira, a family owned pottery factory still in operation. Watching the artists work felt like stepping into a living museum. I couldn’t leave without bringing home a few handmade pieces.
Then… a spontaneous stop thanks to Tiago… Muro das Nove Janelas. The Wall of Nine Windows. Built to solve water shortages in Ponta Delgada, but it felt like something straight out of a fantasy film. Very Lord of the Rings energy… I know, wrong country… but still.
We made a quick, rainy stop at the abandoned Monte Palace hotel… eerie, quiet, and giving serious Last of Us vibes. According to Tiago, it didn’t last long due to low tourism and its remote location… and the constant fog definitely added to that feeling.
Then we made our way to Sete Cidades for our first shoot of the day. A lakeside elopement beside the famous twin lakes… Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. One blue, one green, divided by a road. Tiago told us a story about a princess and a forbidden love… her blue tears filling one lake, his green tears filling the other. Probably not scientifically accurate… but I liked that version better.
Our couple for the day, originally from the US and now living on the island, brought such a calm, genuine energy. And then… Camilia the horse completely stole the show. We wandered with her, photographed by the water, and ended with a beautifully set table for two.
At one point, two strangers pulled up in a safari jeep in the cutest outfits… we had to photograph them. And of course… baby cows made an appearance too.
After the shoot, we were treated to a lakeside picnic prepared by Eleni… and I don’t even have the words. A beef dish slow cooked for seven hours in a clay pot… I’m still thinking about it. Add in bellinis and more local wine… it was perfection.
From there, we headed to Mosteiros Beach… black sand, dramatic sea stacks, and one of the most incredible sunsets I’ve ever seen. The town itself was full of charm… colorful buildings, kind people, and lots of stray cats that absolutely wanted nothing to do with my trying to pet them.
We spent the evening shooting everything from solo portraits to a staged proposal… and then Z stepped into the ocean in full bridal attire, wind whipping, waves crashing… completely fearless. It was insane… and so worth it. As the sun dipped, we moved up to the cliffs for the final shots of the day… If I could have frozen time in that moment… I would have.
Back at the hotel, it was showers, cozy clothes, and a pizza night with takeout from Nonna’s. The perfect ending.
Day 3
After our usual breakfast at the hotel, we started the day at Plantação de Ananases A Arruda… a pineapple plantation right nearby the hotel. Azorean pineapples are nothing like what we have in the States… sweeter, a little tangy, and so good. Walking through the greenhouses and seeing the process from start to finish was so interesting… and of course we ended with fresh slices to share.
Next, a quick stop at a hidden waterfall… completely off the beaten path. Tiago told us there’s a swimmable pool at the top during the summer… but even from where we stood, it was stunning.
Then on to Plantações de Chá Gorreana… and this place stopped me in my tracks. Rolling hills covered in endless rows of tea leaves… layers of green softened by fog. It didn’t even feel real. We toured the factory, sampled tea, and I stocked up in the gift shop… obviously.
Another unforgettable stop… Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz. An 18th century chapel sitting high above the island, with steps designed to represent the rosary. Each of the ten landings had beautiful tilework, and at the top… panoramic views of São Miguel and Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo.
Before our shoot, we stopped for lunch at Mercado da Vila… and this meal deserves its own moment (even though all I got was phone photos). Blood sausage, fried octopus… my favorite… duck, cod, potatoes in every form… and a banana pudding dessert that I think might have been the best dessert I’ve ever had. Add in wine and espresso… I was very happy.
Again with the phone photos… Lucky I even got these while stuffing my face.
Our shoot took place at Convento de São Francisco… a former convent from the 16th century turned hotel. This might have been my favorite location of the entire trip. A courtyard in the center with a fountain, colorful artwork, textured walls… every corner had character.
We photographed two couples throughout the space… the courtyard, the rooms, the tower overlooking Vila Franca… and even a hidden greenhouse covered in greenery near the pool. And then… Tiago stepped in as a model alongside our friend Samantha. They fully committed… and we ended with Samantha jumping into the pool, still somehow looking flawless.
To close out the day, we made our way toward Furnas for our final stop… but not before one more experience along the way.
We stopped in town for a quick lesson from Tiago at the natural fountains. Each one produces mineral rich water that is completely unique… and drinkable… though not always enjoyable. Many are high in iron and sulfur due to the island’s volcanic activity, and let’s just say… some were better than others.
Tiago gave us a little demonstration that felt like magic. He poured hot water from one of the fountains into a pitcher… completely clear… then added green tea bags. Within seconds, the water turned a deep purple. We all got to taste it, and surprisingly… it was actually really good.
From there, we continued on to Poça da Dona Beija… thermal hot springs tucked into the town of Furnas. This was a chance for all of us to soak our tired bodies after a busy day.
That night was slow… room service, a steak sandwich, and you guessed it, more Azorean wine… and some quiet editing before bed.
Day 4
Our final morning started with a big group breakfast before packing up and checking out… not quite ready to say goodbye yet.
Our last shoot took place at Solar dos Cantos… a bright pink boutique hotel full of personality. This shoot felt bold and editorial in the best way. One of our brides, Micaela, fully embodied the energy of the space… and another real couple, Shannon and Sean, joined in.
The property is home to the “Big Fig”… a massive tree planted in the 1800s that honestly speaks for itself. Between that, the emerald green interiors, and Tiago’s classy Mercedes convertible… it was such a fun, vibrant way to end the creative portion of the trip. At one point, I wandered off into the gardens… just taking it all in. It felt bittersweet. I didn’t want to leave this place.
Before heading to the airport, we had one last meal together… sushi, drinks, and lots of laughter. I even stopped a woman with incredible style to take a few street portraits… she felt like such a perfect representation of the people here. Warm, beautiful, and effortlessly themselves.
A little more wandering, a little souvenir shopping… and then it was time.
Trying to Put It Into Words…
I don’t really know how to wrap this up…
It’s hard to put into words what this trip meant to me. There was something about this island… the landscape, the people, the pace of life… I felt so calm, so grounded, so at peace.
Everything about it felt right.
I also want to take a moment to thank the incredible women who made this all possible…
Sarah, who fell in love with the Azores and was determined to turn that love into something we could all experience. She created a retreat that was not only accessible, but completely overflowing with beautiful, intentional moments… the kind of experience you carry with you long after it’s over.
Eleni… we all kept saying it the entire trip… “I just want to be you.” Her presence is powerful and commanding in the most magnetic way. She is beautiful inside and out, exuding confidence, with a creative eye that sees everything. A world traveler with endless knowledge, a kind soul… and somehow also an incredible cook. She truly poured herself into every detail of this experience.
Delphine… the soft spoken force behind it all. The one making everything happen seamlessly behind the scenes. So kind, so thoughtful, and so deeply knowledgeable about the island. She guided us, supported us, and made everything feel effortless.
And of course… Tiago.
For putting up with us crazy American girls… taking our shit and giving it right back in the best way. For teaching us so much about the island, sharing its history, and bringing every place we visited to life. For driving us all over, making spontaneous stops, and showing us things we never would have seen otherwise. For stepping in as our model when we needed one… and for being so much more than just our driver.By the end of it, he felt like a friend… and he was such a big part of what made this trip so unforgettable.
This group of people brought something really special to life… and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it.
I already know I’ll be back next year… I cannot wait to reconnect with them. I will never forget these people.
THE VENDORS
Thank you to all of the amazing people who made this trip possible, from the planning team to the models and artists who created magic with us.
Obrigado a todas as pessoas incríveis que tornaram esta viagem possível, desde a equipa de planeamento aos modelos e artistas que criaram magia connosco
IG Links
Retreat Host: @makeupbysarah.lord | Planning & Design: @glamazores & @azoracoll | Transportation: @rdazorestours | Makeup: @sofiavieiramua | Hair: @florian_marconot | Florals: @raartdecor & @zipporah.pt | Gowns: @shopbellasera @lulusweddings | Hotel: @grandhotelacoresatlantico | Models: @z.ipp.y @filipa.ambrosio__ @priyainportugal @tamaraandrade.nutri @luis.melo.borges @samanthamcchesney @paytonfye @branquinhosil @__micaelamar @mindorigami @islandfit | Solar dos Canotos: @solardoscantos
