Solar Branco Eco Estate

Our recent stay at Solar Branco Eco Estate was truly amazing! Caroline and Ali were consummate hosts and made sure our stay was perfect. They went above and beyond for breakfast, where each morning we were greeted with a tray of vegan breakfast items, including a delicious carrot cake bread, vegan cheese, and vegan yogurt, separate from their already ample breakfast spread. Caroline reached out to local restaurants, making reservations for us and making sure the restaurant was aware of our dietary needs. She also helped us plan our days with great places to visit. Ali generously gave us an amazing tour of their orchard and told us about the adventure of growing so much in the somewhat difficult Azores climate (the winds really affect plants). The staff at Solar Branco were amazing, super friendly and helpful and really made us feel welcome. And it is impossible to describe the experience of the gin library and enjoying Gin O’Clock each night. Solar Branco’s gin is the best I have ever tasted. The Ruins was an absolutely awesome place to stay, we haven’t had an outdoor shower in years. And finally, the cats! The cats are awesome!

We absolutely loved our stay at Solar Branco!! Caroline and Ali built an amazing hotel, with so much thought and attention to details. They were both very kind and generous during our stay. We are vegan and the staff kindly accommodated for our dietary needs and made sure we had ample of options for breakfast. We stayed in The Barn and our room was so quiet and beds were so comfy that we slept very well. The location is so serene and feels isolated yet it is only minutes away from the city, grocery stores, restaurants etc. The gin is delicious and we loved the daily Gin O'clock. The list goes on and on but I think what really impressed us is the community that was built at Solar Branco. The employees seem truly happy to work there and they make it a point to get to know the guests and make sure we had what we needed. I didn't catch everyone's names but Ruben and Lemon were particularly great in welcoming us and making sure our stay is nothing short of amazing. Thank you for a great stay, we will be back!!

From start to finish, our stay was unforgettable. The property is home to a one-of-a-kind gin library, with an impressive collection of gins—including their own, which were absolutely phenomenal. Every detail, from the thoughtful design of the rooms to the curated gin and sushi (Joanna the sushi chef is the best!) experiences, reflected the owners' passion and dedication. Ali and Caroline, the owners, were warm, welcoming, and clearly committed to making every guest’s stay special. Catarina, Ruben and Ricardo were the exceptional staff that we interacted with on a daily basis. Catarina is also the artist behind the designs on the house gin-super talented. The rooms themselves were spacious, spotless, and beautifully maintained—an ideal blend of comfort and style. The staff was incredibly attentive and helpful, always friendly and offering great local tips as well as gin recommendations. Breakfast each morning was a highlight as well: much of the food was grown on the property, and everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. I didn’t want to leave. This is a place where you feel both pampered and at home, and I’m already thinking about my next visit while enjoying one of the house made gins that I brought home.