Discover Wanderlust Travel | Azores instead of Hawaii?


Carla’s Curated Compass

Where culture, luxury, and adventure meet to spark your next unforgettable escape.

Hi Reader,

Hawaii is beautiful, but have you consider The Azores? If Hawaii has been on your bucket list for too long but feels overwhelming, let me introduce you to its European counterpart — the Azores. This Portuguese archipelago, rises dramatically from the mid-Atlantic and offers that same Hawaiian combination of volcanic landscapes, lush tropical greenery, warm hospitality, and adventure around every corner - with the added appeal of Old World charm at a fraction of the travel time for those flying from the East Coast.

São Miguel is the largest and most accessible island, and is where most visitors begin. Let's dive into it...


Adventures on the Island: Something for Every Day
Sete Cidades, São Miguel

One of the most iconic experiences on São Miguel is a visit to Sete Cidades. It is a breathtaking twin-lake caldera set inside a three-mile-wide volcanic crater. The lakes are nestled in a lush caldera filled with gorgeous vantage points, hiking trails, and a small village at the water's edge. For a more thrilling approach, an off-road quad bike or ATV adventure takes you along rugged crater roads with epic views that you simply cannot get from a tour bus.

After this excitement, there's no better way to unwind than soaking in the island's natural hot springs. Guided tours pair volcanic landscape exploration with a thermal bath at Dona Beija hot springs — a deeply relaxing, restorative finish to a day of discovery.

If marine life and wildlife are of interest to you, its helpful to know that the waters surrounding São Miguel are home to a remarkable variety of whale species and playful dolphins. This island is considered one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Expert biologist and naturalist guides accompany guests on marine wildlife tours, offering insights into whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and the full Atlantic biodiversity. It's the kind of encounter that stays with you long after you return home.

Where to Stay?
White Exclusive Suites & Villas

For travelers who want privacy, beauty, and an adults-only sanctuary, I look no further than White Exclusive Suites & Villas. It is simply exceptional. The property is housed in a historic manor and wine production estate on the south coast of São Miguel. The property preserves traditional Azorean architecture with classic whitewashed walls, and basalt stone accents. The property offers nine suites and two villas with modern finishes and kitchenettes.

Suites are dressed in crisp whites with driftwood details, striking a balance between minimalism, island heritage, and contemporary luxury - dramatic Atlantic views included! The Villa perches on a cliffside with its own private saltwater plunge pool.

This property consistently earns praise for exceptional service and unforgettable stays, and the owners are marvelous!

The Azores won't be undiscovered for long. If this feels like the kind of journey you've been waiting for, I'd love to help you plan it.

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Monthly Travel Tip

When traveling to the Azores, it's best to pack layers as the weather can shift quickly in the middle of the Atlantic.


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Carla | Discover Wanderlust Travel

Hi, I'm Carla, an Virtuoso luxury travel advisor based in Tampa, Florida. I help busy couples alleviate the stress of researching and planning their well-deserved vacations. By personalizing the travel experience according to my clients' travel style, preferred pace, and goals, I help eliminate decision fatigue. My expertise is in crafting unique and personalized itineraries for Italy first-timers, luxury river-cruises with pre and/or post cruise immersions, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as chasing the Northern Lights and Antarctica or Galápagos expeditions. My clients are adventurous or curious at heart and prefer to travel off-the-beaten path, desire small-group and private touring, and appreciate travel as an essential part of living a full life. I help manage the finer details to avoid hiccups along the way. I'm with you as your advocate from the planning stages, during travel, and until you return home. All you need to do is pack! Subscribe to my monthly travel newsletter for debunked travel myths, packing insights, luxury travel tips, insider details and more.

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