São Miguel gets on yoga map with retreat resources

We've criss-crossed the island over the past few months personally vetting options for yoga workshops and retreats. We seek venues that support the local community and are committed to sustainable tourism. Below are four of our top picks in São Miguel.

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quinta minuvida orchard lodge

Why it's on our list: quinta minuvida orchard lodge celebrates the traditional Azorean fruit orchard with an acre of enclosed fruit frees, gardens and pathways. Guests are immersed in Azorean culture, food, and natural wonders through the hosts' on-site organic cuisine and experiences in hiking and food. 
Yoga + Workshop spaces: A new indoor yoga studio with adjacent outdoor patio and grill area. There are also several outdoor spaces, including a roof terrace and pool deck.
Great for: Intimate retreat groups (up to 13 participants) who want to stay in a boutique B&B farmhouse with creative organic meals offered on-site. 
Room types: Five spacious suites, each with en suite bathrooms. Capacity of up to 13, including the host teacher. 
Price range*: Average room rates for shared double suite in low season range between 75 and 85 euros per night.

*These prices are "a la carte" room rates only in low season between October and May. Contact Yoga Azores for retreat packages, including use of yoga spaces, inclusion of meal program and other specifics. 

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Caloura Hotel Resort

Why it's on our list: Caloura Hotel Resort is a 4-star facility on five acres of environmentally protected land. Caloura Hotel promotes endemic plants, uses local products in food and events and invests in employee wellness.
Yoga + Workshop spaces: Multipurpose conference room with ocean views can fit up to 40 people.
Great for: Larger retreats (over 15 people) who want the resort experience.
Room types: 80-room hotel with pool, private ocean access to natural swimming pools, nearby beach, and on-site restaurant and bar.  
Price range*: Average room rates for shared double room in low season range between 80 and 90 euros per night.
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*These prices are "a la carte" room rates only in low season between October and May. Contact Yoga Azores for retreat packages including use of yoga spaces, inclusion of meal program and other specifics. 

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Quinta do Bom Despacho

Why it's on our list: Quinta do Bom Despacho is committed to sustainability with it's state-of-the-art composting toilets, natural swimming pool and edibles forest offering guests organic fruits and veggies and fresh eggs to use in self catering kitchens.
Yoga + Workshop spaces: A charming indoor space for smaller groups (less than 10 participants) and several covered outdoor spaces in the gardens.
Great for: Retreats that want to focus on sustainable living concepts, desire the option to cook meals and seek a city setting (downtown PDL is about a 15 minute walk).
Room types: 10 double bedrooms, 7 of which share bathrooms. Capacity of up to 30 people.
Price range*: Average room rates for shared double room in low season range between 50 and 60 euros per night.
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*These prices are "a la carte" room rates only in low season between October and May. Contact Yoga Azores for retreat packages including use of yoga spaces, inclusion of meal program and other specifics. 

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Maison d'hote Archipels

Why it's on our list: Archipels is a quaint "ashram" style guesthouse in remote Faial de Terra. Archipels runs a small organic farm growing fresh fruits and veggies for guests. The guesthouse is also walking distance to the small town, beach, and great hiking trails.
Yoga + Workshop spaces: The school adjacent to the guesthouse offers a beautiful wooden floor room as a yoga space. 
Great for: Retreats that seek a more secluded and remote setting. A budget-friendly option with tastefully appointed, basic accommodation.
Room types: 7 double / triple rooms, all of which share bathrooms. Capacity of up to 14 people.
Price range*: Average room rates for shared double room in low season range between 40 and 50 euros per night.
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*These prices are "a la carte" room rates only in low season between October and May. Contact Yoga Azores for retreat packages including use of yoga spaces, inclusion of meal program and other specifics.