Located in one of the lushest and most untouched corners of São Miguel, The Lince Nordeste is a tranquil retreat that offers a perfect mix of nature, wellness, and warm hospitality.

Our stay here was relaxing, scenic, and rejuvenating - the kind of place where you can unplug, slow down, and truly appreciate the raw beauty of the island.

Getting to The Lince Nordeste

Getting to Nordeste is part of the adventure. The drive from Ponta Delgada Airport takes around 45 minutes to an hour, weaving through rolling hills, hydrangea-lined roads, and dramatic coastal cliffs. If you’re planning to explore, renting a car is the way to go - and the hotel offers easy, free parking.

Though the hotel is based in the east, São Miguel is a relatively compact island, meaning you can comfortably reach places like Furnas, Sete Cidades, and Ponta Delgada as part of a day trip.

Our Room at The Lince Nordeste

Our room was bright, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, with large windows showcasing the surrounding greenery. Décor was clean and minimalist, allowing the views to do all the talking.

The entire property feels peaceful and grounded in nature - the perfect environment to unwind. Even just waking up to the sounds of birds and the smell of fresh Atlantic air set the tone for a restorative stay.

Food & Dining: A Taste of the Azores with a Modern Twist

The in-house restaurant at The Lince Nordeste is a real hidden gem. The menu blends traditional Azorean cuisine with a contemporary flair, offering hearty, local flavours with refined presentation. From hearty beef dishes and local cheeses to modern interpretations of regional favourites, each dish is thoughtfully prepared and served in a beautifully lit dining space overlooking the hotel spa.

Breakfast is generous and varied, with local pastries, fruits, eggs, and continental staples, while the à la carte dinner menu makes use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The setting - quiet, scenic, and stylish - makes each meal feel special.

Facilities: Spa, Pools & Wellness with a View

One of the true highlights of The Lince Nordeste is its wellness offerings. The hotel’s SPA is much more than just a bonus — it’s a serene, beautifully designed space that feels like a true retreat.

There’s an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and wellness treatment menu featuring aromatherapy, massage, and customized rituals designed to calm the mind and rejuvenate the body. The essential oils used in treatments awaken the senses and help relieve stress, anxiety, sleep issues, and muscle fatigue. Every spa experience here is personal and grounding - a reflection of the island’s quiet, natural energy.

There’s also a modern gym with excellent equipment and a yoga and pilates space that looks out over the surrounding hills - a rare and welcome feature in a hotel of this size.

And let’s not forget the outdoor pool. With sweeping views over Nordeste town and the Atlantic beyond, it's the kind of place where you could easily spend the whole day doing nothing - just soaking up sun and scenery, book in hand, with the occasional dip to cool off.

Staff & Service: Hospitality at Its Best

If there’s one thing that stood out above all else, it was the incredible warmth of the staff. The team at The Lince Nordeste went above and beyond to make us feel welcome - answering questions with genuine care, giving local recommendations, and always greeting us with a smile.

It’s that classic Portuguese hospitality, but dialled up: friendly, attentive, and deeply human. It added so much heart to our stay and reminded us that the best hotel experiences aren’t just about location or facilities — they’re about people.

What’s Nearby? Exploring the Nordeste Region

The Lince Nordeste makes for an ideal base to explore the eastern side of São Miguel, which is often quieter but just as stunning as the more visited west.

Just minutes from the hotel, you’ll find some of the island’s best natural attractions:

Jardim Botânico da Ribeira do Guilherme – a peaceful botanical garden with waterfalls, forest trails, and exotic plants
Salto da Farinha Cascata – a dramatic waterfall plunging down a lush cliffside
Piscina Natural da Boca de Ribeira – a natural ocean pool with breathtaking views of the coastline
Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego and Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada — two of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island
Farol do Arnel, the oldest lighthouse in the Azores
Poço Azul, a hidden natural pool

Drive a bit further and you’ll reach the Furnas region, home to Parque Terra Nostra, thermal springs, and volcanic stew (cozido). Or continue west for a day trip to Ponta Delgada and beyond.

Ponta Delgada, the island’s capital city

Despite its tranquil location, the hotel’s setting in Nordeste makes it surprisingly central for exploring all corners of the island - making it both a destination in itself and a strategic base for adventure.

Final Verdict – The Lince Nordeste

The Lince Nordeste exceeded every expectation. It’s rare to find a hotel that’s this relaxing, well-equipped, and deeply connected to its surroundings. From the stunning outdoor pool to the spa that feels like a sanctuary, and the friendly team who made us feel right at home - every moment of our stay was memorable.

If you’re looking to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience a quieter, more authentic side of São Miguel, The Lince Nordeste is the place to do it. Whether you’re here for the hikes, the views, or simply to rest and recharge, this hotel offers something truly special.

Note: The Lince hotel group also has another location in Ponta Delgada, the island’s capital. That property is called The Lince Azores, which we stayed at and would also highly recommend.

To book a stay at The Lince Nordeste, click here.

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Hotel Review: The Lince Nordeste