Octant Furnas is located in the Furnas Valley, on the island of São Miguel, in the Azores. It’s one of Portugal’s beautiful areas and is home to the highest concentration of hot springs in Europe.
Octant Furnas is a great base for those who wish to explore São Miguel. Thanks to the area’s famous thermal spring waters, it’s also the perfect option if you’re after a relaxing getaway.
Facilities include thermal pools, an on-site spa that offers a variety of treatments, a thermal circuit, and a gym. There are also various rooms and suites to choose from, some of which offer an outdoor deck and private access to a swimming pool.
Not to mention, the island of São Miguel has some fantastic experiences on offer, including canyoning, cycling, whale-watching, golfing, and more.
Their story
This property has a long history, as the first thermal buildings were built here in 1615. After they were destroyed by a violent earthquake, a new thermal establishment was built in 1816 called “Adventures”.
Unfortunately, the spa complex was closed in 1990. It wasn’t until June 5th, 2015, that the Furnas Boutique Hotel opened. The hotel was later rebranded as Octant Hotels Furnas in 2022. Read more about them here.
READ ON – How to Spend the Best 3 Days in Octant Furnas
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- In 1816, a new thermal establishment was built. Eventually, the thermal complex was closed, until 2015, when a boutique hotel and spa were opened here.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- Geothermal energy is used for heating the water, as it’s sourced from the spring “Quenturas” (for both the indoor and outdoor pools). There’s a butane gas boiler as a power backup.
- This property only uses low-energy lamps, although they prefer to use natural light.
- Octant Furnas records and measures their energy consumption every day, to control what they use and identify any anomalies/leaks.
- The property does preventative maintenance of its electrical boards, generator, boilers, etc., and they gradually replace their equipment with more efficient models.
- Room power is only activated once guests insert their room card which helps to save energy.
Pioneer in waste management
- Octant Furnas sorts their waste for further collection by licensed operators. The waste is sorted into: paper and cardboard, metal and plastic, glass, used food oil, coffee capsules, batteries, printer cartridges, lamps, and electrical/electronic equipment.
- The company only uses FSC-certified paper or recycled paper. This is for the likes of office paper, toilet paper, kitchen paper, and napkins.
- Octant Furnas prohibits single-use plastic.
- This property has its own Wastewater Treatment Plant. Therefore, their domestic wastewater is properly treated before it goes to the river.
- Approximately 100% of check-ins and 80% of check-outs are paperless which conserves resources.
- Water bottles from the restaurant are reused and supplied by the property’s water filtration machine.
- Toiletries in the bathrooms are in dosing and rechargeable packaging.
- The property re-uses some materials such as towels and sheets (e.g. for the creation of pindas).
Using organic and chemical-free products
- Octant Furnas only uses green products from ECOLAB.
- This property is registered under the “Marca Açores” which means they utilize local products.
Actively protects nature and community
- Octant Furnas works to create partnerships with local sports, social, and cultural institutions.
- The company promotes solidarity actions too. This includes donating goods to an orphanage and associations for abandoned animals.
- Every year, good-quality textiles that are no longer used, are donated to PISS (Particular Institutions of Social Solidarity) through the HOSPES Platform.
- Octant Furnas recycles Nespresso coffee capsules and uses them to contribute rice to the Food Bank.
- The company focuses on recruiting and training those in the local population and maintaining a culture of inclusion and equity.
- Octant Furnas is currently developing a project called “Plogging”, where staff, guests, and the local football club (FC Vale Formoso) will come together and walk around Lagoa das Furnas to collect rubbish.
- The company is registered under the “Marca Açores”, which commits to promoting sustainability and regional authenticity. It supports the local economy by incorporating local ingredients and services.
- This property is the only hotel in Portugal to have EMAS (the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme registration certification).
- They have the International Green Key Certificate. This has been acquired through the company’s good sustainability practices.
- Octant Furnas has also received the “Amigo da Natureza” (Friend of Nature) seal. It aims to promote the natural heritage of the Azores and focuses on good environmental practices.
- This hotel subscribes to the Azores Sustainability Charter. By doing this, they’re making a public commitment to responsible and transparent management.
Most Popular Activities near Octant Furnas
- Try the famous cozido (stew cooked in the fumaroles)
- Walk around Lake Furnas
- Go up to the Miradouro do Pico do Ferro
- Visit Parque Grená, Mata Jardim José do Canto, or the Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens
- Whale watching in Ponta Delgada
- Visit Sete Cidades and hike around the double lakes.
- Visit Lagoa do Fogo.
- Visit the Nordeste region.
- Dip in one of the hot springs on Sao Miguel island.
- Go to one of the black sand beaches for a relaxing day.
Best Time To Visit Octant Furnas
- Summer in the Azores falls between June and August. Temperatures are at their highest and rainfall is less likely, but rain still occurs for roughly 5-7 days of each month.
- September is one of the best months to visit São Miguel Island, as crowds start to disperse, temperatures are still pleasant, and it’s an excellent time of year for whale-watching.
- November to February sees the highest amount of rainfall, experiencing an average of 14-16 rainfall days.