the azores
February 8 - 15, 2025
Sao Miguel, The Azores
portugal
A Foodie-exploration Retreat
The Allure
From the moment your plane begins its descent into Ponta Delgada, you will fully understand why The Azores are referred to as the "Hawaii of Europe". You will find this amazing area of the "Islands of Colors" full of Mother Nature’s unbelievable beauty from your very first to your very last glimpse. This Portuguese archipelago, The Azores, is set in the middle of the Atlantic, between the United States and continental Portugal and consists of nine islands. We will be visiting Sao Miguel, the the island nicknamed ”Ihla Verde” for its lush, green natural beauty. This is the largest island in the archipelago and is home to the regional capital, Ponta Delgada.
We will indulge in the dramatic beauty of this incredible island, as we explore the cuisine and the culture. Every region offers the opportunity to explore the lush, gorgeous sprawling fields, free-roaming farm animals, hydrangea lined country roads, streets and walkways, amazing volcanic rock coastline, the ever-rolling ocean seas and unruffled beaches. We will luxuriate in the warm waters of the thermal pools that are fed from deep within the earth, and we will explore the gorgeous lakes formed by craters of extinct volcanoes through outdoor activities designed to explore and embrace their beauty.
Description
This is an Azorean foodie and wine exploration retreat for eight women in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, on the island of Sao Miguel.
We will be staying at an exclusive villa on the northern Atlantic coast. This is a private venue overlooking the ocean and has a pool, hot tub, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a huge relaxation space, outside yoga circle, spacious guest rooms, and plenty of natural beauty for lounging and strolling. We will escort you on an amazing variety of excursions as we explore this island in all of its splendor. You will have the opportunity to taste all of the specialty foods and wines of the region as we are served by a local Azorean chef at our villa, and as we visit many restaurants, markets and agricultural centers of Sao Miguel.
The Goal
We hope to provide our guests with an unsurpassed experience traveling this stunning island under the direction of an experienced guide, our own Andrea Kaubris, who knows the island like it’s her second home. This is an opportunity to visit the most dynamic and beautiful elements of the island with a seasoned and knowledgeable Azorean traveler. We will introduce you to the true culture that is unique to this region as you enjoy simply being escorted through the adventure of food, wine, culture and exploration to indulge in Azorean cuisine and unsurpassed natural beauty.
Why sao miguel, azores?
The Azores islands were discovered in 1427 by Portuguese navigators, and their discovery plays a very important role in the history of the country. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Portugal established its economic prominence as the archipelago became a center of trade for Europe, America and India, where the Azorean ports sheltered and serviced galleons loaded with a multitude of treasures from throughout the world.
Speaking of treasures…those of this island abound…its volcanic origin has produced an absolutely spectacular landscape that dramatically meets the ocean, and will be sure to leave you breathless more than once! The delicacies that are gently extracted fresh from the sea daily elevate the cuisine islandwide and are the purest form of “fresh”. The dense, rich, nutrient-laden soil is ideal for growing crops that yield deliciously earthy flavors which are then incorporated into authentic local food and beverage production. Finally, the ongoing geothermal activity can be enjoyed by visitors and residents, whether through relaxing and therapeutic soaks in “hot springs”, or with an amazing and unique Azorean meal (Cozidos) that is cooked entirely in the ground by the volcanic steam of natural hot springs.
We believe this island offers much in the way of private, natural and nearly transcendental exploration without the overabundance of tourists seen elsewhere. You will have the opportunity to immerse in the Azorean culture without feeling like a group of herded tourists. We will explore, savor and relish the tastes of food and wine (including non-alcoholic) on the island while experiencing all of the explorative and food-related uniquities that Sao Miguel offers.
What Makes This Retreat unique
Our retreat is based in Capelas, a small town on the north shore of Sao Miguel in the Azores. We will be ideally situated mid-island so all of our excursions will be easily traveled to within one hour.
This retreat is the perfect balance of culinary exploration combined with cultural and natural elements to provide you with an experience that will truly expose you to all the amazing and delicious beauty this region offers.
We will savor the unique flavors of the islands in many different ways! We will share local meals at a variety of traditional Azorean establishments, we will visit the local farmers’ market in Ribiera Grande to learn about locally produced foods while sampling items that are indigenous to Sao Miguel. We will taste many Azorean cheeses and wines. We will visit two sprawling tea plantations, and a small pineapple plantation, followed by a special celebration of this delicious fruit during a fun sunset pineapple cocktail hour. We will visit the local liqueur production facility which produces dozens of different liqueurs (all of which are available for sampling and purchase). We will dine on the quintessential Cozidos of Furnas-–a meal cooked underground in the volcanic geothermal steam. We will ensure that everyone has many opportunities to savor the delicacies of the sea, sample local breads and confections, and enjoy an incredible Azorean inspired chef-guide experience dining at our oceanside villa.
Special Features and Activities
The tour will be enhanced by many specially curated events, accompanied by food and wine to enhance the fun…some of them are:
A special welcome reception the morning of arrival in an unforgettable location…
Scrumptious picnics in breathtaking places…
A walk through a dramatic volcanic cave and lava tube…
Outdoor geothermal baths in stunning settings…
Multiple magnificent visits to Miradoura…
Breathtaking views from amazing volcanic rock structures that overlook the ocean and will take your breath away…
A visit to a ceramic factory to watch artisans paint their wares (and do a little shopping?)...
A stroll on a rustic beach in a remote location to collect beautiful sea glass…
A visit to the gorgeous twin green and blue volcanic crater-formed lakes at Sete-Cidade…
A dramatic boat tour in the ocean…
And SO MUCH MORE!
If you love fresh food, wine, absolutely stunning scenery and sightseeing, the countryside, the charm of an intimate island, relaxation, exhilaration, and the ocean, this trip is for you!
Accommodations and Rates
$2795 per person double occupancy with balcony and bathroom
A deposit of $500.00 USD with your trip registration forms is needed to hold your spot.
All payments are by Debit or Credit Card, Venmo, PayPal or PayLater at JeannesTable.com. Special arrangements can be made for payment via other methods…to do so, please contact Jeanne at JeannesTable@gmail.com.
What’s Included
All ground transportation, including roundtrip airport transfers from/to João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
Seven nights accommodations in a private, oceanside villa
Seven locally-sourced Portuguese breakfasts
Five amazing lunches featuring local delicacies
Seven incredible dinners prepared by Azorean chefs
Assorted alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
A private cooking class with instruction and tasting of traditional Azorean dishes
Visits to several quintessential towns and villages, including Sete Cidades, Moisteiros, Nordeste, Ribeira Grande, and Ponta Delgada
A gift from your retreat hosts: a specialty Portuguese commemorative gift ensemble of items produced by regional artisans and local businesses ($150 value)
What’s Not Included
Your roundtrip flights from city of origin to João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
Tips for the guides, maids (all service personnel)
Food, drinks, souvenirs, laundry service, any other items/activities not itemized in our package
Items of a personal nature such as excess baggage, medical expenses, hospitalization, evacuation, travel insurance, and any expenses arising from the delay or extension of the trip due to weather, political disputes, sickness, failure of transportation, or other causes beyond our control
Personal medical and trip cancellation insurance (must provide proof of purchase prior to departure, we will offer separately at a group discount for those interested)
How to Get There
Flight to João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal. Ground transportation to/from this airport is included in the trip price.
Entry requirements : US residents need a valid passport to enter Portugal. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months AFTER your departure from Portugal and have at least 2 blank pages. A return flight ticket is needed when entering Portugal. The immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival along with where you will be staying in Portugal.
Currency: the Euro is the official currency. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted. ATMs are located throughout the island and generally offer the best conversion rates
Sales tax or Value Added Tax (VAT) is 16%. It is included in the final price of every service or product purchased.
Electricity: 220 volts, 2 round prong sockets. A plug adapter is needed for US flat pronged plugs.
Weather: Sao Miguel has a temperate maritime climate with an average temperature of 70 degrees, and about three inches of rain in February.
Water: tap water is completely drinkable
Cell phone: your cell phone will work in the Azores.. But remember to call your wireless provider before the trip to add an international plan.
We look forward to your company on this amazing journey!
Cancellation Policy
Personal medical and trip cancellation insurance is required (must provide proof)
Cancellation 120 days or more before departure incurs no loss of deposit
Cancellation 90-119 days prior to departure date will result in a total surrender of $500 US deposit
Cancellation 60-89 days prior to departure date will result in loss 50% of the trip price
Cancellation 59-0 days prior to departure date will result in a total surrender of trip price
All cancellations must be received in writing
We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it is not meeting the minimum (a full refund of all monies paid by committed retreat participants will be issued).
Jeanne’s Table reserves the right to cancel any trip for any reason whatsoever (we appreciate your cooperation and understanding if the need to cancel arises due to an unforeseen circumstances), including an insufficient number of participants or logistical problems (e.g. acts of god, war, strikes, etc.), which may impede trip operations. The refund of all payments as described in this paragraph below shall release Jeanne’s Table from any further liability. A trip cancellation due to insufficient numbers would normally occur at least 35 days prior to departure, unless acts of god, war, strikes or other events impede our departure causing large numbers of participants opt to cancel participation on the journey in the last days before departure.
Jeanne’s Table must make substantial payments to suppliers far in advance of the scheduled date on which we embark. If a trip is canceled due to forces beyond our control (acts of god, war, labor strikes, earthquake, flooding, etc.), Jeanne’s Table will promptly refund the portion of the trip not advanced to suppliers. Jeanne’s Table will use its best efforts to recover advance payments and will refund to you your portion of the amount recovered, if any. However, Jeanne’s Table does not guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made, and our use of best efforts to recover those payments will not include the institution of any legal proceedings in a foreign country. This policy applies to a trip cancellation by client choice following any necessary increase in trip costs.
