Faial Island’s first five-star hotel, The Book Hotel, will open its doors in June | News

Faial Island’s first five-star hotel, The Book Hotel, will open its doors in June 2026, setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the Azores.
Located on the Island of Faial – known as the Blue Island because of the hydrangeas that bloom in the landscape – the Book Hotel is a new boutique hotel that combines heritage, culture and contemporary luxury, bringing a new level of high-end hospitality to one of Portugal’s most fascinating island destinations.

The hotel is the result of a seven-year, €8.5 million restoration project that will breathe new life into a 19th-century building overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the charming maritime town of Horta. The building was once home to the Liceu da Horta (the island’s historic high school) and later to the Grémio Literário Faialense (a long-standing literary and cultural association). It was once a gathering place for the island’s literary and cultural circles.
Project Director at Lamparina Melódica, Olena Dolga, says: “The name The Book Hotel is directly inspired by the historical identity of the building. The property has always been closely linked to education and culture in Horta, we wanted to preserve its identity while creating a space that feels contemporary and welcoming.”

Managed by Amazing Evolution, the hotel will offer twenty rooms and five apartments, with interiors that combine modern design with natural materials and subtle references to the building’s literary past. While the expansive ocean views and tranquil common areas encourage guests to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, marine culture and whale watching, the island has long attracted adventurous and culturally curious travelers. Building on this unique setting, the hotel will offer immersive island experiences through curated activities, complemented by tailor-made wellness programs and a luxury restaurant.

Bruno Barbosa, Director of Operations at Amazing Evolution, the management company of The Book Hotel, said: “The opening of The Book Hotel feels like a special new chapter for Faial Island. With a limited number of rooms and a highly customized approach, The Book Hotel aims to offer a more intimate and thoughtful alternative, combining first-class comfort with the warmth and character of a boutique hotel.

“It is especially exciting that a new wave of travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of the Azores alongside high levels of comfort, style and service can enjoy what The Book Hotel has to offer. The opening also reflects the continued evolution of the Azores as a premium European destination, especially for those drawn to slower, more mindful, experience-based travel.”

Those ready to explore Faial Island and experience The Book Hotel’s luxurious offerings can fly direct from London to the Portuguese capital Lisbon before catching a connecting flight to Faial Island. Alternatively, guests can fly directly to São Miguel in the Azores before traveling to Faial Island.

The Book Hotel is expected to open later this month, June 2026. Prices start from €200 per night.