Verde Mar & Spa

We have stayed for a week in a sea facing junior suite. Very warm and friendly welcome on booking in, in fact every member of staff have been very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable, whether at reception, restaurant, bar or room servicing team. Our room was clean, comfortable and spacious, with air conditioning if needed. Every day, on returning from our travels around the island, the room had been cleaned, clean laundry and smelling fresh. The indoor pool was quiet, but a good size and has spa nozzles at either end. The sauna and steam room were clean and the right temperature. At breakfast there was a large selection of fresh fruit, bread, pastries and cooked eggs/bacon as alternatives. Our only comment on the restaurant is that the evening menu could offer a wider choice for those who want to dine in. The hotel is located just behind the surfers beach and in easy walking distance of the town centre. Some restaurants however don’t open on every day, such as Mondays and some close on Tuesdays. Car hire was efficiently arranged through hotel. Car parking spaces can be at a premium.

We based ourselves here for the main part of our stay. The hotel is lovely. We made sure we booked a sea view as looking into the street would have been disappointing. Overall the hotel met all our needs but is it 5 star? Maybe 4.5. The restaurant menu could be a bit more varied and they need blinds on the windows. It became too hot at night. Breakfast was good with lots on offer. If you want to get to the quieter side of the island this hotel will meet all your needs.

An absolute gem. Impeccably presented and managed, this hotel is located within walking distance of an impressive beach and the beautiful town of Ribeira Grande. We were welcomed and treated throughout with genuine warmth, professionalism and kindness. The team was very responsive and knowledgeable when we asked for helped in chosing the right activities during our stay. The sea-view rooms are more charming than the pictures suggest. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the exceptionally well-equipped gym, with a wide range of large, brand-new machines. The spa is equally impressive — I had one of the best massages I can remember. A wonderful base from which to explore São Miguel and a hotel I would happily return to. Don’t leave without trying the Roasted Shrimps with Garlic!

We originally booked this hotel for a quick layover (just 25 mins from PDL), but a Boston snowstorm turned our short stay into an extended retreat. It was a blessing in disguise. The views are truly jaw-dropping—we didn’t even bother turning on the TV because we couldn't take our eyes off the horizon, which is visible from almost everywhere in the building. I am in architecture, and trained to find mistakes in buildings, but this facility was well-designed, in great condition, and very clean. Even in February, the walk to the beach was beautiful. The dining was exceptional, with professional service to match. What truly sets this place apart, however, is the staff. They are more than just "friendly"—they are genuinely invested in your experience. We enjoyed their company so much we almost wanted to be friends with them! A special thank you to Andre, who went above and beyond by having the chef prepare a special plate of mushrooms (sem-ovos) for my wife during the breakfast buffet. I don’t have a single negative thing to say. If you're wondering about the photos: believe them. The marketing shots are 100% real.

We booked Verde Mar & SPA to relax with our baby during a 5-night stay in August 2025. Instead, we got over 70 bed bug bites in a single night, an emergency Claritin trip, and zero accountability. We woke up after night 1 to my legs covered in clustered bites — I counted over 70. I've uploaded photos because I wish I'd seen a warning like this before booking. When we reported it: Manager dismissed them as “mosquitoes” Told us to pay for our own laundry Made us wait hours for a room change with a baby and luggage Refused to offer a refund or even spa access — only 1 dinner comped The worst part? We came directly from home and showed evidence, yet were told they “couldn’t accept responsibility.” Pretty pool, decent view — but no hotel stay is worth this level of stress, pain, or denial. Ask questions before you book. Specifically: When was the last professional treatment for bed bugs? Because during our stay — it was not taken seriously.