About: Carved into the lava cliffs of Pico and surrounded by ocean on one side and forest on the other, Aldeia da Fonte is a truly immersive Azores retreat. This charming resort comprises six traditional volcanic-stone houses connected by garden pathways, forming a tiny “aldeia” (village) with 40 rooms tucked under fig and juniper trees. Embracing its dramatic natural setting, the hotel was built with utmost care for the environment – integrating buildings into the terrain, preserving existing flora, and using basalt rock from the island for construction. It’s no wonder it’s recognized as “the fifth most ecological hotel in Portugal”. Sustainability: Aldeia da Fonte has been Green Key certified for its rigorous eco-practices. Rooms use solar-heated water, energy-efficient lighting, and no air conditioning is needed thanks to thick stone walls and ocean breezes. The expansive gardens (which double as a mini botanical park) are maintained organically – no pesticides, and endemic plants are cultivated to support local biodiversity. The hotel’s restaurant serves healthy Azorean cuisine, including organic produce from its kitchen garden and locally sourced fish and cheeses, thus minimizing transport emissions. They even produce their own herbal teas and liqueurs from plants on the property. Waste is carefully sorted and recycled (Pico’s waste separation program is fully embraced) and water usage is optimized with low-flow fixtures. Experiences: Aldeia da Fonte invites guests to connect deeply with nature and culture. There’s a whale-watching tower on-site for spotting the dolphins and sperm whales that frequent Pico’s waters, and a private trail leads from the property down to the sea, where you can swim in volcanic tide pools or just sit on the rocks and feel the Atlantic spray. The hotel also offers yoga and tai chi in a dedicated “Zen garden” overlooking the ocean. In the evenings, you might relax in the cedar-wood sauna or enjoy a glass of Pico wine under the pergola, lit subtly to avoid disrupting the stars – the night sky here is ink-black and dazzling. Community & Heritage: Conceived as a “charm hotel” to model truly sustainable tourism, Aldeia da Fonte honors Azorean heritage. The houses resemble a Pico village from centuries past, and local culture is highlighted: weekly fado or folk music nights, workshops on traditional pottery, and guided tours to Pico’s UNESCO-listed vineyards and lava caves are offered. The hotel supports the local economy by employing Pico islanders and partnering with local guides and whale researchers. Impact: Long before eco-tourism was a buzzword, Aldeia da Fonte set the standard – built “with care for the environment, carefully integrated into its natural surroundings”. Guests often mention the peaceful coexistence of comfort and wilderness here. You might wake to birdsong and the scent of ocean air, spend the day hiking Mount Pico or visiting a village festival, then fall asleep in a cozy stone cottage knowing your presence leaves virtually no negative trace. For nature lovers and those seeking tranquility, this hotel is a haven – “a bastion of truly sustainable ecological tourism” that proves luxury can be achieved in harmony with land and sea.