São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores, a place of crater lakes, tea plantations and fishing villages. In Furnas, in a volcanic valley, hot water gushes from the ground and fills thermal pools that are open all year round. Elsewhere, the cool, rainy climate makes an indoor or heated pool precious. You'll find thermal hotels in Furnas, hotels in Ponta Delgada and a house by the ocean. I've selected 14 places, all rated at least 8/10; the top-rated is Lotus House - Heated Pool & Jacuzzi near the Beach (4.99/5).
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
14 places shown
The pool. Private saltwater infinity pool heated to 28 °C, open year-round according to the listing.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi in the garden, next to the pool.
The pool is mentioned in 54 traveller comments, the jacuzzi in 36.
Guide's tip. The listing describes the pool sometimes as in the garden, sometimes as indoors: ask the host.
The pool. Shared outdoor pool heated to at least 28 °C all year; from December to March the water can cool a little during cold snaps.
The pool is mentioned in 65 traveller comments.
Guide's tip. The pool is shared: ask how many units have access to it.
The pool. Private saltwater pool, heated to 28 °C from May to October; the rest of the year, heating on request before arrival.
The pool comes up in 27 guest reviews.
Guide's tip. Out of season, heating costs €30 a day and the water may not reach 28 °C in cold weather: request it before you arrive.
The pool. Indoor pool and outdoor pool with ocean views. Heating isn't specified.
Travellers love the view from the pool; one guest found the indoor pool a little small for children.
Guide's tip. New hotel with few reviews: read the most recent ones.
The pool. Indoor pool and rooftop outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Several thermal-water pools, indoor and outdoor, fed by Furnas's natural hot springs; jacuzzi and sauna in the spa.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi in the spa.
One guest found the geothermal pools remarkable, both inside and out, and Kayak's review summary notes the range of temperatures. The Michelin Guide notes that the hotel is built on natural thermal waters. The pool scores 8.5/10 on Kayak.
Guide's tip. The hotel used to be called Furnas Boutique Hotel Thermal & Spa: search under both names when comparing prices.
The pool. Rooftop pool, advertised as heated year-round, with views over the town.
Kayak reviews enjoy the rooftop pool for its view and tranquillity, without mentioning the temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is open-air on the roof: on a windy day, the terrace can feel chilly when you get out.
The pool. Indoor pool, outdoor pool and children's pool. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Hot tub.
Travellers find the pools pleasant and well kept. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Heated 64 m² indoor pool at the Satsanga spa, 1.10 m deep, plus a 144 m² outdoor pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Spa treatments are paid for on site.
The pool. Indoor pool with picture windows looking out to the ocean, plus an outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Free access to the large thermal-water pool in Terra Nostra Park, plus an indoor pool and two open-air thermal-water hot tubs.
The hot tub. Two open-air thermal-water hot tubs.
One guest who stayed there describes unwinding in the big warm pool in the gardens after days of hiking. Oyster confirms that guests get free access to the thermal pool. On Kayak, the pool scores 9.5/10.
Guide's tip. The water in the thermal pool is yellowish: a dark swimsuit is a better bet.
The pool. Heated indoor pool, with sauna. No outdoor pool.
A few guests regret the lack of an outdoor pool; nobody mentions the temperature of the indoor pool.
Guide's tip. Handy for exploring the island from Ponta Delgada, but don't count on a swim in the sun: the pool is indoors.
The pool. Indoor pool open year-round, plus an outdoor infinity pool facing the sea and a children's pool.
One guest points out that the outdoor pool isn't heated. Nobody comments on the indoor pool.
Guide's tip. For warm water, go for the indoor pool: the infinity pool stays at the air temperature.
The pool. Indoor pool and outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Lotus House - Heated Pool & Jacuzzi near the Beach (Villa for rent · Airbnb), with 4.99/5 (89 reviews · Airbnb). Next come 2 bds house with heated pool next to beaches/ilheu (4.87/5) and Heated Saltwater Pool – Private Beachside Oasis (4.86/5).
Yes at Lotus House - Heated Pool & Jacuzzi near the Beach, 2 bds house with heated pool next to beaches/ilheu and Hotel Talisman: the pool is advertised as heated all year round. At Heated Saltwater Pool – Private Beachside Oasis, heating is seasonal (may to october (on request the rest of the year)). Delta Hotels by Marriott Azores, Hotel Marina Atlântico and Azoris Royal Garden have an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
Advertised temperatures: 28 °C at Lotus House - Heated Pool & Jacuzzi near the Beach, 28 °C at 2 bds house with heated pool next to beaches/ilheu, 28 °C at Heated Saltwater Pool – Private Beachside Oasis and 35 à 40 °C at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. For the other places the temperature isn't published: ask the property.
Yes: Lotus House - Heated Pool & Jacuzzi near the Beach, Hotel Marina Atlântico and Octant Furnas also have a hot tub in addition to the heated pool.
Yes, 3 villas and holiday homes are selected: Lotus House - Heated Pool & Jacuzzi near the Beach, 2 bds house with heated pool next to beaches/ilheu and Heated Saltwater Pool – Private Beachside Oasis. Heating is sometimes charged extra: check the listing.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
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