Aromatherapy Retreat in the Azores 2025

On Day 2, begin your aromatherapy adventure with a private tour of a Hedychium (Ginger Lily) and Geranium plantation. You will learn how these plants are cultivated and the traditional distillation methods used to produce essential oils. Weather permitting, we will participate in the harvest, with this hands-on experience offering a deeper connection to the land and the craft of essential oil distillation. After lunch by the sea, we will return to distill the flowers and plants that were harvested in the morning.

On Day 3, Jonathan will begin with the course on olfacto-therapy and emotional aromatherapy. After lunch, we will visit the remarkable Vineyard Culture Landscape of Pico Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about centuries-old techniques used to grow grapevines in the island’s unique volcanic soil and how they are protected from the Atlantic sea winds by stone walls. We willl then visit the Lucas Lopes Amaral winery, where you will have the opportunity to taste the traditional local wine.

On Day 4, after an early lunch, we will fly to São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. Your airfare from Pico to São Miguel is included in the retreat package. São Miguel is nicknamed the “green island” for its lush landscapes and vibrant vegetation. It is a mountainous island comprising two volcanic massifs, separated by a central low-lying ridge. The largest city in São Miguel is Ponta Delgada, which overlooks a natural bay. After settling in your hotel, we will visit the city’s beautiful Botanical Garden for an aromatic awareness session with Jonathan and a continuation of his olfacto-therapy course.

On Day 5, the day begins with Jonathan teaching his aromatherapy course. After lunch, we will do a botanical walk in Fogo Lagoon with biologist Tiago Menezes, who will introduce us to the plants, flora and ecosystem of the island. We will then visit Caldeira Velha’s Park and be guided through the lush vegetation followed by relaxing in the hot springs. At the end of the day, we will visit Santa Barbara beach with some native flora that are unique to the island and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere by the seaside.

On Day 6, we will visit a local essential oil distillery, which also happens to be the only distillery on this island. You will learn about unique Azorean essential oils through an olfactive and blending session with Jonathan. We will then visit a startup that produces one of the strongest antioxidants in the world using a unique Azorean algae. After lunch, we have a private guided visit to the Marques Family Pineapple’s plantations and a tasting session of some of the delicious fruit that has been growing in the Azores for over 300 years using the same family crafted methods. In Lagoa, we will visit a local pottery factory. To finish the day, we will go to the beach where you can swim and, in the evening, our local guide Pedro will perform an Ocean Ritual.

On Day 7, Jonathan will begin the day teaching the next chapter of his aromatherapy course. During the day, we will visit Canario Lagoon and Belvedere Grota do Inferno for a beautiful and magical view. Next, we will go to the Cryptomeria Forest, where Jonathan will conduct an Aromatic Ancestrial Meditation to connect with the trees and their positive energy. After lunch, we will visit the Vista do Rei view point and the famous Sete Cidades Lagoons (the blue and green lagoons). At the end of the day, we will visit the Mosteiro Beach where you will have some free time.

On Day 8, we will begin the morning with a guided tour of the Terra Nostra Garden to see and learn about the special plants in this garden. After lunch, indulge yourself by taking a bath in the hot iron water pool. In the afternoon, we will continue Jonathan’s course and learn from his teachings.

On Day 9, we will drive to the Nordeste’s governmental Forest Conservation Centre, which is crucial to the forestation and preservation of the Azores archipelago. We will get a tour of the premises from the Director of the Centre. After a picnic barbeque lunch, you will take a meditative and aromatic walking route to discover the ancient laurel forest and enjoy a sensory olfactory experience as you indulge in forest bathing, an ancient Japanese practice that promotes relaxation and wellbeing by immersing yourself in the calming presence of trees. You will get a chance to practice what you have learned in the olfactory-therapy and emotional aromatherapy course. We will then stop by a beautiful waterfall in Ribeira dos Caldeirões, where you will have some free time to walk around. In Ponta Delgada, we will have a festive dinner to mark the end of the retreat.

On Day 10, it is time to fly home or to any other European city that you are visiting after the Azores.

Note: The retreat’s daily activities are subject to change due to weather conditions. Where possible, we will strive to communicate any changes in advance but please note that the weather may change suddenly. We will do our best to ensure that the itinerary’s activities are still enjoyed.