Residence - Signature Villas

The Azores have a way of altering plans, stretching days out longer than intended. Residence by Singular Properties was built exactly for that pace. Set on the south coast of São Miguel, these five four-bedroom villas each feature a private garden, pool, and uninterrupted views of the ocean. The rhythm here is entirely yours. If you want a private chef, a massage, or airport transfers, the team handles it seamlessly. If you prefer absolute solitude, you are left entirely alone.

Where You Sleep

Designed by Atelier SAL Arquitetos, the villas are a physical extension of São Miguel's volcanic landscape. The architecture is spare, using raw concrete, expansive glass, and central patios designed to draw in the daylight.

Inside, designer Daniela Franceschini of Quiet Studios has softened the lines with natural woods, earthy tones, and organic textures. It is an interior that values peace. Each villa accommodates eight guests across four bedrooms (two king beds and four singles), with three full bathrooms, an open-plan living area, and a fully equipped kitchen.

For maximum privacy, Casa da Rocha is the standout property. Spanning 400m², it offers a heated pool, a jacuzzi, and an outdoor fire pit overlooking the sea.

Backstory

João Reis grew up on São Miguel and came to hospitality from the world of finance, which gives him a perspective that most hoteliers don't have. "I don't do it for the money," he says. "I do it for the art of it, for the thrill." He and his wife Catarina founded Singular Properties in 2015 with Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort, followed by WHITE Azores in 2017 — nine suites on a black basalt cliff above the sea. Residence is their latest project.

Their philosophy is strictly local: they hire islanders, partner with regional artisans, invest in regenerative farming, and refuse to expand beyond the Azores. When given the opportunity to add twenty additional villas to Santa Bárbara, they chose to build a working farm instead. "For us and our guests, that adds more value," João explains. That decision is felt everywhere — from the native wood furniture to the hand-thrown ceramics.

They have created a place to stay where you have space, independence, and the scale of a private home without having to sacrifice the service of a high-end hotel if required.

What's Waiting for You

The villa is yours to use however you like. Cook in the kitchen after a morning at Lagoa market. Work from the terrace with the Atlantic in front of you. Order a private chef for the evening and eat outside until late. The Experience Manager handles the logistics via WhatsApp, without any fuss.

Food & drink: Fully equipped kitchen for those who want to cook. Private chef available on request. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be arranged through the team. Guests can also eat at WHITE Azores or Santa Bárbara restaurants, subject to reservation.

Wellness: Massage, yoga, personal training and wellness programmes arranged on request.

Shared spaces: Private garden, pool and jacuzzi in each villa. Casa da Rocha has a heated pool and fire pit on top of that. The south coast of São Miguel — thermal springs, crater lakes, coastal paths — is right outside.

Extra services: Private chef, transfers, curated experiences and a dedicated Experience Manager throughout. There when you need them, invisible when you don't.

We Think You'll Love

• Swimming in the private pool late in the evening when the island goes quiet
• Dinner on the terrace prepared by a private chef — local catch, Azorean wine, and the sound of the Atlantic
• The fire pit at Casa da Rocha on cooler Atlantic nights
• Waking up to an open ocean view
• Exploring the twin crater lakes of Lagoa das Sete Cidades

Getting There & Getting Around

Fly into João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada, which connects directly to Lisbon, Porto, and several European cities. A rental car is highly recommended for exploring, and the team can coordinate arrivals. Located in the Atalhada–Lagoa area, the villas offer an ideal base for accessing both sides of the island, while remaining just a short drive from local restaurants and the weekend market. Just remember the Azores move at their own, slower, pace and São Miguel is no exception. Come with a loose itinerary.