João was the most responsive travel consultant I have ever worked with!
Portugal
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Mar 9 - Mar 16, 2024
We connected with João Branco through KimKim, and we were so fortunate to have done so! From our earliest planning inquiries through to our final flight home, João was tremendously responsive, helpful (and patient, as we did often have trouble making decisions!). Every detail that he arranged, from airport greetings and guided tours to reservations at hotels and restaurants, was top-notch and perfectly executed, surpassing our expectations (and we travel a lot!) -- and if at any point we had encountered a glitch, we knew that he was right at hand to help us sort things out, because he used WhatsApp to check in with us regularly and find out how we were doing. Even someone as outstanding as João cannot control the weather, but he had given us a very accurate sense of what to expect in the Azores in March (i.e. Expect the Unexpected!) and was incredibly helpful in communicating with us and providing alternative suggestions when bad weather meant we had to cancel some planned water activities. Having someone so willing to facilitate for us, especially when we do not speak Portuguese nor know the area, made our entire trip so much more relaxing and hassle-free. We would absolutely use him again if we travelled in Portugal!
Hotel Reviews
While the Octant is not charming on the outside, the people and the experience on the inside were outstanding, and the modern, green, design elements were original, attractive, and soothing. The team at reception (especially Luisa) and at the spa were so incredibly welcoming and eager to help in any way -- essentially, they conveyed a warm sense that "anything you would like to do, we can find a way to make happen," from booking us a slot to enjoy the thermal bath experience as a family to recommending and giving directions to their favorite hikes on the island. I only regret that the weather was not warm enough for us to enjoy the spectacular rooftop pool and bar area (though we might have hunkered down into the wind and done so anyway, if the pool had appeared to be heated, since the views and design were so amazing) The breakfast buffet (included) was a true feast and allowed us to savor local products as well as more familiar ones. In particular, the staff came to our rescue in the middle of the night when my daughter got terribly sick with food poisoning -- although they were down to a tiny overnight crew without anyone from housekeeping, the two men manning the fort rallied with whatever resources and creativity they had to help us clean up and set up an extra cot in our room when she could not stay in hers.
Tremendously welcoming and helpful front desk staff -- they greeted us with a local pineapple liqueur, communicated with a local restaurant for us, and put out breakfast for us to grab when we had to depart for the airport at 4 a.m. (!). The spa treatments were phenomenal, and the thermal bath suite - both indoor and outdoor -- was open around the clock and, while actively used by many guests, never felt crowded (though it would be extra nice if some of their lovely herbal water or cold tea brews were available poolside). Although the bedrooms are small and have unimpressive views, the hotel overall provides an indulgent experience -- great food, beautiful greenery everywhere - - but with a laid-back tone: guests wander around in their spa robes, the fun cocktail bar has a wealth of games, the dining room combines chic, grown-up eco-design with a foosball table. Perfect for a refuge for adventuring in the region!
Hey Kathleen,
Greetings from Portugal!
Thank you so much for your feedback and wonderful words about your experience. Super happy to know you had a great time in Portugal Mainland and S. Miguel Island. Hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.
Muito Obrigado,
João & Across Portugal Team