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Just about a 20 minute drive east of Ponta Delgada, Agua de Pau is the
quintessence of an Azorean village, with its traditional stone architecture and
hum of everyday life. Just a couple of kilometres down the verdant hillside is
the tiny fishing harbour of Caloura where patient anglers cast their lines from
the jetty and rocks and small boats land their catch from the deeper waters.
Idyllically set atop a low promontory about a twenty minute walk from the
harbour, the Caloura Hotel is the perfect base for both relaxation and
exploration. The well established and independently owned hotel has been
refurbished to provide all the modern comforts expected by today's travellers
but still retains a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
The 80 rooms each have a balcony, with that all important ocean view,
bathrooms with both bathtub and shower and are fully air-conditioned. Each of
the attractively furnished rooms also has its own cable television, telephone,
mini-bar, hairdryer and safety deposit box.
Colourfully planted gardens and terraces frame the view perfectly and relaxing
by the pool or the snack bar patio is a real joy to the senses. If sea swimming
is more to your taste, a path from the gardens leads down to some natural
rock pools and a lovely sandy cove is under ten minutes walk away.
For more active guests the hotel has its own tennis court, gym and sauna and
also arranges boat trips, snorkelling safaris and horse riding. However, if
indulgence is more to your taste, the panoramic restaurant serves an
excellent range of dishes all complimented by fine views out over the ocean.
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