Moinho da Areia

Two original millstones from the Azores' old milling heartland sit in the shared living space, grounding this five-room guesthouse in what the building used to be. Two siblings from mainland Portugal spent four years converting an abandoned watermill on São Miguel's volcanic Monte Verde Beach, and the interiors show the effort: bespoke pieces by Azorean artists, furniture built partly from recycled skateboards. Surf lessons, board hire, and breakfast on a terrace 149 steps from the ocean.