São Miguel’s uniqueness goes far beyond its geographic location. Expect dramatic coastlines, waterfalls, hot springs and active – but currently dormant – volcanoes. Add to that Europe’s only tea plantations, pineapple farms and a food scene that’s as vibrant as the verdant landscape, and there’s a lot to keep us busy on an island that’s just 39 miles lon long and 10 miles wide.

Lucky for us – my husband, two-year-old and I – we’re staying at Octant Ponta Delgada, a perfect base from which to explore island life. The hotel. sleek and angular in design, is a short walk from the old town, a short drive from the emerald mountains and just a few steps from the marina. We soak up marina views from the balcony in our room, which is equally easy on the eye, with floor-to-ceiling windows, wood panels and a palette of earthy greens – we are on ‘the Green Island’, after all.