1935 - 2025

Hospitality by Nature

For nine decades, we have evolved, innovated, and grown—while preserving what truly defines us: the art of heartfelt hospitality.

Ninety years of stories, spirit, places, and people.

Of those who arrived once and never stopped coming back.
Of those who care, serve, and turn moments into lasting memories.

These years belong to everyone who’s been part of our journey.

1935

THE BEGINNING OF AN ICON

On April 20, 1935, Hotel Terra Nostra was inaugurated, featuring 40 rooms and a modernist design with Art Déco inspiration, created by engineer Manuel António de Vasconcelos.

Inspired by Europe’s grand hotels, Hotel Terra Nostra opened the doors to thermal tourism and the natural beauty of Furnas - creating a lasting legacy in the Azores.

1965

HOSPITALITY TAKES NEW SHAPE

This year marks the opening of Vasco Bensaude's final - and one of the most remarkable - projects: the Hotel São Pedro.

Originally a 19th-century residence of American vice-consul Thomas Hickling, it has been transformed into one of the most elegant hotels in Europe.

1977

A COMMITMENT TO DIFFERENTIATION

Acquisition of Hotel Avenida, located in the heart of Ponta Delgada.

Years later, NEAT Hotel Avenida became the group’s first venture into a more accessible market segment, featuring an innovative and distinctive concept.

1990

THE GROUP’S FIRST FIVE-STAR HOTEL

The “Grand Hotel” style came to São Miguel with the opening of Hotel Açores Atlântico in Ponta Delgada.

It later developed into today’s Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico, a property whose history is deeply intertwined with that of the Bensaude Group and the maritime voyages of the Empresa Insulana de Navegação.

2001–2005

GEOGRAPHIC EXPANSION

A period of growth that strengthened the group’s leadership in São Miguel and marked its expansion into new destinations, including the opening of new properties in São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, and Lisbon.

2022

THE BIRTH OF BOTANIA HALL BY TERRA NOSTRA

An independent villa in the heart of Parque Terra Nostra, created from the renovation of Yankee Hall - the former summer residence of consul Thomas Hickling, dating back to the early 19th century.

2024

CONSOLIDATION IN THE AZORES

A new phase of expansion and consolidation begins for Bensaude Hotels in the Azores, highlighted by the concession of Hotel do Caracol on Terceira Island and the acquisition of Caloura Hotel Resort on São Miguel Island.

90th Anniversary Celebration

90 Years Shaping the History of Azorean Hospitality

We celebrated a noteworthy milestone in our identity—nine decades of dedication, trust, and innovation - at Parque Terra Nostra, the place where it all started.

Together with public entities, partners, and team members, we honored our past and reaffirmed what makes us unique: our deep connection to nature and the authenticity of the Azores.