Once home to the former Liceu da Horta, the property has reopened as The Book Hotel, becoming the first five-star hotel on the Azorean island.

Located in the centre of Horta, the boutique hotel blends the character of the historic building with modern comfort, while preserving the stories that have shaped it over the years. Before becoming a secondary school, the property was home to the Grémio Literário Faialense, where many of the island’s writers, intellectuals and community figures gathered to exchange ideas. That heritage inspired both the hotel’s design and its name.

The project represents an investment of around €8.5 million and has transformed the former school into a boutique property with just 20 rooms and five apartments. Rather than focusing on size, the hotel aims to offer a more personal experience, with tailor-made services, wellness programmes, island excursions and carefully curated local experiences. It is managed by Amazing Evolution and was developed by the Portuguese company Lamparina Melódica.

The renovation combines old and new. Several features of the former school have been retained, while the interiors have been adapted for hotel guests. Outside, the pool is lined with basalt stone sourced from the Azores.

Turning the old school into a luxury hotel was a long process. It took around seven years from the first plans to opening the doors. Like many restoration projects, there were plenty of setbacks along the way, from obtaining the necessary permits to dealing with the pandemic and the added challenge of transporting materials to an island.

The hotel hopes to attract travellers looking for more than just luxury accommodation. Alongside its rooms, guests will be able to explore Faial through guided experiences, wellness activities and cultural programmes designed to showcase the island's unique identity.

A new milestone for Faial

The opening of The Book Hotel marks more than the arrival of a new place to stay. As the island's first five-star hotel, it reflects the growing demand for high-end tourism in the Azores while showing how historic buildings can be given a new purpose without losing their identity.

Across Portugal, former schools, convents and manor houses are increasingly being restored instead of replaced, preserving local heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism and the economy. In Faial, that approach has transformed a building that once educated generations of islanders into a hotel that will now welcome visitors from around the world, ensuring its story continues for many years to come.