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    São Miguel · Azores

    Lava Coliving

    5–9 people · 4 private rooms · 1 dorm bed

    Home Cinema

    A projector setup with giant screen and oversized comfortable sofa creates memorable movie nights and communal entertainment experiences.

    Ocean Views

    Balcony views of the sea with sunrise and sunset viewing opportunities provide a stunning natural backdrop for work and relaxation.

    Central Location

    Strategic positioning in the island's center allows 15-30 minute access to all major attractions, beaches, and natural wonders.

    Creative Spaces

    Dedicated painting areas and artistic corners inspire creativity and provide outlets for artistic expression beyond standard work facilities.

    Websitelavacoliving.comGoogle Maps4.9(50)InstagramInstagramWhatsAppWhatsapp

    About Lava Coliving

    Lava Coliving offers island life in the Azores on São Miguel, providing a perfect blend of coworking and community. Located in a big open-plan house with large community areas, the space features fast internet, coworking spaces, and is close to surfing spots and hiking trails. The coliving values community and organizes group activities including dinners, movie nights, hiking, and surfing.

    Origin story

    Mareike opened Lava Coliving in 2023, fulfilling a dream that came true after years of diverse experiences. Her journey began with marine biology studies in North Wales, followed by a PhD in coral ecology in New Zealand, and work as a marine biologist across various Pacific Islands including Hawaii, Rarotonga, and American Samoa. In 2019, she moved to São Miguel and started helping with dog rescue, eventually establishing the coliving space four years later.

    Community philosophy

    Lava isn't a party hostel but a home for curious, independent nomads who appreciate quiet mornings, conversations, and unforced connections. The philosophy centers around organic community building where connections happen naturally - someone cooks and others join, coworking turns into deep chats, and beach walks become sunset beers. The magic lies in the unplanned moments. The space welcomes both those seeking connection and those needing space, maintaining a chill, respectful atmosphere that's not overcrowded. Whether residents want a shared dinner, a hike, or to work quietly next to someone cool, it's all welcome.

    Hosts

    Born in 1982 in a small village in Northwest Germany. In 2004, moved to North Wales to start a Bachelor in Marine biology & zoology. In 2008, moved to New Zealand to travel in a camper van for 1 year, then started a PhD in coral ecology at the University of Wellington. From 2012-19, worked as marine biologist on various Pacific Islands (Hawaii, Rarotonga, American Samoa). In 2019, moved to São Miguel and started to help with dog rescue. In 2023, opened Lava Coliving - Dreams come true!

    Licensed acupuncturist Miguel offers specialized pain treatment and soothing wellness massages as an in-house service.

    Rating

    9.0/10 Excellent
    Based on 28 reviews

    Key points

    Meaningful connections

    Guests consistently form genuine friendships during their stays, with several mentioning continued connections after leaving and a desire to stay in touch with people they met.

    Family-like atmosphere

    Multiple guests describe a warm, family-like vibe that made them reluctant to leave and eager to return, indicating deep community bonds.

    Optional participation

    The community offers social opportunities without pressure, allowing guests to engage at their own comfort level while still feeling part of the group.

    Longer stays

    Many guests stay for extended periods of 3+ weeks, with some staying for months, which facilitates deeper community connections.

    Key points

    Personal host engagement

    The host Mareike is mentioned by name in over half of reviews, with guests consistently praising her warmth, helpfulness, and dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere.

    Organized activities

    Regular group activities are organized including movie nights, poker nights, group dinners, and outings, providing consistent opportunities for community bonding.

    Volunteer system

    The space employs volunteers who live in the house and are specifically responsible for organizing events and group activities, demonstrating a structured approach to community building.

    Empowering approach

    Activities are optional and guests are encouraged rather than pressured to participate, creating an environment where community forms organically while respecting individual preferences.

    Key points

    Multiple dedicated spaces

    The house features diverse communal areas including two large living rooms, a coworking space, outdoor terraces, a home cinema setup, workout area, and painting area, providing options for different activities and moods.

    Spacious design

    Guests consistently emphasize the generous size of the house and its ability to accommodate everyone comfortably without feeling crowded, with plenty of spots to work or relax.

    Full-house gatherings

    The space facilitates whole-community activities like movie nights on the projector and group dinners, with areas designed to bring everyone together.

    Thoughtful design

    The house is described as sparking creativity and feeling warm while maintaining character, with attention to detail in lighting, furniture, and practical solutions throughout.

    Key points

    Excellent internet

    Multiple reviews praise the fast and reliable internet connection, with one specifically mentioning 200mbits speed. WiFi works well throughout the property including in rooms.

    Dedicated coworking space

    The property features a large, quiet coworking space with additional monitors available for guests. Multiple reviews describe it as spacious and well-equipped.

    Desks in rooms

    Every room includes a desk, making it easy for guests to work privately or take calls from their own space. Several reviews highlight this as particularly useful for focused work and private meetings.

    Multiple work zones

    The property offers various spaces to work from, allowing guests to choose between quiet focus areas or more social environments depending on their needs.

    Quiet environment

    The house is consistently described as quiet during working hours, providing an ideal environment for focused work without distractions.

    Potential issues

    Seating comfort

    While workspaces and desks are extensively praised, only one review mentions chairs at all, with no reviews describing seating comfort or ergonomic features. This notable absence across 26 work-focused reviews suggests seating may be adequate but not particularly comfortable.

    Key points

    Fully equipped

    The kitchen is described as fully equipped with everything needed for cooking, with one guest calling it the best equipped kitchen they've ever seen.

    Social cooking

    The kitchen layout enables guests to cook together and socialize, serving as both a functional space and a community gathering point.

    Key points

    Exceptional cleanliness

    Multiple guests emphasize the spotless condition of the house, with several using superlatives to describe the cleanliness standards maintained throughout the property.

    Thoughtful amenities

    The house includes practical amenities like washing machine, dryer, and ample storage space, with attention to detail in organization and design.

    Well-maintained facilities

    The property is consistently described as well-maintained and organized, with everything functioning properly and kept in excellent condition.

    Key points

    Quiet location

    The property is consistently described as peaceful and quiet, providing an ideal environment for rest without disturbances from noise.

    Comfortable rooms

    Rooms are described as spacious and bright with heating available, contributing to a comfortable sleeping environment.
    Read all reviews on Google Maps

    Work

    Main workspace
    Modern coworking space designed to maximize productivity and facilitate focus, with 24/7 access for guests. Features meeting rooms and is designed to inspire creativity and collaboration.
    Call spaces
    Private call booth available for guests
    Alternative workspaces
    Outdoor space available, fully-equipped communal kitchen that can be used for work, and various communal areas in the large open-plan house

    Equipment

    Monitors
    Monitors included with every booking
    Ergonomic chairs
    Comfortable workspaces mentioned but no specific details about ergonomic chairs
    Standing desks
    No information found about standing desks
    Coffee & tea
    Coffee & Tea included with every booking

    Internet

    Broadband
    High-speed internet connection designed for fast and reliable connectivity to facilitate focus and productivity in the working space
    Wi-Fi coverage
    Not specified

    Meals

    Community dinnersVaries
    Group dinners organized as part of community activities within the coliving, with informal shared cooking where someone cooks and others join

    Groceries

    Nearby vendors

    Supermarket
    Supermarket located nearby the coliving space
    Farmers market
    Farmer's Market located nearby the coliving space
    Websitelavacoliving.comGoogle Maps4.9(50)InstagramInstagramWhatsAppWhatsapp

    Activities

    Movie Nights

    Community movie nights on a giant projector screen with the biggest most comfortable sofa ever and incredible home cinema setup. Watch films together in the spacious upstairs living room or set up your own private movie sessions.

    5 mentions in reviews

    Island Exploration & Day Trips

    Explore São Miguel from the centrally located house with all island attractions within 15-30 minutes drive. Discover hidden spots beyond typical tourist guides, visit Ponta Delgada, access both north and south coasts easily, and enjoy day trips to natural wonders across the island.

    11 mentions in reviews

    Hot Springs

    Visit natural hot springs around the island including Terra Nostra Park, Poça da Dona Beija, Caldeira Velha, and Termas das Caldeiras within easy driving distance. Hot spring towels provided by the house for convenient thermal bath visits offering warm, mineral-rich water for relaxation.

    5 mentions in reviews

    Surfing

    Access to Santa Barbara Beach (5 min drive) and Populo Beach (10-15 min drive), offering consistent waves year-round on both north and south coasts. Less crowded lineups in summer, suitable for extended surf trips with reliable swell on either side of the island.

    5 mentions in reviews

    Outdoor Relaxation & Lounging

    Relax in multiple cozy outdoor spaces including two terraces and a beautiful garden with several comfortable sitting areas. Soak in panoramic views, enjoy the peaceful rural atmosphere, and unwind in the stunning natural surroundings.

    4 mentions in reviews

    Sunrise & Sunset Viewing

    Experience stunning sunrise and sunset views from the house balconies with panoramic ocean vistas. Watch the sunrise from one side in the morning and sunset from the other side in the evening, creating perfect bookends to your island days.

    3 mentions in reviews

    Rooms

    Double Room

    Double bed
    Up to 2 guests
    Shared bathroom

    This private room features one double bed, a desk and a shared bathroom (shared with one other room).

    Dorm

    Dorm bed
    1-person dorm
    Shared bathroom

    This room is a 2 bed shared room with a shared bathroom. The second bed is used by my volunteer: - from 1 July - 9 August male volunteer (bookings of either male or female accepted) - from 10 August onwards female volunteer (only bookings of females are accepted)

    Double Room

    Double bed
    Up to 2 guests
    Private bathroom

    This private room features one double bed, two desks and a private en-suite bathroom.

    Double Room

    Double bed
    Up to 2 guests
    Shared bathroom

    This private room features two beds, a desk and a shared bathroom (shared with one other room). The beds can not be booked seperatly, it's perfect for 2 friends traveling together, a single person, or a couple.

    Double Room

    Double bed
    Up to 2 guests
    Shared bathroom

    This private room features a double bed, a desk and a shared bathroom (shared with one other room).

    Location

    Between Rabo de Peixe & Ribeira Grande, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal

    Lava Coliving is situated in a quiet and safe neighborhood between the towns of Rabo de Peixe and Ribeira Grande on São Miguel Island. The accommodation is housed in a building from 2002 that was renovated in 2022, offering modern amenities in a traditional setting.

    The location provides easy access to some of São Miguel's most popular surfing spots and beaches, with Santa Barbara Beach just 4.2 km away. The area is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails and offers stunning natural landscapes typical of the Azores' volcanic terrain. The coliving is very close to various outdoor activities while maintaining a peaceful residential atmosphere away from crowded tourist areas.

    Getting Around

    Limited walkability
    Quiet rural location with supermarket and gas station 5 minutes drive away
    Reviews: Guests appreciate the peaceful, safe area but note that walking to amenities requires longer distances, with most services requiring a car
    Car rental
    Rental services available on the island. Strongly advised for exploring São Miguel.
    Destinations: All island attractions, hiking trails, beaches, surfing spots, hot springs, and remote areas
    Reviews: Consistently recommended by guests as essential. Central location makes all island destinations reachable within 20-30 minutes drive. Convenient parking available at the property.
    Coliving bikes
    Bikes provided by the coliving for guest use
    Destinations: Santa Barbara Beach (4.2 km away), nearby coastal areas and local spots
    Reviews: Guests mention enjoying beautiful bike rides from the property, particularly appreciated for combining work with outdoor activities
    Public buses
    Local bus network available throughout the island with affordable fares
    Destinations: Major towns, some beaches, and main island destinations
    Reviews: Bus station mentioned as nearby, though guests primarily rely on cars for convenience and flexibility around the island
    Local taxi
    Taxi services available for occasional trips
    Destinations: Beaches, Ponta Delgada, and other island locations
    Reviews: Guests note that occasional taxi rides to beaches or Ponta Delgada remain affordable due to the property's good central location
    Free parking
    Free parking available nearby Santa Barbara Beach. Parking arrangements for guests with rental cars.

    Getting There

    How to get to Lava Coliving from the nearest transportation hubs:

    Ponta Delgada Airport (João Paulo II Airport)

    1. Contact Lava Coliving to arrange pickup service
    2. Meet at designated pickup point at Ponta Delgada Airport
    3. Direct transfer to Lava Coliving accommodation

    Available for an extra fee. Contact the coliving directly to arrange and confirm pricing.

    1. Rent a car at Ponta Delgada Airport
    2. Drive to Lava Coliving located between Rabo de Peixe & Ribeira Grande
    3. Use GPS coordinates: 37.7967509,-25.5657627

    Strongly advised for exploring the island. Car rental is the most flexible option for getting around São Miguel.

    Policies

    Stay restrictions

    14 nights minimum

    Guest restrictions

    Pets not allowed

    The house has a resident cat, but is not pet friendly for guests who wish to bring their own pets

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Booking & Rates

    Services & Transportation

    House Rules & Policies