Fogo Island Inn

We stayed at Fogo Island Inn in May 2025, and overall it was a remarkable experience. The Inn’s dramatic setting on the edge of the North Atlantic is unlike anywhere else — wild, beautiful, and deeply serene. The architecture and design are exceptional, with thoughtful touches that reflect the island’s culture and traditions. The food throughout our stay was excellent. We were fortunate to be there during a guest chef dinner from Pearl Morissette, which was a real highlight. I’m vegetarian, and every effort was made to ensure I had thoughtful, comparable dishes, which I genuinely appreciated. The kitchen’s creativity and commitment to local ingredients came through in every meal. We also thoroughly enjoyed the walking trails and the chance to explore the island on foot. The local community hosts and guides make a real difference — they bring Fogo Island to life through their stories and connection to the landscape. Our walk with Travis was particularly memorable and added so much to our understanding of the island. That said, there were a few areas where the experience felt less polished, especially considering the very high price point. Unlike other luxury properties we’ve stayed at — such as the Explora hotels in Chile and Argentina, which are of a comparable standard — no drinks are included, which felt out of step with expectations at this level. We were also celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary, and although the Inn was aware of this in advance, there was no acknowledgment of the occasion during our stay. While small gestures aren’t required, they are common at hotels in this category and would have added something meaningful to our anniversary. Despite these points, Fogo Island Inn remains a special and unforgettable place. Its sense of place, commitment to the community, and pristine natural surroundings make it a destination unlike any other. With a few refinements to match the standards of other high-end hotels, it would be truly exceptional from start to finish.

Arriving at Fogo Island Inn felt like stepping onto the edge of the world. Perched above the rugged North Atlantic, the view from my room stretched endlessly across the ocean. The design blends modern comfort with island tradition, creating a space that feels both luxurious and deeply connected to nature. From spotting icebergs drifting by to enjoying incredible local cuisine, every moment was unforgettable. Fogo Island Inn is more than a stay—it’s an adventure in culture, community, and breathtaking beauty.

It’s hard to explain the way in which the Fogo Island Inn and its warm staff make an impression on your soul. The hotel is much more than the bricks and mortar from which it is built. I felt welcomed by the kindness of strangers and left a little bit of my heart there. I travelled with my autistic son who was met with kindness and who states it’s one of the best places he’s stayed, All of the staff went above and beyond. The rooms, whilst not the biggest or swankiest, make you feel instantly at home and it’s hard to draw yourself away from the window, especially when you are greeted with an ever-evolving iceberg just off the rocks. I did manage to do a boat trip to the Little Fogo Islands and to see a giant berg which was incredible, When the captain sang a sea-shanty on the way home I momentarily believed I was from Newfoundland. You get assigned a community host who drives you round the island and shares stories of their life. This experience is far more than a stay in a hotel. It’s a brief immersion in the life of the Island. I always thought it would be a once-only trip. Now I am imagining what it would be like to visit in other seasons. I’ll have to start saving. For now I have my lovely quilt to remind me of the place.

My mother and I had the best time and we want to return again. It was my early 65th birthday and what a gift! Rooms, Staff, Services, Food were all excellent. 6 starts all around. Happiest place we have ever stayed in and I have told everyone they need to get there for sure. Congratulations on providing a truly outstanding place to visit and enjoy in our beautiful country.

We are fortunate that we are able to travel the world and stay, when available, at top rated properties. Fogo Island Inn rates as one of the best we have stayed. From a spectacular view, amazing service and outstanding food, it is a place one does not want to leave. The island offers very well mark trails yet, what makes the place special, are its people: beyond friendly.