THE SOLAR BRANCO ECO EXPERIENCES: AGENT PRESENTATION 2021 - 22

SOLARBRANCO.COM ABOUT THE SOLAR BRANCO ECO-ESTATE

ABOUT THE PROPERTY: Solar Branco or The White Mansion in English, is located just above the historical town of Livramento on the biggest island of the Azores, São Miguel. The estate has 9 individual accommodation units. The main building originates from the 1800s.

OUR UNIQUE EXPERIENCES: From vegan cozido to a gin tasting masterclass we have Azorean themed experiences for you to enjoy. Check these out by visiting our website here.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Please feel free to check us out and follow on the following channels: Instagram: @solarbranco Facebook: Solar Branco Eco-Estate Web: solarbranco.com ABOUT US ALI & CAROLINE - YOUR HOSTS

THE ESTATE IS OWNED AND RUN BY CAROLINE AND HER HUSBAND ALI. WE BELIEVE THAT WE SET OURSELVES APART FROM THE CROWD WITH OUR UNIQUE EXPERIENCES.

ALI IS IN CHARGE OF COORDINATING GUEST EXPERIENCES AND ALL THINGS GIN. IN SHORT, THE FUN STUFF. HE ALSO LEADS GUEST EXPERIENCES INCLUDING, HIKING, MOUNTAIN BIKING AND TOURS AROUND THE SOLAR BRANCO GROUNDS AND PONTA DELGADA. PREVIOUSLY ALI WORKED FOR THE WORLD WILDLIFE FUND AS WELL AS RED BULL IN FORMULA ONE. HE HAS SPOKEN AT DAVOS ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA AND DYSLEXIA.

CAROLINE LEADS OUR CULINARY EXPERIENCES, INCLUDING OUR TOP SELLING VEGAN COZIDO, AS WELL AS SHINRIN YOKU (NATURE CONNECTION) SESSIONS WHERE YOU WILL EXPERIENCE THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE AZORES WITH ALL YOUR SENSES. PREVIOUSLY SHE WAS A MEMBER OF THE BRITISH DIPLOMATIC SERVICE FOR ALMOST 2 DECADES. HER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDED LOOKING AFTER MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY AS WELL AS POLITICIANS AND OTHER VIPS. OUR COMMITMENT TO A SUSTAINABLE AZORES THE OCEAN AZORES FOUNDATION

THE OCEAN AZORES FOUNDATION WILL LOOK TO FUND OCEAN BASED RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION PROJECTS BASED ON ALL ISLANDS OF THE AZORES. OUR AIM IS TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT THAT WE NOW CALL HOME. FUNDING WILL COME FROM SALES OF BALEIA GIN, AS WELL AS GUEST DONATIONS, DONATIONS FROM THE SOLAR BRANCO ECO ESTATE AS WELL AS EVENTS HOSTED ON THE GROUNDS.. 5-STAR EXPERIENCES

ALL OUR EXPERIENCES HAVE BEEN TOP RATED BY GUESTS READ FOR YOURSELF HERE

Gorgeous wall of an ever expanding selection of gin. Best gin & tonic I have tasted. Wonderful people; will definitely visit again! (5 Stars) Alice, USA

My boyfriend and I visited the gin library and found it to be a fun and enlightening way to spend an evening in the Azores. I learned a lot about gin in terms of its use as a spirit, its history with the British empire, and the recent and growing popularity of the small batch and crafted gin market. We were even able to sample from Ali’s impressive personal collection of gins from all around the world. Before experiencing the “Gin Library,” I would not have considered myself a lover of gins, but now my interest in this diverse and tasty is spirit is piqued. If you have an appreciation for learning in a non-pretentious setting, you are guaranteed to love this place. Don’t miss out on this unique, fun, and off the beaten path opportunity! (5 Stars) Mary, USA

Amazing experience! Ali is super nice, the house has nice atmosphere and the gin and tonic was perfect. Absolutely recommend it! (5 Stars) Atei, Hungary

Beautiful gin library, where we could taste Azorean Gin. Ali knows a lot about the history of Gin and talks passionately about it. (5 Stars) Lore, Netherlands ECO-TOURISM LEADERS

AT THE FOREFRONT OF ECO-TOURISM IN THE AZORES

Be assured of a sustainable experience at the Solar Branco Eco Estate.

From zero waste food initiatives to a ban on single use plastic, we aim to to offer some of the most sustainable and eco-friendly experiences in the Azores.

Our experiences have sustainability at their heart. We carefully curate unique insights into the Azores through activities such as Shinrin Yoku (Forest bathing) as well as a vegan cozido hosted on this heritage estate. Every activity is thoughtfully put together to minimise the impact on the environment.

Each experience on the estate comes with a complimentary tour of the grounds to showcase our eco-initiatives and inspire our visitors.

We also offer a tour of the local farmers’ market to help support our community by buying direct from local producers.There will always be more to do, and here at the Solar Branco Eco Estate we are hoping to lead and inspire other hotels to join us in reducing our collective impact on the environment and keeping the Azores in pristine condition. COVID-19 UPDATE

(LATEST UPDATE: SUMMER 2021)

THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR GUESTS AND OUR COMMUNITY IS PARAMOUNT. WE ARE IMPLEMENTING STRONG PROTOCOLS TO HELP KEEP EVERYONE SAFE. WE HAVE UNDERTAKEN TRAINING THROUGH TURISMO DE PORTUGAL’S CLEAN & SAFE INITIATIVE.

THESE ARE SOME OF THE HYGIENE MEASURES WE WILL BE FOLLOWING TO HELP AVOID THE RISK OF CONTAGION.

- SOCIAL DISTANCING: OUR TEAM REMAIN AT A 2 METRE DISTANCE FROM GUESTS AT ALL TIMES - GROUPS: WE KEEP OUR GROUP SIZES SMALL SO THAT GUESTS ARE ABLE TO KEEP A 2 METRE DISTANCE FROM EACH OTHER - GUESTS WHO ATTEND TOGETHER DO NOT NEED TO SOCIAL DISTANCE WITHIN THEIR OWN GROUP - HYGIENE: SPRAY HAND SANITISER AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES; MASKS AND GLOVES: AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE, SHOULD YOU WISH TO USE THEM - TEAM: OUR TEAM SANITISE THEIR HANDS FREQUENTLY DURING YOUR TIME WITH US - CLEANING SCHEDULE: AT OUR PREMISES, WE CLEAN AND DISINFECT CHAIRS, TABLES, SURFACES, SWITCHES, DOOR KNOBS, EQUIPMENT AND BATHROOMS BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR VISIT - EQUIPMENT: WE HAVE SANITISING EQUIPMENT ON HAND TO CLEAN SWITCHES, DOOR KNOBS AND OTHER SURFACES ON REQUEST DURING YOUR VISIT SOLAR BRANCO ECO EXPERIENCES BALEIA GIN TASTING

AGENT PRICE: €16 / RETAIL PRICE: €20 DURATION: 1 HOUR GUESTS 1 - 8 TIMES: WEDS, FRI 17:00

Named after the Portuguese word for whale, Baleia is distilled overlooking the never-ending Atlantic Ocean on the island of São Miguel.

Blending traditional botanicals such as juniper, citrus and rosemary with seaweed sustainably sourced from the waters around the island. Baleia Gin has an exceptionally smooth flavour, mixing a touch of sweetness with the salt of the ocean.

Every bottle sold supports marine conservation projects in the region, through a donation to The Ocean Azores Foundation.

Ali Bullock, owner of the world-renowned Gin Library, located at The Solar Branco Eco Estate, conceptualised and created Baleia Gin in partnership with producer Lima & Quental. Artwork drawn by local artist Catarina Limão.

The Azorean people and whales have a long history over the last 150 years, from hunting whales, through to the outlawing of commercial whaling in 1981. Baleia Gin aims to awaken your senses to the salt of the ocean, and envisage a mission of hope to the future and preservation of these magnificent cetaceans of the ocean.

This experience is held at the Solar Branco Eco Estate come rain or shine. When the weather is nice, the library doors are open, bringing the beautiful views of the green hills of São Miguel to the ocean beyond. There is also ample seating outside and we invite you to tour the grounds with a G&T in hand. For rainy days, we have comfortable seating inside.

Your gin tasting includes a journey through the history of the Azores, the Solar and the citrus trade with the UK as well as learning to make, and enjoying, the perfect Baleia Gin and Tonic.

Please note: This experience is only available for adults over eighteen. Children are not allowed to accompany adults. AZOREAN GIN TASTING: INCL BALEIA & ROCHA NEGRA

AGENT PRICE: €32 / RETAIL PRICE: €40 DURATION: 1.5 HOURS HOSTED BY: ALI GUESTS 1 - 8 TIMES: TUES, SAT & SUN 17:00

While Portugal is better known for its Port, that hasn't stopped it from producing some excellent gin. Join us as you are guided through the rich history and flavours of gin with gin expert and host here at the Solar Branco Eco Estate, Ali Bullock.

Your gin tasting takes you through the very best gins from the Azores and Portugal as you learn about the history of gin and its modern renaissance. You will try 3 taster gins with selected tonics and garnishes matched for each one. Light snacks will be served during the tasting.

This experience is held come rain or shine. Your gin tasting takes you through the very best gins from the Azores and Portugal as you learn about the history of gin and its modern renaissance.

Enjoy your visit to The Gin Library, one of the largest gin collections in the world. SHINRIN YOKU FOREST BATHING WALK

AGENT PRICE: €20 / RETAIL PRICE: €25 DURATION: 3 HOURS HOSTED BY: CAROLINE GUESTS 4 - 10 TIMES: CONTACT US

Shinrin Yoku is a unique sensory way to experience and connect with nature. Originating in Japan, Shinrin Yoku offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without modern day distractions.

Shinrin Yoku is often referred to in English as forest bathing (the literal translation of this Japanese term) or forest therapy.

This activity takes place at Pinhal de Paz, or other outdoor location on the island to suit the group's itinerary. Shorter sessions can be offered on a bespoke basis. Please contact us to discuss your group's needs.

Your guide, Caroline Sprod, is the first and only Shinrin Yoku guide in the Azores, and co-owner of the Solar Branco Eco Estate. VEGAN COZIDO DINNER

AGENT PRICE: €52 / RETAIL PRICE: €65 GUESTS 4 - 8 TIMES: 48 HOURS NOTICE NEEDED

Coming to the Azores is all about connecting with nature, and enjoying some of the unique experiences that these islands have to offer. One of the most unique and exciting things to enjoy is the Cozido das Furnas - a meal cooked in a volcano.

This famous rustic dish is traditionally made with meat and vegetables. The Solar Branco Eco Estate's signature version is a modern plant based interpretation of the dish, using fresh local seasonal ingredients and a special blend of herbs and spices, delivering a delicious and refined twist on the traditional dish.

Your evening starts by joining us to pick up the pot from the cooking site. Thanks to the volcanic heat, the pot is kept naturally at a temperature of 80 - 90 degrees Celsius and cooks there for at least 6 hours. It's a fun photo opportunity to show friends and family how you hauled your dinner out of the steam of the volcano. You'll return to The Solar Branco Eco Estate to enjoy this unique food with local wines, beers and accompaniments. Please note: This does not include transportation. You will need to make your own way to and from the cooking site. AZOREAN VOLCANIC WINE TASTING

AGENT PRICE: €45 / RETAIL PRICE: €55 DURATION: 1.5 HOURS HOSTED BY: ALI & JOÃO GUESTS (MINIMUM) 6 TIMES: CONTACT US

Join us for a wine tasting at the historic Solar Branco Eco Estate, above the town of Livramento. The area was known for growing wine grapes in the 1700s, before citrus took over in the 1800s. The estate still has its terraces on which grapes were grown. You will be hosted by Ali Bullock, owner of the Solar Branco Eco Estate, and our in-house private wine sommelier, João Couto. Ali and João will take you through the rich history of the Azores and the wines of the region.

During the tasting you will sample 4 white wines and 2 red wines from the Azores archipelago. The wines are all paired with local cheeses and savory bites showcasing regional specialities. Each unique wine is handpicked from small independent producers, many of them producing less than 1,000 bottles each year.

You’ll learn from your hosts about the history of winemaking in the Azores, its place in local culture, and how islanders have continued to grow grapes on this volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic ocean.

The tasting takes place on the Gin Library terrace, where you will enjoy views of the countryside and Atlantic ocean. We welcome you to take a tour of the grounds of the estate, with a glass of wine in hand. The estate is perfectly located less than 10 minutes from the main city of Ponta Delgada. The heritage house sits on top of a hill, surrounded by farmland, overlooking the quaint town of Livramento and the ocean beyond. PORTUGUESE TERROIR WINE TASTING

AGENT PRICE: €52 / RETAIL PRICE: €65 DURATION: 1.5 HOURS HOSTED BY: ALI & JOÃO GUESTS (MINIUM) 6 TIMES: CONTACT US

Join us for a wine tasting at the historic Solar Branco Eco Estate, above the town of Livramento. The area was known for growing wine grapes in the 1700s, before citrus took over in the 1800s. The estate still has its terraces on which grapes were grown. You will be hosted by Ali Bullock, owner of the Solar Branco Eco Estate, and our in-house private wine sommelier, João Couto. Ali and João will take you through the rich history of winemaking in Portugal and its regional wines.

During the tasting you will sample 3 white wines and 3 red wines from Portugal. The wines are all paired with local cheeses and savory bites showcasing regional Azorean specialities. Each unique wine is handpicked from small independent producers.

The tasting takes place on the Gin Library terrace, where you will enjoy views of the countryside and Atlantic ocean. We welcome you to take a tour of the grounds of the estate, with a glass of wine in hand. The estate is perfectly located less than 10 minutes from the main city of Ponta Delgada. The heritage house sits on top of a hill, surrounded by farmland, overlooking the quaint town of Livramento and the ocean beyond. SUSHI & JAPANESE GIN DINNER

AGENT PRICE: €52 / RETAIL PRICE: €65 DURATION: 1 HOUR HOSTED BY: JOANA & ALI TIMES: AVAILABILITY: CONTACT US MIN GUESTS 4

Join hosts Ali and Joana at The Gin Library for a sushi masterclass and Japanese gin tasting, creating a unique gastronomic pairing.

Locally born Joana is considered the best sushi chef in the Azores. She will talk you through the basics of preparing sushi. You’ll learn how to handle sharp knives, and prepare delicacies using the finest and freshest ingredients. Joana loves to combine modern and traditional flavours and ingredients to create her masterpieces.

She personally collects the fish as the boats come into the port of Rabo de Peixe. After you’ve honed your sushi making skills under Joana’s tutelage you’ll get to try out your creations.

Ali has picked gins with Japanese botanicals and citrus that carefully complement the delicate sushi flavours. The Gin Library is located at The Solar Branco Eco Hotel. It contains one of the largest private gin collections in the world.

Local wines and beers are available. Please note, all drinks are charged on a per drink basis. PAINT A TILE IN THE AZORES

AGENT PRICE: €12 ADULTS / €8 CHILDREN (UNDER 13) / RETAIL PRICE: €15 ADULTS / €10 CHILDREN (UNDER 13) DURATION: 2 HOURS HOSTED BY: ALI & CAROLINE GUESTS 4 - 8 TIMES: CONTACT US

This experience is about bringing families and friends of all ages together to celebrate your time in the Azores.

Each visitor can paint a tile as a special memory that can be left here on the Solar Branco Eco-Estate as a visual record and as inspiration for future visitors.Your tile will be mounted on our wall of memories. Take part and celebrate the diversity of visitors to the island and capture a moment of time from your stay on São Miguel.

This activity is inspired by the painted stones in the harbour of Horta where sailors paint their boat names and countries of origin. The proceeds will be used towards the restoration of the estate.

Please note: (1) Entry fee includes one tile for each participant, home-made cookies and soft drinks.(2) All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. PARTNER EXPERIENCES

(PLEASE CONTACT THE COMPANY DIRECTLY FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND BOOKING ENQUIRIES) WANDERLUST PHOTOS WITH LOCAL INFLUENCER

AGENT PRICE: CONTACT RUI SOARES PRICE: €180 DURATION: 5 HOURS GUESTS 1 - 3 TIMES: CONTACT VENDOR

Get your phone and camera ready and capture the landscape beauty of São Miguel Island, with me as your professional photographer and also local renowned Instagrammer.

Together we will discover the best spots, hidden gems into the forest and beat the crowds. I’ve been a island photographer for 10 years, capturing people and the raw beauty of the landscape here. Together we will go to the off beaten path to get you incredible images for your social media. We will have lots of time for each photo and location, feel free to bring your cameras and phone or just enjoy the beauties around you, while I capture you in amazing moments of wonderlust. Which will be so easy, because the spots I will take you to are truly breath taking.

This is a private experience just for you or your group, to make sure you have a dreamy day of creating content with me.

We will meet up and We navigate around the island using my photography expertise to make the most of the light and weather conditions. We will spend the day knowing the island and having a fun creating original content for your social media. If the weather lets us we can also do some awesome drone photos. HORSE RIDING THROUGH THE COUNTRYSIDE OF SÃO MIGUEL

AGENT PRICE: CONTACT EQUITOUR HORSE RIDING PRICE: €65+ DURATION: 3 HOURS GUESTS 2+ TIMES: CONTACT VENDOR

Equitur, our horse riding partner offers guided tours on our beautiful island. From beginners, intermediate, up to experienced riders, everyone is welcome.

The rides are fun in nature, with the best locations of the island and the chance to try out the portuguese horses – Lusitanos and Cruzados. On the rides you can enjoy the beautiful nature of the island, with sea views, riding along sandy lanes framed by the traditional azorean volcanic stone walls, jungle like areas, amazing views over the island and the steapcoasts and small farms with several fruit trees, plants and flowers.

They have a lovely family of horses, and will find the right horse for everyone. You will join a small group with experienced guides, who know both the island with its natural treasures and the horses well. DIVE THE DEEP AZOREAN BLUE

AGENT PRICE: CONTACT BEST SPOT DIVE CENTER PRICE: €45+ DURATION: 2+ HOURS GUESTS 1+ TIMES: CONTACT VENDOR

DAILY SCUBA DIVING TRIPS Get to the best diving spots with everyday scuba diving tours. Our local guides will show our marine life and guide you in a calm, relaxed and safe way. Bring your gear our chose to rent our equipment. Get information about our Dive and B&B package.

OFFSHORE DIVES Offshore dives can give you the best experience of all dive sites. You can have the chance of seeing Pelagic Fish and Mantas, Devil Rays or dive in Underwater Sea Mounts. All of them will take your breath away... This experiences requires minimum groups and experience from divers. A check dive maybe asked before.

PADI COURSES Want to start a new adventure that will change your life forever? Make a PADI Dive Course with us!!! Experience Instructors will make your experience unique. From Open Water to Professional Levels you chose were you want to go. For each student we give 10€ for Project AWARE ocean conservation and protection.

SNORKELING TOURS A daily activity where the whole family can join even those who do not dive. Our guides will explain the safest techniques for you to have fun safely. Insurance and complete equipment are included in the price of the activity. If you practice freediving, join our daily departures in the morning. MOTHER VACA! LEARN HOW TO MILK AN AZOREAN COW

AGENT PRICE: CONTACT THE FARM AZORES PRICE: €50 – ADULT (AGE 15+) €27 – CHILD (AGE 7 – 14) FREE – INFANT (AGE 0 – 6) DURATION: 3 HOURS GUESTS 2+ TIMES: CONTACT VENDOR

Would you like to milk a cow, taste raw milk and cheese, get immersed in the green of our island, see first-hand what it’s like to be an Azorean farmer, and have a truly authentic non-commercialized experience?

Then come and visit our farm! We are a small farm in Achadinha located in the northeastern side of São Miguel in the Azores islands of Portugal. We have 60 cows, heifers, and calves that graze on green pastures all year round and soak up the sunshine. We are happy to tell you why our sustainable production model results in healthy cows and high-quality products.

Learn to milk a cow Help feed the animals Exchange thoughts with us about sustainable farming, food, and life! Pet the calves Enjoy a picnic style tasting of our delicious raw milk, homemade jam, and fresh cheese Reconnect with your farmer and the process involved to get your food from farm to table CONTACT US

Bookings: We welcome you to book via phone, website or email

Website: www.solarbranco.com Call / WhatsApp: +351 919 076 779 Email: [email protected]

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Up to 7 days - full refund Up to 48 hours - 50% refund Under 48 hours - no refund Please note these terms are final

PLEASE NOTE THESE TERMS ARE FINAL. AS PART OF YOUR AGREEMENT TO SELL OUR EXPERIENCES YOU AGREE THESE OVERRULE ANY OTHER STANDARD CONDITIONS.

YOU ALSO AGREE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COMMUNICATING THESE TERMS TO YOUR CLIENTS. IMAGES

ALL IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE SOLAR BRANCO ECO ESTATE AND MAY BE USED WITH PERMISSION ACROSS YOUR MEDIA CHANNELS.

DOWNLOAD IMAGES BY CLICKING HERE YOUR GREETER UNA WILL GREET YOU AS YOU ARRIVE ON THE ESTATE. A PAT AND OCCASIONAL DOG TREAT WILL BE APPRECIATED, BUT NOT EXPECTED*

*UNA WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT TREATS ARE VERY MUCH EXPECTED

THE SOLAR BRANCO ECO ESTATE

SOLARBRANCO.COM/EXPERIENCES