The Azores offers an abundance of natural wonders, from soaring volcanic peaks to deep-green valleys. At the Golden Mermaid Villa, we celebrate the unique environment of São Miguel, inviting our guests to look closely at the life thriving all around us. This island truly is a land where nature surprises you daily.

An Overnight Discovery

My own journey into the minutiae of Azorean nature began right outside my door. Last month, two remarkably large mushrooms—around eight inches wide—popped up in the grave walkway of my garden overnight. This sudden appearance sparked a strong curiosity.

Fungi are fascinating; they are the visible, fleshy parts of the underground thread-like network called mycelium. They can be edible, medicinal, or dangerously poisonous. Driven by wonder, I quickly turned to technology, downloading a Mushroom Identification app. The app suggested it was likely a Prince or Agaricus Augustus—but, of course, it came with the iron-clad warning: Never eat a wild mushroom based on an app, as misidentification can be deadly.

I recall performing the checks the app suggested—looking for an almond-like smell and testing if the flesh bruised yellow (a sign of a similar, toxic species). Ultimately, after cautious cooking a small portion and incorporated into a fried rice dish, I felt comfortable concluding my personal experiment was safe.

A Crucial Note on Discovery and Safety

While the experience deepened my appreciation for the life cycle of the forest, it serves as a powerful reminder: The greatest pleasure in nature is observation, not consumption. We strongly urge all guests to treat every wild mushroom as potentially poisonous. Enjoy their beauty and variety, capture a photo, but leave them undisturbed. Your safety is our highest priority.

Incorporate Wellness and Wonder

Today, I continue to explore the Azorean trails with a newfound attention to detail. Just yesterday, I came across four different kinds of mushrooms growing along a single stretch of the path. I’m always looking for ways to deepen my connection with the landscape.

I have also embraced “rucking”—adding light weight to my backpack during my weekly hikes. It’s a fantastic habit that integrates weight training and aerobic exercise with the profound benefits of being in nature, supporting my commitment to longevity.

You can join me in this pursuit of wellness and discovery. The Golden Mermaid Villa offers the perfect retreat to incorporate these habits into your daily life.

Ready to hike the inspiring trails of the Azores and discover the wonders of this unique land? Book your room at the Golden Mermaid Villa.

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