Faial
Known as the Blue Island, Faial is home to the youngest volcano in the Azores. Its main parish, Horta, is sister city to New Bedford, MA.
There is a rich international maritime culture in Horta, with the harbor hosting boats from all over the world.
LEARN MORE!
Pico
Pico is the youngest of all the islands. Its landscape is visibly volcanic and is home to the highest peak in all of Portugal, Pico Mountain.
Pico is rich in vineyards, volcanic swimming areas, and Azorean Whaleboats!
Experience sailing Azorean Whaleboats in Pico! This is a one week immersion into all things Azorean Whaleboats right in heart of this authentic community.
Terceira
Terceira is the most metropolitan of these three islands with residents from all over the world.
From coastal city to incredible caves and cliffs, Terceira offers rich culture, breath taking views, and so much more.
September 2026
Join us for an homage to the Hawk Island book series by local author, Manuela DaCosta. Read the books and explore 'Hawk Island' through the lens of the protagonist.
Questions? Email Lara
Hotel Papel brings people together through arts & culture.
Hotel Papel is a new program that celebrates sister cities through arts and culture, specifically Greater New Bedford and Fall River with the Azores. We host short term creative residencies as well as immersive cultural experiences that connect creative economies across the Atlantic Ocean.
Hotel Papel provides opportunities for people to explore different perspectives, traditions, and practices from each other. We are proud to contribute to the local economy and help preserve the magic of the islands.
Travel with Hotel Papel is curated for small groups, for creative purpose, and for an adventure.
We host creative exchanges
between Greater New Bedford and the Azores
*We also offer fully curated trips for private groups. Send Lara a message for more information.
ABOUT
Lara Lourenço Harrington
Hi! I'm Lara.
I am the daughter of immigrants from Terceira and Faial, two of the beautiful islands in the Açores. My journey to connect more with my heritage took a significant turn in 2011 when I became involved with the Azorean Whaleboats in New Bedford, MA. This involvement opened doors to immerse myself deeply in the culture, particularly through participating in international regattas with Pico and Faial. Through these experiences, I have built amazing friendships and discovered incredible opportunities to share the island's beauty and charm from a local perspective. My passion for the Açores continues to grow as I bring the essence of these islands to those around me.
This journey of bridging a creative community between New Bedford and the Azores was inspired by my background in the arts and my commitment to cultural exchange. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from the Massachusetts College of Art in 2000. After building a successful business in fitness, I'm excited to bring my hospitality and creative skills to Hotel Papel.
Connecting Sister Cities
A sister city relationship fosters cultural and commercial connections between two cities from different regions, aiming to build global friendship and understanding and draw different cultures together through what they have in common.
In the 19th century, Horta became an important port of call for the American whaling fleet. Whalers would offload whale oil, resupply their vessels, and pick up new crew members. This marked the beginning of the first wave of Azorean emigration to the U.S. , mostly to the East Coast and, in particular, to New Bedford. Another wave of Azorean emigration took place in 1957 when the Capelinhos volcano erupted on the island of Faial. Horta is the main port of the Azorean island Faial and a transatlantic meeting place for sailors. (explorenewbedford.org)
Hotel Papel intends to build exchanges with additional sister city locations including: São Miguel, Figueira da Foz, and Cabo Verde! By filling out the survey below, you will be helping Hotel Papel design and deliver a creative residency experience that truly celebrates Greater New Bedford, Fall River, the Azores, and more!
