Archives: Members

Espaço Talassa’s Team

Herminia Freitas

Hermínia has been our chef and the heart of our kitchen since 2005 — twenty-one years of never saying no and cooking with the one ingredient that can’t be measured: love. Born at the far end of the island, she brings Pico to every plate.

Dora Brum

Dora has been with us since 2009, bringing the same love and care to every dish as if cooking for family — because that is exactly how she sees it. Trained in hospitality on the mainland, she cooks with her heart. Try her fillet mignon and you will understand everything.

Cidália Brum

Cidália has been part of our kitchen team since 2009. She loves what she does, works best in peace, and brings a wonderfully contagious laugh to everything. Rumour has it she has a hidden talent for singing — mostly in the shower.

Sofia Fernandes

Sofia joined us as a student hoping to earn a little extra, but quickly found her passion. A true Pico local, she brings the island’s spirit and determination to everything she does. She’s a cornerstone of our team: organised, rigorous, and always on top of the numbers — while welcoming everyone with an open smile and a laugh that tends to fill the room.

Serge Viallelle

Co-founder of Espaço Talassa, this former old salt dropped anchor in the Azores and fell in love with the islands, an Azorean woman, and the whales that inspired a lifelong passion. In 1987, he founded the first cetacean observation base in the Azores. Serge passed away in December 2019, but his spirit guides us still.

João Gonçalves

A whaler for 36 years, João “Vigia” turned his deep knowledge of the ocean toward responsible whale watching. Since 1992, he patiently taught the team to read animal behaviour and listen to the sea. He set sail on his endless journey in December 2005, but his spirit guides every expedition still.

Gina Bettencourt

Gina was with us from 2000 till 2026 — long enough to have looked after the owners when they were still small. She loves what she does, works best with her team, and has a playlist for every mood.