good for you

Hummingbirds buzz about you; the bay stretches out before you, dotted with lush green islands and brightly coloured fishing boats, and the rainforest tumbles down onto the palm-lined beach. Right on the coast between Rio and Sao Paolo, just minutes from the beautifully preserved colonial town of Paraty, this small hotel is in perfect harmony with its surroundings.

Included in the 'Hip Hotel' guides, this hotel oozes understated style combined with eco-friendly rooms and super-friendly service. You'll easily meet fellow guests over delicious tropical cocktails at the end of a day's rainforest hiking, snorkelling off the hotel's private schooner, enjoying a day at Paraty's literary festival or simply lazing on the beach or by the spring water swimming pool. With no TVs or telephones to disturb you, this is a place to completely relax and enjoy some of the best of what Brazil has to offer - beautiful scenery, tropical sunshine, delicious fresh fruit and seafood and, if your lucky, some post-dinner bossa nova.

good for brazil

The hotel was set up by a Frenchman who has recruited a staff of locals from the Picinguaba fishing village. Staff is trained in hospitality and tourism, as well as English and other languages. On the green side, ceiling fans replace air conditioners, all food is organic and locally supplied, and water is never wasted.

Rooms

Food

A breakfast of exotic fruits - unlike any you'd find in your local supermarket - are served in an airy colonial-style room with a beautiful view of the bay. Fresh juices, cheeses, cold meats, as well as typical little Brazilian warm cheese rolls and carrot cake fresh from the oven, along with locally grown coffee and organic eggs.

Lunch is a more casual affair, and most people are out exploring for the day, enjoying grilled fish in a beach shack or a meal at one of the many interesting eateries in Paraty. For those who find themselves unable to move from the hotel's poolside deck, the bar serves light lunches, including super-fresh seafood.

Mingle with fellow guests over a pre-dinner caipirinha, made with passion fruit and the finest cachaca. Dinner is served buffet-style and is a set daily menu (let the kitchen know beforehand if you have special dietary needs). Built around the freshest local ingredients, dinner nearly always includes fish straight from the sea, along with Brazilian staples like beans and rice, and always with a fresh salad. Typical mains include seafood moqueca (the famous Bahian stew in coconut milk and dende oil) or giant grouper. A simple dessert finishes the meal, which is served with French champagne, or South American and local wines.

Dinner and breakfast are included in the rates, while drinks and lunch are extra.

Afternoon tea is also served, with a selection of Brazilian teas and coffees, along with homemade loaves and cakes.

Features & Facilities

• Pool with sun deck
• Bar serving cocktails, fresh juices and snacks
• Large garden filled with tropical flowers and hummingbirds
• 40-foot schooner for exploring islands, beaches and fishing in the bay
• Spa and massage services with a trained physio-therapist
• Wood-burning sauna with a view of the forest and sea
• Yoga sessions on request
• Original Brazilian artwork in the common areas, and a private art gallery on the premises (visits by appointment)
• Boutique sending handicrafts from various regions in Brazil as well as local jewellery and craft objects.
• Home cinema with a collection of classics and Brazilian films.
• Multi-language library in the hotel lounge, with plenty of Brazilian literature and reference books on the country.
• A piano and guitar for musical guests

See the 'Local Info' section for information on activities in the area.

Local Info & Activities

Picinguaba village is located in the heart of the Mata Atlantica rainforest, a unique ecosystem, part of which is UNESCO World Heritage listed.

the beach

Some of the prettiest beaches in Brazil can be found around the pousada, with about 20 to choose from with reach on foot, by kayak or boat, or by car, many of which are deserted most of the time. There are also beaches on nearby islands. The village beach, lying just below the hotel, is small but is perfect for a morning swim, and you may find turtles accompany you. The water temperature ranges from 24 to 28 degrees, depending on the season. Praia de Fazenda is a 3km beach just a 15-minute kayak ride or walk away, and is perfect for a jog or a surf on gentle waves. The shore is lined in places with mangroves and forest filled with rare orchids and birds. Some hidden, pristine beaches are accessible only by boat. Praia Brava is a particularly good surf spot, where dolphins can often be spotted.

the bay

The pousada has a 40ft schooner for the exclusive use of guests. This is perfect for exploring the bay and its many small islands, or for heading to secluded beaches in the area. You can also take it out fishing, snorkelling and dolphin spotting. Tours in the schooner usually pull in at nearby beach restaurant for grilled squid, crabs or fresh fish.

the forest

This coastal rainforest used to line the entire coast form Sao Paolo to north of Rio. This patch of still-virgin forest contains several nature reserves that protect it from development. They all form part of the Mata Atlantica ecosystems, which is one of the world's richest. About 45% of the animal and plant species found here are indigenous and it is home to more than 300 bird species, making it perfect for twitchers. The hotel organises whole- or half-day hikes in the forest, or you can organise hikes and tours independently.

vila picinguaba

The local fishing village is welcoming and relaxed. The name means "fish shelter" in the Tupi language, and the village's out-of-reach position means it has retained much of its rustic character and local charm.

paraty

Just 30km north of Picinguaba, Paraty was Brazil's richest town during the gold age of the 17th and 18th centuries. It was to here that gold was brought from the mines and shipped out by boat to Rio and beyond, until improved roadways saw the town lose its place in the gold trade. This saved the rich architectural heritage of the place from being despoiled, and tourism has since seen the place beautifully restored and preserved 18th century harbour town - now a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Walk through car-free cobble stoned streets and peer through latticed shutters into verdant courtyards. Haggle with boatmen at the jetty for the best ride out to the islands and enjoy the view of the town from the bay, when it is at its prettiest.

Rich in history, the town boasts an increasingly well known international literary festival, held each August, as well as many fine restaurants and bars, many offering live bossa nova in the evenings. Special times to visit include the local festivals that take place around Easter, during Espirito Santo (10 days in June) and July's Sao Pedro celebrations, which sees countless lavishly decorated boats meet in the islands of the bay. Naturally, New Year and Carnaval are also lively times to visit.

Paraty offers, among other water sports, water-skiing, scuba diving and sailing, all of which can be organised independently or through the pousada.

sports, tours and activities

The pousada arranges many activities (not included in the rates). These include:

• hiking in the rainforest with a professional guide
• cruising on the pousada's schooner to explore nearby islands and the bay
• horse riding in the mountains above Paraty, including full-day rides that stop for a bathe at nearby waterfalls
• guided tours of the colonial village of Paraty
• hiking through local coastal villages
• scuba diving and snorkelling
• surf lessons
• fishing trips with local fishermen

insider tips

climate

June to September are the cooler months but the weather is generally fine from late March through to November, when the rainy season begins. The climate is tropical and the rainy season is the hottest, with afternoon showers breaking the heat and humidity. The place enjoys year-round sea breezes.

Malaria is not a risk in this part of Brazil, but the insects do bite, so repellent is a good idea, as is a high-strength sunscreen.

The busiest periods are, as usual, Christmas and new Year through to Carnaval in February. Easter is also busy, and you'll also need to book in advance for August's International Literary Festival in Paraty.

One warning - the Pousada's insurance does not cover any accidents that might happen during the course of its tour services and excursions, so make sure you have your own.

Sustainability

• Wherever possible, the hotel recycles, and uses recyclable products.
• Water is conserved
• Food is all organic
• No air-conditioning
• Largely local staff with a training program that includes hospitality and tourism, as well as language classes and professional development in the best restaurants and hotels of Sao Paolo.
• Local purchasing policy and use of local labour for all work at the pousada.

Getting There

by bus

There are good air-conditioned buses leaving every few hours from both Rio and Sao Paulo to Paraty and Picinguaba. Both Rio and Sao Paolo are about 4-5 hours away.

Whichever way you arrive, the last 250 metres are tricky, especially if you have lots of luggage or a disability. Call ahead and someone will help you across the beach and up the hill to the hotel.

by air

If you're flying into Brazil and heading straight from Picinguaba, it's easier to fly to Sao Paolo than to Rio, as the capital's airport is right on the highway to Picinguaba.

The hotel can arrange a private car transfer (not included in the rates) from either Rio or Sao Paolo - it's about a four-hour drive from either airport.

Rental cars are available at both airports (make sure your navigational skills are good as the road signs are sparse and in Portuguese only). From Rio, exit the city on the Avenida Brasil and follow the sings to Angra dos Reis and carry straight on for another hour past Paraty. Look for a tiny road on the ocean side saying "Vila Picinguaba" about 30 km south of the Paraty exit.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

PER NIGHT RATES - there is a minimum 3 night stay.

Euro234 p/dbl for a standard room based on double occupancy.

Includes: dinner, breakfast & taxes.

Euro374 p/dbl for the Honeymoon suite

Includes: dinner, breakfast & taxes.

High season rate: between December 15th and January 15th a 25% mark-up is applied.

discovery package - 4 nights

Euro698 p/person for a standard room based on 2 people sharing.

Euro281 supplement for the Honeymoon suite.

Includes: 4 nights accommodation, breakfast, dinner, transfer to and from Sao Paolo or Rio.

discovery package - 8 nights

Euro1166 p/person for a standard room based on 2 people sharing.

Euro562 supplement for the Honeymoon suite.

Includes: 8 nights accommodation, breakfast, dinner, transfer to and from Sao Paolo or Rio.

sojourn package - 8 nights

Euro1476 p/person for a standard room based on 2 people sharing.

Euro562 supplement for the Honeymoon suite.

Includes: 8 nights accommodation, breakfast, dinner, transfer to and from Sao Paolo or Rio and 4 days of tailored activities.

Activities include a day out on the schooner, to visit the islands and snorkel, a walk in the rainforest with guide, an excursion to the historical town of Paraty, a choice of either a hike in the wild part of the coast (adapted to your level), or two one-hour massages by a qualified masseuse.

extra night

Accommodation + half board p/person - Euro117

Accommodation in Honey Suite + half board p/person - Euro187

single rooms

Single Rooms are charged at 90% of full double rate.

children

• Children under 3 years are free of charge
• Children aged 4-16 years are charged at 50% of full adult rate, when sharing parents accommodation.

booking & cancelation policy

• Bookings are confirmed on the payment of a 70% non-refundable deposit. The remaining 30% is payable 4 weeks prior to arrival.
• In the event of cancellation the deposit is non-refundable, however, credit can be used to re-book at another date.
• We highly recommend you take out insurance in case of cancellation.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.