Pousada Picinguaba Hotel - Paraty, Costa Verde, Brazil

21 June 2014

Achieving luxury via a route of simplicity is the stated aim of an increasing number of exclusive hotels. Perhaps they reflect our desire to get back to nature, finding pleasure in simplicity, whilst at the same time escaping the increasingly frantic pace of modern life.

Pousada Picinguaba lies on the beautiful Costa Verde, just a few hours drive from the hubbub of bustling Rio de Janiero. With a motto of ‘Natural Luxury – Real Brazil’ it aims to provide an oasis of calm and a place to contemplate the local natural beauty.

 

Pousada Picinguaba Hotel - Costa Verde, Brazil

Located in a national park where development is forbidden, the old Pousada is constrained by its historic dimensions and no new expansion is allowed. It will forever remain with just ten delightful rooms that are well, but simply, furnished. Don’t expect a typical modern five star hotel; there are no televisions, phones or air-conditioning units, no internet and virtually no phone signal.What there is in abundance however is peace and tranquility.

Pousada Picinguaba Hotel - Costa Verde, Brazil

Pousada Picinguaba Hotel - Costa Verde, Brazil

In the local area there is just a pretty traditional fishing village where the daily catch is brought in before most likely finding itself on your plate in the evening at the Pousada’s lovely restaurant. There are hammocks in the garden where you can watch the humming birds, and a small pool from which you can enjoy stunning views along the unspoilt coastline.

Pousada Picinguaba Hotel - Costa Verde, Brazil

It is hard to drag yourself away from this oasis of calm but worth the effort. The local area – one of the most beautiful in Brazil – is one of mountains, empty beaches and verdant rainforest and the Pousada is keen that you explore. It organises a wide range of outdoor activities: hiking with a local guide, a cruise on Picinguaba’s own schooner to the local islands or perhaps a visit to the lovely historic Paraty with its cobbled streets and colonial churches.

Pousada Picinguaba Hotel - Costa Verde, Brazil

Pousada Picinguaba Paraty Horse

A visit to Brazil is all about the exuberance of places like Rio, Sao Paulo and Salvador, but such is the energy and pace of city life  that a little recuperation would never go amiss. Look no further than Pousada Picinguaba.

Pousada Picinguaba Hotel - Costa Verde, Brazil

Pousada Picinguaba, near Paraty. An all inclusive 4 night stay with full board and private transfers from Rio or Sao Paulo costs from about £300 per person per night.

Fazenda Catucaba is Picinguaba’s sister property in the mountains and also highly recommended.

For further information please visit: www.picinguaba.com

All images by CELLOPHANELAND*