Pousada Picinguaba

Hotel description

Picinguaba, meaning “fish shelter,” is a tiny fishing village, with a population of about five hundred, on Brazil's Costa Verde, midway between Rio and São Paulo, and close to Paraty. This tiny hotel almost stretches the definition of “off the beaten path” — Picinguaba is definitely not in the guidebooks or on any magazine's list of Top Vacation Spots. Then again, its secretive charm is quite obviously the whole point; this small hotel is the creation of a young transplanted Frenchman, Emmanuel Rengade, who happened upon this spot by chance and bought it practically on a whim. This is the sort of place one visits in order to truly get away from it all — the Pousada is some three hours from either of Brazil's major cities, and after that long drive you will find it's impossible to drive all the way to the hotel, as when the road ends you are still a path and a foot bridge away. The hotel itself is as charming as they come, with a bit of a rustic tone to its whitewashed exterior and an unpretentious and spare stylishness to its interiors. All of the bedrooms have views over the bay, and the rooms lack telephones, in a gesture of forced relaxation, and a welcome one at that. Ceiling fans and mosquito netting replace air conditioning, another deliberate gesture, opening the room to the sea breeze and the views. In fact this hotel quite successfully carries off the illusion of an informal guest house — visitors walk on the ungroomed beach, explore the village or the nearby town of Parati, or partake in diving, sailing, or horseback riding before gathering back at the Pousada for an informal family-style dinner. All in all, this is a well kept secret, a throwback to the days before mass corporate tourism, and the perfect antidote to the big-business resort norm.

How to get there:

Picinguaba is located half-way between Rio and São Paulo, however the access from São Paulo airport is slightly easier. Pousada Picinguaba is approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours from Rio and Sao Paulo. Transfer services in comfortable cars are available for approx. 200 Euros each way. Please contact customerservice@tablethotels.com to arrange airport transfers.

Travelling with Kids

ests over the age of 12 are considered adults. Some rooms accommodate 3 or more. The "double / twin" room sleeps up to 3 guests. For crib/cot, must book "double / twin" room or larger. For 2 adults + rollaway bed, must book "double / twin" or larger. For 2 adults + 2 kids beyond crib age, must book "double with 2 extra bed" room or larger. Connecting rooms available. Can be confirmed upon reservation.

Cribs are available and may be subject to an additional fee. Roll-away beds available and may be subject to an additional fee. No additional charges for kids beyond crib/roll-away.

Pool available that allows kids. Babysitting services provided by screened hotel personnel. The restaurant is kid-friendly with high chairs and a kids menu. Room service offers a kids menu. Surf classes 7-18 years old ocean kayac with or without guide 7-18 years old swimming lessons can be organised boating-snorkling fishing and eating your own fish horse-riding 7-18 years olds.

Emergency amenities include can be organized on demand..

Hotel policy

3 nights minimum stay required at Pousada Picinguaba.