Hidden Pousadas Brazil

Thursday, 10 May 2012

5 top pousadas for travelling with the family

Finding places to stay suitable for family holidays is actually not a difficult task in Brazil. Brazilians themselves love to travel in big groups with family and friends, and many pousadas are well set to provide activities and local excursions for guests of all ages.

For those seeking interesting locations outside the main tourist traps on deserted beaches, islands, small beach resorts, and in national parks here are a selection of 5 very different pousadas offering something special and the opportunity to explore the best of Brazil:

1. Pousada Riacho dos Milagres, São Miguel dos Milagres, Alagoas - "friendly, family run pousada with great pool, right on the beach". Alagoas is an ideal location, for a family holiday to enjoy the best of Brazil's untouched beaches.

Travel tip: Hire a car in Maceio or Recife airport so you can travel around the region without relying on public transport (there isn't any!)

2. Pousada Vila Serrano, Lençois, Chapada Diamantina, Bahia - "colonial style eco-friendly pousada in Lençois, offering great value for money" Situated within one of Bahia's most beautiful national parks Lençois is a great base from which to explore the Chapada Diamantina and its spectacular views, waterfalls and trails.

Travel tip: Ask owner Chris to suggest the best local guide(s) for the hikes/excursions you want to do, and check the difficulty of any trip before booking

3. Hotel Fazenda Baia das Pedras, South Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul - "beautiful eco-lodge in Nhecolândia surrounded by hectares of land + an exuberance of nature". Perfect fazenda (farm) trip in a truly amazing area of the Pantanal wetlands. All activities, wildlife and birding excursions plus horseriding are included in the full-board package.

Travel tip: Bring long sleeved shirts, hat and insect repellent and don't forget the camera and the binoculars.

4. Pousada Mata N'Ativa, Trancoso, Bahia - "totally zen..fabulous chalets with pool and tropical gardens"A vibrant fishing village with beaches, restaurants and shopping and plenty of activities including kayaking down the river, surfing and whale watching (between July and October).

Travel tip: Visit the quadrado main square in early evening and check out the local artisan's works on show- particularly beads, bangles, flip flops and earrings.

5. Pousada Naturália, Ilha Grande , Rio de Janeiro - "peace and comfort in harmony with nature and views to die for in Abraão". Ilha Grande is Rio de Janeiro's most popular islands attracting tourists and locals, particularly in the summer. Here you can enjoy the countless beaches,diving, hiking around the island and boat trips to Lagoa Azul.

Travel tip: Take an easyhike through the Atlantic rain forest over to Lopes Mendes beach (2 hours) and arrange to get the boat back from the beach before it if you are feeling lazy. Check details at the pousada.

Ask Alison for advice on Brazil travel and pousadas

Friday, 27 April 2012

10 reasons to visit São Miguel dos Milagres, Alagoas by Tsachi & Jessy

1. São Miguel dos Milagres is a paradise still untouched by mass tourism. The region offers visitors a positively serene experience of unspoilt beaches and tranquil pousadas.

2. The always warm and emerald green waters of Praia do Toque invite you to take long and relaxing baths. If you are lucky enough to be here on a full moon, night bathing will surely become an unforgettable moment.

3. The white sand strip nestled between countless palm trees at Praia do Morro. This beach can only be reached by a quick boat ride through Camaragibe river, so you can expect nothing less than total peace and tranquility.

4. There are coral reefs and natural pools just a few feet from the shore. For a different experience, boats and rafts can take visitors on outings to explore the marine life deeper out in the ocean.

5. Go for a swim in the waters of the Tatuamunha river or enjoy a guided tour to observe wild manatees and support the local project for their preservation.

6. There’s something for everyone here, where you can blend in with nature by going on kayak rides, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, taking long walks on the beach or just by stretching in the sun for as long as you please.

7. Take in the amazing views of the region, from the breathtaking view from above at Mirante do Farol, to the unique sunset viewpoint from a jagada boat or the sun rising over the pristine ocean water.

8. Go for a bicycle ride through small villages, where time has stood still for generations. Experience the laid back friendliness and hospitality of its local community, and take time to appreciate the arts and crafts made by the region’s artisans.

9. Brazilian northeastern food is the very expression of its people: a delightful combination of races and heritages. Start the day by having guava and coalho cheese tapiocas, have a feast with fresh seafood for lunch and celebrate Brazil by having a taste of luscious caipirinhas at sunset.

10. Our pousada! Pousada da Amendoeira! Let go of the worries from city life, take the watch off the wrist and be guided by the change of tides, the moonrise and the sunset. Take time to walk on the beach barefoot, feel the sea breeze and the charms of a place that considers simplicity with taste the best shortcut to tranquility. Our Pousada brings together charm, great service and relaxation at one of the best preserved beaches on the Brazilian coast. Our structure praises the peaceful ambiance - there are only eight bungalows facing a desert beach. Around them, coconut trees, a strip of thin white sand and the translucent sea. People that know Pousada da Amendoeira are aware that happiness is many times found in simple moments. Indulge yourself, you deserve it!

Pousada da Amendoeira, Praia do Toque, Alagoas Slideshow: Hidden’s trip from Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Pousada da Amendoeira (near Japaratinga), State of Alagoas was created by TripAdvisor. See another Japaratinga slideshow. Create a free

slideshow with music from your travel photos.

Ask Alison for advice on Brazil travel & pousadas

Monday, 23 April 2012

10 reasons to visit Praia de Imbassai, Bahia Brazil by Rafael Viana

1. The River Imbassaí - the river runs alongside the sand dunes on the beaches of Imbassai and it is a spectacular sight. Make sure to take a dip in the warm shallow waters at the point where the river meets the ocean, it is truly magical!

2. Miles of pristine beach - Imbassai's beaches are beautifully unspoilt and ideal for long walks, spotting the rainbow coloured jellyfish that wash up on the shore.

3. Imbassai is one place where you feel truly connected to nature and this is the place to relax and unwind as an escape from the nearby city of Salvador. In the summer it gets the best of the sun and the climate is glorious!

4. Local restaurants and beach bars - attract many locals and visitors to Imbassai. During the day you can have drinks and some Acarajé by the river. Weekends are particularly busy!

5. Eco-tours - local eco- tours are on offer for those who want to explore more of Imbassai's surrounding nature as well as the Sapiranga nature reserve. This can be arranged with us.

6. Turtles- one of Imbassai's attractions in summertime (October-March). In February when the turtles are hatched, lots of them surface on the beach during the early part of the day trying to get to the ocean. It is an amazing site and the local TAMAR Sea Turtle project has been set up to preserve sea turtles and save them from extinction.

7. Whales - During July-October whales can be spotted in the ocean from Imbassai beach, but for a closer look, boat excursions and lectures are arranged from Praia do Forte. This is just 15 minutes away by bus, or a moto taxi, taxi can be arranged to get you there.

8. Proximity to the airport - Imbassai is just 65km from Salvador airport. It is convenient to get to if you are starting your trip in Imbassai, and also a wonderful excursion if you fancy escaping the bustling city of Salvador for a weekend.

9. Kayaking - is a popular activity in Imbassai, because of the many surrounding rivers and the beautiful surrounding flora and fauna. Kayaking trips can be organised through us.

10. Our pousada! Vilangelim Eco Pousada - Tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by the beauty of nature. You can relax by the pool, get a massage, hang out in our outdoor chill-out area and enjoy the culinary delights of our restaurant.

Ask Alison for advice on Brazil travel & pousadas

Thursday, 19 April 2012

12 Top Brazilian beach pousadas to visit in 2012

"Sandy foot" pousadas

right on the beach:

1.Pousada Côté Sud, Porto da Rua, Alagoas

"designer-chic pousada with infinity pool overlooking the beach"

2.Pousada Patacho, Porto de Pedras, Alagoas

"wonderful french style on palm fringed deserted beach"

3.Pousada da Amendoeira, São Miguel dos Milagres, Alagoas "charm, service and great food on one of the most gorgeous hidden beaches of Brazil"

4.Pousada Lagoa do Cassange, Maraú, Bahia

"Beach side eco-lodge offering sophisticated informality located near the beautiful Lagoa do Cassange"

5.Vila dos Orixás Boutique Hotel, Morro de São Paulo, Bahia

"beautiful bungalows and huge pool right on Praia do Encanto beach"

6.Praiagogi Boutique Pousada, Maragogi, Alagoas

"Fabulous beachside pousada with gourmet food at the start of the ecological route of Alagoas"

Island pousadas:

7.Pousada Naturália, Ilha Grande , Rio de Janeiro

"peace and comfort in harmony with nature and views to die for in Abraão"

8.Pousada Aratinga Inn, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro

"beautiful hidden gem in Abraão on tropical Ilha Grande island "

9.Pousada Estrela da Ilha & The Island Experience, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro

"beautiful pousada in high season & fabulous spa/yoga retreat in low"

10.Vila Pedra Mar, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro

"exclusive luxury ocean-front hideaway on Praia Vermelha with spectacular views"

11.Pousada A Mangueira, Boipeba , Bahia

"lush gardens and hidden tranquility only a minute from Morere beach"

12.Pousada Mangabeiras, Boipeba, Bahia

"fabulous pousada on the hills overlooking Boipeba beach and ocean"

Find more pousadas on Brazil's best Islands, Peninsulas & Deserted Beaches

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Friday, 13 April 2012

10 reasons to visit Rio de Janeiro and stay in Botafogo by Robin Burhoe

1. Guided trips through the Tijuca Forest and out to the untouched beaches in the west zone of Rio.

2. Hike to waterfalls in the Serra dos Orgãos National Park outside Rio or to deserted semi-tropical beaches within Rio.

3. A night of Samba and fine dining in Bohemian Lapa just 15 min away by taxi.

4. A pleasant 30 minute walk to the Sugar Loaf or to the Corcovado Train, exploring the safe, surrounding residential neighbourhoods.
5. Explore another world on a relaxing walk through nearby Urca or along the Claudio Coutinho sea wall path below the Sugar loaf.

6. Savour a different restaurant each night in Botafogo's Gastrinomic zone and enjoy a full meal at Manolo's "Botequim" (an authentic old fashioned pub/restaurant). Have a drink with the locals in the "Boteco" (neighbourhood bar) just down the road.

7. Stroll our neighbourhood and discover several local attractions off the traditional tourist path: The Carmen Miranda Museum, The Indian Museum, the São João Batista Cemetery.

8. Take a trip up the "Plano Inclinado" and tour the Santa Marta Favela with it's spectacular views over Botafogo Bay, the Casa de Rui Barbosa, the home of Villa Lobos (famous Brazilian composer).

9. There are also numerous cinemas, theaters, two major shopping centres, night clubs, show venues, consulates and several antiquated mansions from the end of the 19th and early 20th century. Alternatively, for wildlife lovers you can photograph and feed the resident tortoise, micos (small monkeys), wild parrots, toucans, humming birds and other local fauna, which visit our gardens regularly.

10. Our pousada! B&B O Veleiro Bed and Breakfast - enjoy our forested "oasis" in the heart of south zone Rio, on an old colonial cobble stoned road with the feel of a small village in Italy or Portugal and yet just minutes walk from public transport, metro and the hustle and bustle of Rio!!

O Veleiro Bed & Breakfast Slideshow: Rob’s trip to Rio de Janeiro, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil was created by TripAdvisor. See another Rio de Janeiro slideshow. Create your own stunning free slideshow from your travel photos.

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Wednesday, 4 April 2012

10 reasons to visit Moreré Boipeba, Bahia, Brazil by Gary Peyper

1. beaches – Moreré offers easy access to beautiful, deserted beaches which are great for swimming.

2. weather – Moreré is warm and sunny weather almost all year.

3. safety – the little village and beaches are safe, day and night.

4. reefs – the beaches are protected by coral reefs with beautiful natural pools which are great for diving at low tide.

5. walks – the beaches, mangroves and tropical forests are ideal for walking.

6. the people – the local people are happy, friendly and laid-back.

7. visitors – no mass tourism here; the visitors are sophisticated and eco-conscious.

8. trips – Moreré is a perfectly-located starting point for trips to explore the island on foot, horseback, in a canoe, a fishing boat, or a speedboat.

9. restaurants – Moreré now has some very good restaurants and Samburá is one of the best on the island for food and service.

10. My pousada! A Mangueira – a secluded oasis of peace and tranquility where your privacy is respected and I am always on hand whenever you need me.

Pousada A Mangueira (Morere), Boipeba, Bahia, Brazil Slideshow: Hidden’s trip from Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Boipeba (Moreré), Bahia (near Morro de Sao Paulo), State of Bahia was created by TripAdvisor. See another Morro de Sao Paulo slideshow. Create your own stunning free slideshow from your travel photos.

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Friday, 2 March 2012

Review: Loin de tout Guest House, Corumbau, Bahia

Loin de Tout Guesthouse is one of those hidden gems that you will never find in a mainstream guidebook because as its name suggest it is a very long way from anywhere. Indeed the name Corumbau means a long way from anywhere in Pataxó Indian dialect, but for Martine, the Belgian owner, that is one of the most beautiful things about the place, one of the last truly authentic fishing villages in Brazil.

The pousada itself is divided from the beach purely by the sandy track which winds through the village and what an amazing beach- just miles and miles of sand leading at the end to the river Corumbau which divides Corumbau from Caraiva to the north.

The pousada itself has only 3 bungalow suites, all with beautiful high ceilings and fans and hammocks for relaxing outside . It is Martine herself who describes it best. This is a place which is small, quiet, elegant in its simplicity; a place where every client is a friend and made to feel immediately at home. What she forgot to mention though is the delicious food she serves to guests using the latest catch and the freshest ingredients. Corumbau itself may indeed be a long way from anywhere but the trip to Loin de Tout is most definitely worth it. I myself will be back for sure!

Corumbau is a small fishing village of only 400 inhabitants situated in the south of Bahia almost due east of Itamaraju. The nearest airport is Porto Seguro and if you don't have your own personal helicopter there are only 3 ways of getting here. You can go down through Arraial dÁjuda, Trancoso, Espelho and Caraiva and then get a buggy across the Indian reservation and a boat across the river. Alternatively you can get the bus to Itamaraju and early afternoon bus to Corumbau or pick up a taxi for the last hour and a half of mainly dirt track. There is only one bus in each direction every day however and the taxis are expensive so it is worth checking the bus timetable before you choose this route.

Not to be missed

chilling out on deserted beaches
boat and buggy trip over to the indian reservation in Caraiva
local food at Canal do Pampo, Restaurante da Vila, Panela de Barros
local handicrafts

Loin de Tout Guesthouse, Corumbau, Bahia, Brazil Slideshow: Hidden’s trip from Rio de Janeiro, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil to Corumbaú, Bahia (near Caraíva), Bahia was created by TripAdvisor. See another Caraíva slideshow. Take your travel photos and make a slideshow for free.

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Thursday, 23 February 2012

Hidden places to eat in Boipeba Bahia

Boipeba is Bahia's most wonderful and off the beaten track island with no cars or traffic, just miles of unspoilt beaches and unique and beautiful places to stay, like the Pousada Santa Clara, Pousada Mangabeiras to name a few. Choosing where to eat well, is simply a case of discovering the hidden gems that come with their own unique offerings and ambiance. Here are the ones worth checking out on your travels:

Snack and a good coffee

Espresso Cafe is a small coffee shop owned by two sisters. This quaint little cafe faces the port where all the boats dock for Boipeba. Here you can pick up a toasted sandwich, salad, fruit a coffee, fresh juice and acai. If you are around on a Sunday you can also check out their weekly film screening.

Fresh, delicious lunch or dinner - reservations only

Sambura restaurant in the village of Morerê, also home to Pousada A Mangueira. This cosy home restaurant looking out into the ocean is run by husband and wife Guiliano and Estela, big fans of Hidden Pousadas Brazil. They serve lovingly prepared freshly-made native dishes and frutos do mar (seafood) are always a speciality.We were invited by chef Guiliano, to experience some of his favourite dishes. Getting there from the main village of Velho Boipeba entails an hour and a half's treck through lush forest and along wonderfully unspoilt sandy beaches, all the time looking out over palm trees and turquoise blue sea.

For starters Aipim Frito - Casava chips with a beetroot and tomato salad

Followed by A fish stew with onions, tomatoes and cooked olives, accompanied with rice.

Lobster lunch

Guido’s is certainly the place to go for the best fresh lobster. Located on Cueira beach it is a great place to hang out and take a dip in the ocean, just yards away.

Dinner

The restaurant at Pousada Santa Clara is an island favourite. The kitchen is run by owner Charles' brother Mark and these exquisite dishes from around the world are creatively prepared with a distinctive Brazilian twist.

Ask Alison for advice on Brazil travel & pousadas