The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels, Oxford
The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels is a true historic landmark in the heart of Oxford. Situated on the south side...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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*
