Casa Turquesa

A serene and contemporary guesthouse with light, colourful rooms and a central location in one of Brazil's most charming towns

The colonial town of Parati is one of our favourite towns in Brazil: full of history and stunningly preserved, with uneven cobbled streets, colourfully painted houses, pretty churches and a rich artistic vibe. Set midway between Rio and São Paulo, it’s a coastal port with lushly forested mountains as a backdrop and golden beaches within easy distance. At times it’s alive with the infectious spirit of Brazilian carnivals or its famous literary festival; at other times it’s bewitchingly laid-back. It's a place to meander, admire the architecture and linger over meals.

But until recently, there was nowhere really decent to stay. Then Casa Turquesa opened its Portuguese-blue doors and everything changed. Inside, a haven of calm, cleanliness and care; only 9 rooms wrapped around a leafy courtyard and deck-lined plunge pool. A library of art books; a colour scheme of snowy white and vibrant brights. Sao Paolo-born owner Teresa spent 5 years perfecting her hotel, applying interior design secrets gleaned during many years in France. It's been a true labour of love.

Highs

• A colonial building with a funky facelift
• It's in a great location near the port, so ideally placed for the famous Full Moon Flood and annual Bloco da Lama mud festival
• Beautiful rooms with immaculate linens and homely touches
• Hiking through tropical rainforest to hidden waterfalls, snorkelling in crystal clear waters, swimming with dolphins - there's a wealth of activities on your doorstep
• We left feeling refreshed and revitalized, fully appreciative of why Casa Turquesa was elected ‘Pousada of 2009’ by Guia Quatro Rodas, Brazil’s most revered hotel guide

Lows

• It’s not cheap but it’s unique in Parati, where mediocre places abound
• The hotel is kept so admirably clean and tidy - no mean feat given the muddiness of the surrounding streets - that the more laid-back visitor may feel obliged to tip-toe around a little
• There’s no restaurant, but eating out here is part of the experience
• Parati's drains are as old as the architecture, so at low tide you may get an unpleasant whiff
• Strict cancellation policy