Unplugged coastal pousada
The pousada strips away screens and phones, gathering guests for family-style dinners above the bay.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Caiçara fishermen supply daily catch, served with native agroforestry produce from local farmers.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Serra do Mar State Park surrounds the property, and a coastal path leads twenty minutes to wild Praia da Fazenda.
The rooms
Rooms look toward the bay or gardens, with ceiling fans catching the ocean breeze instead of air conditioning.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Wooden daybeds line the freshwater pool, looking out across Picinguaba Bay toward the forested mountains.
The spa
Pousada Picinguaba Restaurant
Candlelit tables look across the bay, serving fresh snook and grouper with natural wines.
At the table
The blue-tiled counter sits under mounted oars, serving local cachaça and hosting regular caipirinha demonstrations.
How it began
French executive Emmanuel Rengade discovered the 1970s holiday home while on vacation, leaving corporate finance to restore it.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.