A Secluded Escape with nature, tranquility and relaxation on the Costa Verde
Tucked into the forested hills of Brazil’s Costa Verde, not far from the colonial town of Paraty, Casa Verde at Pousada Picinguaba offers an experience that feels far removed from the modern world. With no through traffic, no television, and a focus on nature and simplicity, it’s an ideal setting for those looking to slow down—and for anyone with an interest in kayaking or exploring Brazil’s coastline from the water, it’s a standout destination. Read my Pousada Picinguaba review below:
Arrival and Setting
Reaching Picinguaba requires a bit of effort, but that’s part of its charm. After flying into São Paulo or Rio, there’s a long but scenic drive along the coastal road, followed by a short walk into the car-free village – the last part being a drive up the sandy beach where the fishing boats block the way. Here you are met by the hotel staff who lead you through the village, over s small footbridge and into the hotel grounds – a 2 minute walk.
The pousada itself, perched just above the beach and surrounded by Atlantic rainforest, is peaceful and low-key. We were welcomed and given a low key but thorough introduction to the property, including details about meals, walking trails, and sctivities available.
We were staying in Casa Verde, a private three-bedroom villa, is a few seconds’ walk from the main pousada. It offers privacy and space, with views over the forest and bay. The décor is simple and tasteful—white walls, wooden beams, handwoven hammocks. It’s rustic and luxurious, a true feeling of Brazil but clean and comfortable, with a focus on natural materials and local touches.
A highlight for me was lying in the hammock on the private terrace, looking out over the bay as humming birds fed on the flowers less that a metre from me. A troop of Buffy-Tufted Marmosets swung past, pausing for a few minutes to watch me watching them. I hardly breathed, not wanting to spook them an enjoying such a special moment of connection.
Breakfast we taken in the dining room, with a great choice of hot and cold food prepared individually for us. A relaxed and filling start to the day. As all food is prepared fresh for you, you order your supper then if you want to eat at the hotel – there are several small restaurants in the village you can choose. If you do eat at the hotel, eat al fresco on the pool terrace with the lights of the village and fishing boats twinkling below. The fresh fish we ate was memorable for all the right reasons.
Sea Kayaking: Exploring the Coastline
The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the kayaking. The pousada provides sea kayaks for guests to use at any time, and the bay is sheltered and easy to navigate. It’s possible to set out solo without a guide, which gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace. Life jackets were provides, as were waterproof bags to store personal belongings and food in. Use them! getting into some of the beaches means running in on the waves and its easy to capsize if you get it wrong. The beach is shelved and you are easily in your depth should this happen but best not to have a soggy picnic, as we found out.
Several mornings we headed out early, paddling along the rocky coastline and past forested headlands. The waters were calm and the scenery stunning—dense green hills falling into the sea, quiet beaches, and occasional sightings of sea turtles and colourful birds. One morning we followed a staff recommendation and paddled upriver to see the mangroves and enjoy the great birdlife.
Even for those with little or no kayaking experience, this is a safe and accessible way to enjoy the coast. The equipment is good quality, the water is generally calm, and the hotel lends you masks and snorkels free of charge. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the landscape and enjoy the beauty of the coastal Atlantic rainforest..
Activities and Excursions
While kayaking was our favourite, the pousada offers a variety of other activities. You can join a short guided hike through the surrounding Atlantic rainforest, which included waterfalls and a chance to learn about the area’s rich biodiversity. There are also boat trips available to nearby islands, some including snorkelling stops and beach lunches. Surf lessons can be arranged for those interested, and yoga sessions are available on request.
At the hotel there is a pool on a sun terrace overlooking the bay and a sauna you can sweat off the previous night excesses in. Drinks and cocktails are served around the pool or in the lounge. The emphasis is on nature-based experiences, whether that’s hiking, paddling, or simply sitting with a book and listening to the birds.
Food and Service
Breakfast is included and other meals were consistently excellent. Ingredients are mostly local and organic, with seafood featuring heavily alongside tropical fruit and vegetables. The dining area is open-sided and communal, which encourages conversation among guests but still feels casual and relaxed.
We ate out at the small cafes and restaurants in the village for lunch most with great sea views, some built out over the water – one lunchtime we watched turtles feeding below us. The menus are in Portuguese and the villagers do not speak much English so make sure you have a translator downloaded on your phone before losing Wi-Fi at the hotel. We had a local fisherman called in to help us translate the various fish options.
Breakfast was a particular highlight—fresh juices, homemade bread, local cheese, fruit, and eggs to order. There’s no menu to choose from – the aiters just run through the fresh options for that day but dietary needs are catered for and the kitchen is flexible.
The service throughout our stay was warm and helpful. Staff were knowledgeable about the area and happy to offer advice on routes for kayaking, hiking, or excursions further afield. The overall vibe is professional but informal, in keeping with the ethos of the place.
Practical Considerations
Casa Verde is not air-conditioned, which could be a concern in the hotter months. However, the villa is shaded and catches the breeze, and fans are provided. Insects are present, as you’d expect in this environment, so bringing repellent is wise.
Wi-Fi is available in the lounge, though not especially fast, and mobile signal is limited. This isn’t a destination for those needing to stay constantly connected—but that’s part of the appeal.
Final Thoughts
Casa Verde at Pousada Picinguaba offers a rare blend of tranquillity, privacy, and adventure. It’s well suited to couples, families with older children, or solo travellers looking to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort. The sea kayaking, in particular, was a standout experience—offering access to untouched stretches of coastline and a real sense of freedom.
This is not a resort in the traditional sense. It’s an eco-conscious retreat with a strong connection to its surroundings. The accommodation is simple but well-considered. The setting is beautiful. And the opportunity to explore this part of Brazil by kayak made the trip feel special.
We left feeling recharged, inspired by the landscape, and already planning a return visit.
