Hotel Pousada do Sandi

In the heart of the Paraty historic centre, 174 miles south of Rio, a 4-hour drive. The international airport is 170 miles away. You should anticipate 4 1/2 hours by car. No traffic jams but BR 101, the only highway to Paraty, is rather winding. In clear weather, the panoramic view over the strings of islands and islets, below the green Bocaina mountains is, in certain areas, unrestricted.

The hotel is located at a short walk from a gorgeous marina overlooking the Bocaina Mountains which shelters a protected natural forest. Nearby, numerous fine art boutiques, restaurants and retailers are open during the day. A great opportunity to bring home nice souvenirs. Praia do Pontal, the beach of Paraty, is located at a few miles from the historic centre hotels. You can access the beach by foot or, better, on a bicycle.

Opened in 1991, pousada do Sandi is a charming, authentic colonial house with incomparable welcome. Far, very far from Rio's high-class hotels and resorts. The small lobby opens onto a game room. The floor, made shiny by time, is original, and the bright yellow and blue painted panelling contrasts with the whitewashed walls. This 18th century house is composed of 4 buildings on three storeys. Two large game rooms open onto the bar, then the outdoor swimming pool, which is small but pretty with its round shape. Wooden tables and deckchairs invite to a restful nap. Loudspeakers display Brazilian music. This place is lively and offers a convivial atmosphere. A pretty bar in exposed stone is located nearby.

The 26 rooms are modestly sized (160 square feet in average) and include a television, a free safe, individual air conditioning, a well-stocked refrigerator-bar, a bathroom with shower, and a hair dryer. The toilets are in the bathroom. The room service is open until midnight. On request at the reception, you can view movies free of charge. Choose a room on the third floor to enjoy the view of the mountains over the roofs of Paraty.

The restaurant is small and open to the public on Comercio Street. It includes ten well arranged wooden tables. The Australian cook offers fish and seafood specialities as well as Italian and Brazilian dishes for a wide variety of starters, meat dishes, and sweets. The 3 meals of the day are served à la carte.