Rating: Mid-range
This small pousada is owned and run by a professional chef who has worked in many illustrious establishments in Europe and the USA, and is now enjoying life as a hostess on Ilha do Mel. She first opened the pousada in 2014 and offers a warm welcome, and is happy to advise on places of interest and locally available activities. The location is perfect, overlooking Praia do Fora one of the island's best known beaches.
Accommodation is in bungalows and suites. The latter are in the main building and have been restored to provide guest accommodation, while the bungalows have been built with guests in mind and are in the gardens. Homely charms and modern comforts such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi and TV help you feel at home, and relaxing on your private terrace overlooking the beach and ocean is a treat.
Breakfast is a veritable feast of fruit, preserves, cakes and cooked eggs, much of it home-made as you would expect of a chef-hostess. Later in the day you can enjoy sundowner cocktails and tasty snacks. The garden is a great place to do some sunbathing and bird watching, and the beach is just a stroll away with opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, standup paddleboarding and windsurfing. Later in the day you can return to the pousada to enjoy sundowner cocktails and tasty snacks.
Open: Casa da Ilha do Mel is open all year.
Location: The pousada is on Praia do Fora on Ilha do Mel in southern Brazil.
Rooms: There are 5 rooms in total. The 2 suites (25sqm and 35sqm respectively) are in the main guesthouse and have been refurbished and the 3 bungalows (40sqm each) are purpose built for guests. All have climate control, ceiling fan, LED TV, Wi-Fi and en-suite bathroom. Each suite has a veranda and hammock, while bungalows have lounge with a fireplace, and a terrace.
Activities: Enjoy island life, stroll along the beach, sunbathe, go snorkelling, paddleboarding and windsurfing, explore by bike, savour seafood.
Facilities: There is access to the Praia do Fora beach. There are sun loungers in the garden.
Dining: The pousada serves breakfast-cum-brunch daily, a selection of fruit, jams, bread, cakes, cheeses and cooked eggs. Drinks and snacks are available during the day, and happy hour cocktails and nibbles are a popular touch. There are restaurants and bars nearby.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Health: Ilha do Mel is a low to no risk malarial area.
Communication: There is complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.
Notes: There is no ATM on the island so it is recommended to bring some cash as well as payment cards.
Go sightseeing, trekking and swimming, spend time in villages, enjoy varied cuisine and sample island life, all in the course of this 2 week holiday.
A wonderful week on the south coast including beaches, a scenic train journey and lovely hotels and lodges