Rating: Deluxe
Ilha Boipeba is an island retreat with no roads and no cars, a handful of villages, a place dedicated to relaxation. Pousada Mangabeiras is the perfect place to stay, situated on one of the highest points on the island with panoramic views inland and over the ocean. This small hotel is a real gem and as a guest you feel truly privileged to be staying here.
Your bungalow is cosy yet spacious, decorated in warm tones and with a balcony looking out over the forest, river or coast. Air conditioning keeps the interior cool and thoughtful touches like TV, and a DVD player are an added benefit. Master bungalows are larger and come with a hot tub as well as shower.
There are pretty gardens you can explore, and a sundeck and swimming pool on your doorstep when you don't want to venture far. You can walk down to the beach for a change of scene, and follow a trail to the local village. Staff can arrange various activities and excursions to help you fill your days, though you may be tempted to take things easy and simply enjoy life at the Pousada.
A range of dishes is brought direct to your table for breakfast each morning, a civilised way to begin your day, and at dinner time you have a choice of local and international fare, though there are other dining venues within walking distance should you wish.
Open: Pousada Mangabeiras is open all year.
Location: The hotel is on the island of Boipeba in the Tinhare archipelago, about 60kms south of Salvador. It's on a hill overlooking Boca da Barra beach.
Rooms: Guest bungalows are equipped with TV, DVD player, phone, safe, en-suite shower room with complimentary toiletries and hairdryer. They are 35sqm and are air conditioned. Each bungalow has a private balcony with views of the forest, river or ocean. Master bungalows are 50sqm in size and have a spa bath. There are also some large holiday homes which sleep up to 6 people, have a kitchen and dining area and occupy 250sqm. The hotel offers room service.
Activities: Go for walks in the forest, go swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, explore the mangroves and take boat trips, or spend a lazy time on the beach, beach towels provided, catching the funicular railway back to the hotel at the end of the day. The village is about a 20 minute walk from the pousada.
Facilities: The hotel has a restaurant cum bar, a games room and a library. Outdoors there’s a swimming pool, sundeck and garden. There is a massage service. The hotel has a gift shop.
Dining: Enjoy local and international dishes at the restaurant, accompanied by your choice of wine. Breakfast is an impressive spread of fresh fruits, bread and cooked items.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Health: This is a low risk malaria area.
Communication: There is complimentary Wi-Fi internet access throughout the pousada.
Notes: There is no ATM on the island so it is recommended to bring some cash as well as payment cards.
Visit the vibrant city of Salvador, the breath-taking scenery and waterfalls of Chapada Diamantina National Park and the peace and tranquility of the small island paradise that is Boipeba Island.