Paraty's Hidden Gem: Pousada Arte Urquijo - Unforgettable Brazil Escape
Paraty's Hidden Gem: Pousada Arte Urquijo - More Than Just a Hotel, It's a Vibe (with a Few Quirks!)
Okay, so you're dreaming of Brazil, right? Sun-drenched beaches, vibrant culture, and that feeling of total relaxation? Then ditch the tourist traps and listen up, because I've just stumbled upon something truly special in Paraty: the Pousada Arte Urquijo. This isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. And trust me, after my recent trip, I need to tell you all about it. Buckle up, because this is gonna get real (and maybe a little rambly).
First Impressions: Charm, Charm, and More Charm!
From the moment I arrived, the Pousada oozes character. It's not some cookie-cutter chain hotel. Nope. Arte Urquijo is a lovingly restored building, full of art and personality. Think exposed wooden beams, colorful artwork adorning the walls, and a general feeling of being utterly charmed. The entrance? Delightful. The staff? Genuinely friendly and welcoming. They even managed to navigate my abysmal Portuguese with a smile.
Accessibility (and the Slight Hiccups):
Now, let's get practical. Accessibility is a thing that matters, and I'm happy to say they've put some thought into it. There's an elevator, which is definitely a win, and they do mention facilities for disabled guests. However, without knowing the specifics of those facilities, it made the place harder to fully assess . However, the layout of the pousada might present some navigational challenges. But the staff, well, they're helpful, so they really will help out in all cases.
Digging Deeper: Amenities Galore (with a Side of Bliss)
Let's get to the good stuff: the stuff that makes you want to stay.
- Internet Access: YES! And thank GOD for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Seriously, a must-have in today's world. Plus, there's Internet [LAN] if you're old-school (or just want a super-stable connection). Internet services are on point. No complaints here.
- The Pool and Spa: My Personal Paradise: Okay, so I have a confession. I'm obsessed with pools. And the Pool with view at Arte Urquijo? Magical. Seriously, it's like something out of a movie. You can lounge by the pool, sip a caipirinha (more on that later!), and just breathe. They also have a Spa! I indulged in a body scrub and a massage. Omg. Absolutely dreamy. The sauna and steamroom are perfect for winding down after a day of exploring. Believe me, the Swimming pool [outdoor] saved me during the tropical heat.
- Things to Do (Beyond Bliss): If you can actually tear yourself away from the pool, there's plenty to do. The staff are great at suggesting activities, tours, and beaches to visit.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun:
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] is included, and let me tell you, it's a feast! Fresh fruit, pastries, local delicacies… it's the perfect way to start the day.
- Restaurants: There's a restaurant, naturally, with A la carte in restaurant. They also do Asian cuisine and International cuisine!
- Bars: They have a Bar and a Poolside Bar. Happy Hour is a must! The caipirinhas (made with fresh lime juice and cachaça) are dangerously delicious.
- Coffee Shop: Essential for that mid-afternoon pick-me-up, fueled by my lack of self-control.
- Room Service: 24/7. Because sometimes, you just want to eat pizza in your pajamas.
- Snack Bar: For those moments of pure, unadulterated snack cravings.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocols, all adds up to a space that is safe, and that helps you breathe. No stress there.
- Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easy:
- Concierge: Helpful for booking tours or getting recommendations.
- Contactless check-in/out is easy.
- Daily housekeeping: Rooms were always spotless.
- Laundry service and Dry cleaning:
- Meeting/banquet facilities: They cater, and also have Wi-Fi for special events!
- Luggage storage: Excellent service
- Room sanitization opt-out available
- Safe dining setup.
- Rooms sanitized between stays
My Unforgettable Experience:
Okay, so I need to confess something else. I’m terrible at relaxing. Like, I can’t even sit still for a massage (I’m working on it!). But something about Arte Urquijo just… worked. One particular afternoon, I found myself at the Poolside Bar, the sun setting, a gentle breeze swaying the palms, and a caipirinha in hand. I struck up a conversation with a local fisherman, who shared his stories with me. It was a perfect moment and, honestly, it was one of the highlights of my entire trip. I mean, that is the kind of memory you want to make, right?
The Little Quirks (Because Nothing's Perfect!)
Look, I'm not going to pretend it's all sunshine and roses. There were a few minor things:
- The occasional power outage: This is Brazil, so it just happens. Don't stress!
- Finding your way around: The building has a lot of character, it can be a little bit tricky. Once I got the hang of it, no problem.
- The breakfast buffet crowds.
The Rooms: Cozy and Well-Equipped
The rooms themselves are lovely. Think Air conditioning, a super comfy Extra long bed (important for tall people like me!), a Mini bar for those late-night cravings, and a beautiful Window that opens. There's Free Wi-Fi [free] (of course!), and all the essentials like Hair dryer, Slippers, Bathrobes and Toiletries. I loved the Balcony for a pre-dinner drink and a quiet read. All of this at the cost of a mid-range hotel, making it very appealing.
My Verdict (and Why You NEED to Book This Now!)
The Pousada Arte Urquijo is, without a doubt, a hidden gem. It’s charming, comfortable, and the perfect base for exploring Paraty. But more than that, it's an experience. It’s about the atmosphere, the friendly staff, and the feeling of truly relaxing and unwinding.
Here’s my pitch:
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Brazil at Pousada Arte Urquijo!
- Unwind in luxury: Stunning pool, spa, sauna, and more!
- Explore Paraty: Your gateway to stunning beaches and vibrant culture.
- Experience Authentic Brazil: Charming ambiance, friendly staff, and delicious food.
- Book now and receive a complimentary welcome cocktail and a free massage at the spa.
Don't wait! This hidden gem won't stay hidden forever. Book your escape to Pousada Arte Urquijo today!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is Paraty, Brazil, through the eyes of someone who's probably going to spill caipirinha on their sandals at least once. And it's all happening at Pousada Arte Urquijo – fingers crossed they have good WiFi, because I need to brag about this.
Day 1: Arrival & Oh. My. God. Cobblestones.
Morning (ish): Land in Rio. Ugh, airports. The sheer humidity hits you like a wet, angry towel the second you step off the plane. This is where the "organized" part of the plan kind of shatters, right? Finding the pre-booked transfer to Paraty. The driver, bless his heart, was probably used to tourists and all their questions. I, on the other hand, was just trying to remember whether I packed enough underwear.
Afternoon: Arrive in Paraty! Finally. The drive itself was gorgeous, emerald mountains, glimpses of the ocean. But… the cobblestones. They're everywhere. My suitcase is currently staging a protest against me. Check into Pousada Arte Urquijo. The photos online don't do it justice. It's this perfect blend of rustic charm and actual comfort. The courtyard is like a secret garden, and the staff? Super friendly. They even offered me a welcome drink – a caipirinha, naturally. Already feeling the good vibes.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Stumble around the historic center. (Be prepared to embrace the ankle-twisting charm of the cobblestones.) Honestly, it's like stepping into a movie set. The colorful colonial buildings, the little shops… It's overwhelming in the best possible way. Found a tiny restaurant tucked away that looked like it might be run by someone's grandma. Ordered the Moqueca (fish stew), which was the best decision ever. I ate everything. And listened to the chatty locals and all their anecdotes.
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and Slightly Seasick Shenanigans.
Morning: Did I mention the breakfast at the Pousada? Forget avocado toast, they have a spread. Fresh fruit, pastries glistening with some sort of delicious syrup, and strong coffee. Fuel for the adventures (or, you know, dodging cobblestones).
Late Morning: Boat trip! This was the big one. We booked a day trip to some of the islands, promising crystal-clear water and beaches straight out of postcards. The boat was a bit…rustic. Let's just say it had character. The water was amazing, though. We snorkeled, saw some fish – a little freaked out about what might be in the water with me, but otherwise great!
Afternoon: The sun started to get to me the ocean was starting to rock. The boat ride back was a slight trial of wills with my stomach. But the views… oh, the views! Back at the Pousada, plopped myself down by the little pool. Bliss.
Evening: This is the evening where it all went sideways. Went to a restaurant I thought was going to be romantic, but it was swarming with people. The food was fine, I think, I honestly can't remember it well.
Day 3: Rain, Rhythm, and a Revelation.
Morning: The rain hit. Hard. Paraty turned into a Venetian canal city for a while there. Cried a little about it, then pulled myself together. This is where the Pousada really shines. Cozy corners, good books, and the sounds of the rain.
Afternoon: Found a tiny shop selling local art. Bought a couple of ceramic pieces that I'm absolutely going to break on the way home, I just know it.
Late Afternoon: It stopped raining! Decided to sign up for a Samba dance lesson. I am the least coordinated person on the planet. But, after a lot of giggling and stumbling, I actually started to get the hang of it. The instructor was incredibly patient, and by the end of the lesson, I felt… good. Alive, even.
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant recommended by one of the staff members. More Moqueca! This time, feeling like a local. Later, I just wandered around. I found a little bar playing bossa nova, and I stayed there until the early hours.
Day 4: Chocolate, Chaos, and the Long Goodbye.
Morning: Chocolate factory tour! There are plenty of chocolate factories in Paraty that produces many types of chocolates. The journey gave insight into the way the chocolate is made. The chocolate itself was amazing.
Afternoon: packing. I felt the pain of seeing things for the last time, and feeling emotional at the end of the trip.
Evening: The last caipirinha. A final stroll through the town. Tears. I’m not even kidding. Then, the goodbye to the Pousada.
Departure: Heading back to the airport
Final Thoughts (or, Rambling Aftermath)
Paraty. Wow. It's been a whirlwind, a mix of beauty, chaos, and the occasional awkward stumble. The Pousada Arte Urquijo was the perfect home base, a haven of calm in a town that buzzes with life. I'm going home exhausted, slightly sunburnt, and with more memories – and probably a few more caipirinha-induced stories – than I know what to do with. And those cobblestones? Well, they've earned my respect.
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Pousada Arte Urquijo: Your Chaotic Guide to Bliss (and Maybe a Few Mosquito Bites)
Okay, spill the beans! Is Arte Urquijo REALLY as magical as all the Instagram photos suggest?
What's the vibe like? Is it all honeymooners and yoga retreats?
The location… is it truly "hidden" or just cleverly marketed?
Let's talk rooms. What should I expect? Are they luxurious? Basic? Cozy?
The Staff - are they welcoming? Do they speak English? Do they secretly judge your awful Portuguese?
Breakfast! I'm a breakfast person. Is it worth getting up for?
What's the wifi situation like? Because, you know, gotta stay connected, right? (Said through gritted teeth.)
Any downsides? Gotchas? What should I be prepared for?
Let's zoom in on an experience... The Boat Trip! Tell me EVERYTHING.
