"Chic Simplicity-Luxury is Simplicity" is the motto of the Picinguaba Resort and it will definitely be going on the "Bucket List" for me. Overlooking the peaceful bay at the heart of the Natural Park of Serra do Mar, the
tropical coastal forest running between Rio and São Paulo, about half an
hour's drive south of Paraty. It faces the sea and a 3 km-long protected sandy beach. The hotel offers 10 comfortable rooms all opening onto the natural surroundings and the sea, including a dream honeymoon suite with en-suite jacuzzi and a breathtaking view of the ocean. The local road stops at the beach and one has to walk the last 250m to the hotel, nestled in the forest. A place to truly escape and get one with nature, they have taken care to create an escape attuned to the spirit of the place, with nothing to disturb nature's magic: no TV or telephone in the rooms, no Internet, no air-conditioning. Ahhhhhh.
Of course the Sustainability factor has something to do with the reason we chose to blog about this unique and chic place. The village of Picinguaba is located in the heart of the Mata Atlantica rain forest, a unique ecosystem, part of which is listed by UNESCO as World Heritage. Its conservation is capital for the future of our planet. Therefore they take special care to apply and promote environment-friendly ways, using biodegradable products, composting, using only reusable drink bottles and even making their own soap from kitchen oil residue. They take good care of their employees with salary and the benefits that have a marked influence on the economy of the village. Financing language classes and employing fisherman to catch local fish for the resort. The loyal members of our team not only get a salary, but also education and training and an opportunity for personal development. 
Few places on earth remain so untouched. Much of the surrounding rainforest is primary forest and classified as UNESCO World Heritage, since it is one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Both the sea and the mountains too are blessed with a huge variety of fauna and flora. You may see dolphins, sea turtles, innumerable varieties of fish and birds, such as toucans, humming-birds, and even some endemic species such as ant-eaters, slothes, or leopards (but deeper in the forest and rarely seen!).
"It’s all about tropical nature."
The idenity – the decoration, the architecture, the ingredients they use, the people who work here, the way they receive their guests comes naturally as it is also also the identity of Picinguaba, of the people born in this village, and that of Brazil. "We believe luxury is simplicity. Our simplicity is not the contrary of wealth, nor the contrary of sophistication. Bringing something to its simplest reality can be a rather complex process. Our simplicity is an unpretentious attitude, naturally pleasurable things and real vibes that together generate authentic happiness."
The rooms are simple but comfortable, walking out onto a vast garden with the sea as a backdrop. Overgrown luscious tropical flowers and plants form natural screens for the rooms, with humming birds as visitors.
Vila Picinguaba Village is friendly and relaxed, a welcoming locale of people living in harmony with nature, a rare balance.
They even offer Art Groups and Projects on their Farm in Catucaba. They have made room for an artist residence program and are hosting artists under the
exchange mode, where they can stay in a charming house (alone or with
their family), with an atelier at their disposal, as well as natural
food from the farm. They can stay from 10 days to 2 months and be
dedicated to create in this very special and peaceful environment, be
visited by our guests, and leave some of their art.
Post Author Tamara Wallop
for Globally Gorgeous
