Nestled in the Brazilian jungle, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the mountains along the southern Coast of São Sebastião, about 125 east of Sao Paulo, is the creation of Edson Pavão, businessman and entrepreneur. Ilha de Toque Toque Boutique Hotel requires little introduction and escapes every descriptive cliché about a beautiful, tropical paradise. The 10 room “pousada” is so seamlessly and smartly constructed in the natural landscape (literally – the walls are made of eco-bricks), that the line between earth and shelter blurs.
The 110,000 square foot hillside property, 180 feet above sea level, is actually built on some of the most preserved land in the Atlantic rainforest; as a state park, there are strict guidelines about development in the region and as a result the hotel maintains the lush character of its surroundings. Not a single tree was cut down in the hotel’s implementation and water from the area’s waterfalls is treated at the property, some of it heated by solar energy.
Every promenade at the hotel has a spectacular view of the ocean or the petite island of Toque Toque (about a mile off shore) or the secluded beach of Las Calhetas or the quintessential Brazilian fishing village of Toque Toque Grande. All of these gorgeous panoramas are shaped by sprawling green mountains that resemble undulating camel backs. That said, the best view is from the VIP Suite which has a veranda “hanging over the hill” and a private ofuro (Japanese Jacuzzi).
With such a romantic backdrop, it’s no surprise that the hotel is popular with honeymooners, couples on their anniversary, people in love and people who fall in love. There are additional bungalows down the hill from the main property available for wedding parties and honeymoon packages.
The hotel’s casual yet refined restaurant, managed by Edson’s wife Renata, serves a well-rounded and healthy breakfast with typical Brazilian pastries such as bolo de laranja (orange cake), lunch and dinner and offers a wide selection of fresh local fish (linguado with passion fruit sauce, shrimp risotto and salmon in tamarind sauce, for example), a variety of fruit juices (try the suco de abacate – avocado juice) and, naturally, excellent caipirinhas. Lounging at the pool and soaking it all in may be enough, but if you crave more action, there is trekking, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fishing, and even a billiard room.
Ilha de Toque Toque Boutique Hotel was designed with a minimalist approach so as not to detract from the natural beauty. Natura soaps in the bathroom and luxury cotton bedding provide simple comforts. And as far away as you may feel from the rest of the world, there is Wi-Fi all throughout the property.
Rooms range from $165-$270 US per night (February – December 2010) and include buffet breakfast, exclusive seafront beach service, free DVD loan-out and pool towels. Special packages and promotions are available.
Ilha de Toque Toque Boutique
www.ilhadetoquetoque.com.br
Rodovia Dr. Manoel Hypólito Rego, 1285
Toque Toque Grande, CEP 11600-000
São Sebastião, SP, Brazil
contato@ilhadetoquetoque.com.br
Tel +55 12 3864-9110