Below the reception, after descending a few flights of stairs next to the Atlantic Forest vegetation and water mirrors, the guest is faced with a painting – but not of these painted by human hands.
The doors to the living and reading rooms of the rustic-chic house open onto a landscape in which the water of the infinity pool seems to flow into the sea, forming a scene as photogenic as it is enchanting.
This is the first impression of the TW Guaimbê luxurious hotel on the sand in quiet Juliao Beach in Beautiful island on the north coast of São Paulo.
At first glance, you can see that the hotel has the cozy informality of a beach house, designed in this way so that its guests feel welcomed in the midst of luxurious relaxation.
It helps with the fact that the property has only 16 suites, most with sea views, but all surrounded by nature. Like the entire property, the decoration of the rooms is designed by the architect Suzana Schermann, who mixed a cozy tone in a balance between luxury and simplicity – access to the suites is done through keys and not cards, which reinforces the concept of a guest house .
Here, uncomplicated and discreet are watchwords and intimacy and quiet are taken seriously. Employees call you by name and the soundtrack is packed with MPB, jazz and bossa nova songs – in the style of Brazilian singer and pianist João Donato.
So it’s easy to spend the day lounging around the pool area looking straight out to sea and relaxing with drinks and snacks to nibble on.
The hotel
Former owner’s beach house, the property was transformed into a hotel, opened in 2014, which is about a 20-minute drive from the center of Ilhabela. The title TW Guaimbê plays with the name of the owner, Thiago Wertheimer, together with the meaning of guaimbé plant of Tupi origin, which means vine to tie – it is possible to see some of them flanking the pool deck.
It is interesting to note that the hotel is one of the only beachfront hotels on the island, on Praia do Julião, a 200-meter strip of sand between the Grande and Feiticeira beaches .
On sunny days, the sea water is transparent – it is possible to see fish around it – and the temperature is pleasant for the human body, functioning as a refreshing bath.
the set sea-sand-lawn-pool that’s what guests find, all within walking distance of each other. In front of the pool, two palm trees perfectly frame the sun, which sets behind the mountains of the continent, where the waters reflect the colors of the sky.
During the day, the ideal is to stay on the beach chairs on the wooden deck or on the beds facing the sea, eating typical beach fritters, such as tapioca dadinhos, pasteizinhos, and breaded seafood.
Tip: in addition to the drinks menu, try to be surprised by suggestions that are not on the menu, such as the gin with two lemons and cashew nuts, tailor-made for guests with gin coming from Barra do Sahy, in São Sebastião.
When the sun warms your face, take the opportunity to order a washcloth dipped in lemongrass iced tea, which has relaxing properties.
If you want more privacy, a terrace above the restaurant (which is next to the pool) has spacious white gazebos with beds, which guarantee privileged views of the sea.
On the terrace is also a mini-garden from which plants and PANCs used in the kitchen come out : ora-pro-nóbis, nasturtium, rosemary, lemon balm, basil and lemongrass are some of the ingredients that come straight from the earth to the dishes.
It is possible to notice that, both in the rooms and in the common areas, different comforting aromas take over the environments, where indirect lights coming from spots or lamps are lit at night – which creates an even more intimate setting. When the day gives way to night, the sky is usually starry – perfect weather to enjoy a dinner for two and observe the scenery around.
It is important to note that the hotel does not receive children, with the exception of some special commemorative dates, such as Father’s Day, Mothers Day or other celebrations. For those who come aboard eletric cars the parking lot that faces the avenue has a charging station.
Experiences
Right next to the pool, a session of dry sauna it goes down well during the day, where glass walls guarantee an open view of the blue of the pool and the sea.
Speaking of water, guests can practice kayak or exercise on boards stand up paddle in the middle of the sea – just make an appointment with reception – the morning hours, with low tide, are more recommended. Boat and schooner trips with partner companies can also be booked.
An islet facing the beach, even, completes the landscape, where you can see water sports practitioners and small boats in its surroundings.
dinners for two on the terrace or on the beach sand can be adjusted with the reception, as well as a luau – in which the chef makes his preparations on a fire in the sand to the sound of the sea.
During the week the hotel receives more regulars and on weekends, the pool area is livelier, with the presence of a saxophonist and a DJ in the afternoons, with a focus on Brazilians.
Massages with a massage therapist can be enjoyed either on the deck overlooking the sea or in your own room, as well as personal trainer and yoga and pilates classes by appointment. Surfing the fashion of small weddings alongside friends and family, the space can also be closed to mini weddings.
The team’s intention is to make guests feel like they are in their vacation home, giving them the opportunity to customize experiences with the concierge.
Gastronomy
The hotel’s gastronomy is provided by the hut a poolside restaurant that has open and airy areas and offers a local caiçara menu.
Also open to non-guests for lunch and dinner, the place is run by the chef Vinicius Nagao a Salvadoran who worked alongside Helena Rizzo for more than seven years in Mani in the capital of São Paulo.
Your work prioritizes Brazilian cuisine that sails along the coast , using fish and food from Ilhabela and the north coast – one of the examples used is the dog’s eye, a fish from the region. There are some signature touches in his dishes, but as he explains, this is not the focus, but foods are fresh and unprocessed.
Among the menu options are the fish of the day with plantain puree (R$ 92); grilled octopus with rustic roasted potatoes, grilled red onion, dry curd, fried parsley oil (R$ 148) and Bahian fish moqueca with coconut milk, peppers, onions, garlic, tomato, cilantro, parsley, chives , palm oil, accompanied by rice and palm flour (R$ 215, to share).
Creamy tapioca couscous with mango pieces and caramel and mango sorbet and coconut straw (R$48) and the 70% cocoa and cupuaçu chocolate mousse (R$44) stand out among the desserts.
Breakfast has two dining options. à la carteone reinforced and the other light, which change daily, in addition to the guest being able to choose a selection of breads, jams, tapiocas, side dishes and drinks – including juices and coffee – directly from the menu.
the lounge and wine bar they serve drinks and snacks throughout the day, which, like the Cabana, can be enjoyed by non-guests (reservation required). For the future, the chef says that, in addition to developing the luau, the hotel has plans to serve a brunch ideal for those who want to wake up later and enjoy a delicious meal.
TW Guaimbê Exclusive Suites
Avenida Riachuelo, 5360 – Praia do Julião, Ilhabela – SP.
Phone: (12) 3894-1009 or (12) 3894-9304 – also for reservations
Site: twguaimbe.com.br / Instagram: @twguaimbe
Rates from R$1,450.00 for the couple with breakfast included
Source: CNN Brasil
