Paraty is one of those destinations that invite us to enjoy a leisurely experience, marked by delicious moments at the table and by the sea. The stone streets of the historic center help tell the history of Brazil, which, in addition to housing colonial houses and 18th century churches, are filled with lots of bossa.
This is also a summary of what we found in the Turquoise House boutique hotel in the heart of the historic center that boosts the city’s unpretentious and elegant aura.
The hotel was my choice during the recording of the CNN Travel & Gastronomy in Paraty which is part of the special season of two episodes about the coast and interior of Rio de Janeiro.
The house is no exception to its surroundings: it occupies a restored 18th century mansion, right in front of the port and the fish market, almost neighboring one of the postcards, the Santa Rita Church from 1722.
Its doors, painted in turquoise blue, already reveal that inside we are surrounded by a intimate atmosphere typical of addresses that welcome us like old acquaintances, like a summer house where luxury punctuated by bare feet comes to life.
Tranquility and contemporary comfort
With views of the city streets and the mansion’s courtyard, Casa Turquesa is divided into just nine suites which may vary from 25 the 58 m² . The colonial architecture is filled with contemporary comfort, as the accommodations are decorated in a chic and welcoming beach style, where the fauna and flora of Brazil are present on the walls.
The rooms, in shades of blue, yellow, gold and white, have mosquito nets made by artisans from the south of Bahia. We can also count on straw hats and bags in the style of local fishermen, made by weavers from Praia do Sono, as well as flip-flops, rubber boots for the rainy season and beach towels.
The restored mansion also displays original features, such as stone walls and whale oil, typical of colonial Brazil. In addition to the suites, the mansion includes a lounge, library, swimming pool, bar and even a boutique, ensuring a serene atmosphere.
Attentive service and hospitable legacy
In the morning, a breakfast beyond care, it is served our way, and the difference is that it can be enjoyed at any time of the day . Teas, Brazilian coffees and seasonal fruit juices are among the options, along with cakes and homemade preparations.
Whether in the kitchen or outside, the house prioritizes local producers, such as fishermen and farmers who provide fresh, seasonal raw materials.
Throughout the day, reading a book by the pool can be a relaxing option, but walking around the city and delicious meals in restaurants are unavoidable. For the best tips, the team can help organize the itinerary, as well as schedule trips at sea with the private sailboat.
This entire inviting atmosphere would not exist if it were not for the efforts of Etruscan Tetê who opened Casa Turquesa in 2008 and pioneered luxury hospitality in Paraty. At the beginning of October this year, Tetê left us at the age of 63.
However, her legacy lives on in this city where she chose to anchor after decades living between Brazil and France. A dancer and teacher, as well as an entrepreneur, Tetê had a nomadic spirit, which made her fall in love with Rio’s Costa Verde.
Receiving and cooking have always been her greatest passions, which motivated her to make Casa Turquesa a home for all her guests. The house, full of personality and lightness, is maintained by attentive staff who follow in Tetê’s footsteps.
Therefore, the guarantee of days full of rest and worry-free discoveries in Paraty are part of Casa Turquesa’s DNA.
Turquoise House
Rua Dr. Pereira, 50 – Centro Histórico, Paraty – RJ / Tel.: (24) 3371-1037 / WhatsApp: (24) 99852-9189 / Reservations via website.
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Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.