Rancho Sossego da Serra

Such a comfortable suite, and one of the best beds I’ve ever slept in. It had a hair dryer, lots of pillows and blankets, a coffee maker, plates, cutlery, glasses, and cups. There were even a few things for sale, like wine, and a flashlight in the room. You can tell a lot of care went into the details. Just as a heads-up, though it didn’t bother us, the ceiling is low. I’m 1.70 and could touch it easily with my hands raised. We could also sometimes hear footsteps, or a bit of conversation, from the house on the floor above.

We booked well ahead since the place seemed to be in high demand. Our host answered my many questions through Airbnb with lots of patience and care. The electronic locks and codes made the automatic check-in and check-out really convenient. We stayed in suite number 03. Other kinds of accommodation were available, but not for our travel dates. The suite was spotless, tidy, and smelled lovely. It doesn’t have a kitchen, but the host provides a few things for guests, including plates, cups, and a microwave. One thing to know: suite 03 is directly below another unit, and with the wooden floor and ceiling, we could easily hear footsteps, things dropping, and other sounds from upstairs. If you’re a light sleeper, I wouldn’t recommend that suite. Still, the place has plenty going for it. It’s near the wonderful Cânion do Funil, which I recommend visiting, as well as cafés, a market, and little shops. There was also a beautiful square decorated for Easter. It felt like a perfect spot for a couple. The parking is quite tucked away, and the ranch is easy to find on Google Maps at the end of a dead-end street. We’d like to return and try one of the other accommodations. And the bed! My goodness, it was the best bed we’ve slept in on any of our trips. Huge, soft, and unbelievably comfortable, with warm, soft, fresh-smelling blankets. We went when the weather was getting chilly, with light rain at night, and everything about that bed felt like a dream. Ten out of ten for the stay, and a thousand for the bed!

The view is gorgeous, and the bed is huge, with quilts and comforters that kept us warm on the coldest mountain nights. In winter it can get down to -8 degrees. The apartment has a well equipped mini kitchen with a gas stove, microwave, and things for making coffee and tea. There’s hot water at every tap and a fireplace, both essential when it’s cold. Netflix and a comfy little sofa made it easy to relax indoors.

The chalé is so cozy, carefully decorated down to the smallest details, and really good value. Everything was spotless and well maintained, with secure parking. The fireplace was already lit when I arrived. The visit to Serra do Rio do Rastro was worth it. The downside is that Bom Jardim da Serra has practically no nightlife options.