Mar e Morro Flats

Just perfect.

The view really is beautiful, but it didn’t make up for the problems we ran into. We booked the flat from 18/09 to 22/09, and what we found fell well short of what the listing led us to expect. It said the flat was only a few meters from the beach, but that wasn’t true. There is a trail, though the access is poor and not workable for coming back at night. Getting there was exhausting. The luggage carriers told us on arrival that it was about a 30-minute walk with steep climbs and lots of stairs. Carrying our bags cost more than usual, and when we raised the difficulty, the host wasn’t welcoming. Only the next day did we learn about a cart that helps with part of the route. The host should have told us in advance, and even with the cart, some of the way is still stairs. We expected at least a minibar set up for guests after making that effort, but there wasn’t even a cold drink. There was just a one-liter bottle of regular soda at a high price and an inferior sparkling wine that was also expensive. We also had little privacy: the host and cleaning team kept moving through the space, and they could see the bathtub area from where they were. Basic requests were difficult too. They refused our request for alcohol for cleaning, saying detergent was available. We asked for toilet paper and extra towels, but only got the basics after insisting, and the response was not very friendly. There were lots of ants, so we had to keep an eye on any food or utensils left on the sink. We tried to make the best of it, but the distant location, difficult access, lack of privacy, inattentive support, and limited basic services piled up. We left on 21/09, a day before the booking ended, and had to pay for another place in Morro de São Paulo, an unplanned extra expense. The view was lovely, but the stay didn’t match the listing and left us out of pocket. We’d also like to know how to seek reimbursement for the unused night.

I have no regrets, just gratitude. Travel always comes with uncertainty and expectations, and I chose mar & morro flats for its phenomenal view even though it’s far from the village and involves a tiring climb. Then Ubirajara, the host, made the hospitality and support as good as they could possibly be. People like him are why I still have hope for Brazilians.

The service is impeccable. They’re always checking whether we need anything or passing along useful information. The climb is long and exhausting, enough to leave you drenched in sweat with your heart racing, but the flat’s incredible view makes it worthwhile. It’s a very romantic place, great for a honeymoon or for people who don’t like going out much.