POUSADA MANGUEIRA Boutique Hotel

The bungalows are nicely furnished, and our view over the rainforest-like landscape to the sea was beautiful. But I couldn't stay here again because of the steep climb and the poorly maintained path. The Pousada sits high above the beach. Getting there means carefully negotiating a hilly jungle path with rough wooden steps and big tree roots. The path up felt like four flights to an elevator, then another 80-90 feet to the top. You can also take the stairs, which would be about another eight stories. This needs to be made clear everywhere. It's not suitable for anyone with walking or mobility problems. I fell while leaving on our sixth day, so please be careful. Check-in was cold and there was no orientation to the Pousada, grounds, or breakfast. The young woman who greeted us spoke no English and seemed uninterested in my poor Portuguese. The manager, who had spoken with me on WhatsApp before we arrived, spoke English but barely greeted us. He did arrange the transport as promised, but we didn't feel the warmth people associate with Brazil. The young woman showed us the room, handed over the key, and left. I've been visiting Brazil for 20+ years and know some basic Portuguese, but she hardly tried to talk. The next day we asked for a map and met a lovely woman originally from Italy who seemed to be doing everything. She answered our questions and arranged a great boat tour. Dinner on the first night wasn't very good, though the food and service were decent on two later restaurant visits, and the grilled fruit dessert was lovely. Breakfast wasn't a buffet, but it was basic and adequate.