Pousada Recanto dos Bentos

I’ve been trying to make a reservation but haven’t been able to. The service over WhatsApp really leaves a lot to be desired.

Staying in a container was a pleasant surprise. The layout is good, the shower is hot, the bed is comfortable, and the view is lovely. Rodrigo was very kind and helpful. I’m giving it four stars because the internet TV kept cutting out, and breakfast didn’t include protein such as eggs. I also thought the nightly rate was very high compared with chalets in Monte Verde that cost half as much. Still, it was a worthwhile experience. There isn’t much to do in Itapeva. Pedra Chata is the only attraction, and entry costs 40,00 per person. That’s about it. There are no good restaurants or tourist shops, and the town is very humble.

We stayed in the most basic container, which made for a different kind of visit. The property has a rustic, simple charm, lots of vegetation, and beautiful scenery. Rodrigo, the owner, treated us very well. Breakfast is served at 8 a.m., at least on weekends. I missed French rolls and requeijão, but the warm pão de queijo, homemade jams, and fresh cheese made up for it. I couldn’t find cheese like that to buy at the market. At night, the same space becomes a pub serving snacks, pizzas, and drinks, but it’s far from the rooms, so it stays quiet for sleeping. We didn’t use the pool because it was very cold. The inn is 3 km from downtown Itapeva and an hour from Monte Verde. Check the prices on the inn’s own website and compare them with other booking sites. In winter, set the air conditioning to heat at 25 degrees because the comforter is very warm. We put it at 29, worried about being cold, and got far too hot and slept poorly until we found the right setting. The Wi-Fi didn’t work very well on our phones in the container room. The pub and reception had the best signal.

Monique and Rodrigo were wonderful, attentive, and always checking that everything was taken care of. Breakfast had plenty of options, including fruit, jams, pão de queijo, juice, and bread. Our room was cute, spotless, and everything in it was new. There was a space with a microwave, stove, and dishes, plus air conditioning and a bathroom thermostat to warm the floor. We loved the nature, the rustic feel of the lodging, the pool, and the food area. The food was all delicious too. We had a wonderful weekend and would love to come back.