Bendito Cacao Resort & Spa

The pool and toy library/playground were fantastic, and I really enjoyed the Monet trail and afternoon tea. For anyone looking for a cacau and chocolate immersion, this place is hard to match. The decor, objects, and photos throughout the hotel all focus on the theme, and guests can have free chocolate day and night. It was delicious. It’s also a comfortable, pleasant hotel, though the traditional hotel and restaurant side still seems to be learning. Some staff stood out for their service: Renan, Lu, Cris, Sr. José, Marcos, and Christian. A few people in recreation and at the front desk were very friendly too, though I can’t remember their names. Other restaurant staff weren’t as friendly and stuck to scripted answers. One night the restaurant was badly understaffed. We also heard concerning reports about working conditions, including one staff member saying they went home at 2am and returned a few hours later for breakfast service, and another working outside in the cold in a short-sleeved uniform. There were only two towels in our room even though there were three of us, and the welcome chocolate wasn’t on the desk, just a note about it. The cheese bread was uniquely delicious, but the restaurant meals weren’t memorable: raw salmon, cold fondue with local cheeses that tasted like white pasta sauce, and a small salad that came without the GranaPadano or mustard listed. I hope they improve those weaker points while keeping the delicious chocolate experience.

A beautiful resort tucked into the hills around Campo do Jordao.

Top notch.

An excellent hotel, with great service and a terrific staff.