Pousada da Barra

Don’t go to the busiest stand where the river meets the sea. Yesterday, a gray-haired waiter came over and said the minimum spend was R$400,00. When my mother, an elderly woman, said she’d think about it, he kicked us out of the stand! He said he needed to leave the table free for other people while she made up her mind. Unacceptable. I’ve already warned everyone I know!

The room was spacious with a good bed, and it faces the sea. Breakfast was great, though the bathroom walls had some mold and need attention. For first-time visitors who don’t know the area, the pousada has two entrances, one via the beach and one along the mangrove trail. At high tide, the mangrove entrance floods. I got water up to my hips. If you arrive with luggage at high tide, ask the boatman to drop you right at the pousada, or you’ll have to take the longer way around by the beach. The pousada has a great beach club by the river, and guests can also use the pool facilities at Pousada Cores, which is part of the same group. Going out for dinner can also be a hassle at high tide because the trail floods, leaving the beach route as the other option. Caraiva has no public lighting, so you’ll be relying on your phone flashlight. It’s all part of the adventure, but good to know before you go.

The view of the beach is spectacular, the beach club sits in a great spot between the sea and the river, and the partnership with EXCELENTE cores do mar gives you access to a pool and gym. Breakfast is excellent too. The access needs explaining more clearly: there’s one entrance via the beach and another through the mangrove, and depending on the tide the mangrove route can be flooded when you arrive or leave. That makes it a poor fit for older guests or anyone with reduced mobility. Both routes are completely dark at night. The location is great for enjoying the beach or river, but less convenient for the village. The room is very spacious, though for the price it has some shortcomings, including a bathroom without ventilation and mold on some walls. A great choice for young people or anyone wanting an exclusive view of sunrise or sunset.

The pousada sits in a great spot, with the sea out front and the river behind. Breakfast was satisfactory. I do think the room and shared areas need better upkeep.