Casa Na Mata

MISLEADING ADVERTISING! I'd like to hire the photographer who took the Casa na Mata Floripa pictures on AirBnb, because they did a great job. The actual place doesn't match the photos. Getting there is difficult and extremely dangerous for drivers without much experience or confidence. They should warn guests about this in advance, but they don't. We arrived to find a problem: the host couldn't find our reservation. We called ahead to sort it out, but she showed no real concern. When we got there, she also acted as if she didn't care whether we stayed, saying we could cancel and the platform would refund us. It was high season, so we couldn't just cancel and find somewhere else, or we would have. We booked a room with two bunk beds, as advertised, but ended up sharing a room with five other people. It was stuffy, cluttered, and completely uncomfortable. There was no breakfast, despite what the listing said. We were let down, and the host again showed no concern. There are cats and dogs at the house, left uncared for and hungry all day. The host is away all day and leaves their care to whoever happens to be there. That's outrageous. When one guest fed a dog using food that was already there, one of the hosts took it away and put it back in the bag while the dog was eating. The hosts are irresponsible and rude. A terrible experience.

We felt at home, and the hospitality was wonderful. We were welcomed like family. Casa na Mata has everything I like: nature, peace, simplicity, mysticism, and lots of love. It's a magical sort of place, with crystals, geodes, candles, and shells, and the rustic furniture makes it feel even cozier and simpler. High up on the hill, it has a beautiful view of Lagoa da Conceição and lush forest all around. It's ideal if you're looking for quiet and loads of nature. Having coffee on the terrace while taking in the view made it feel like God lived there. I also recommend a glass of wine while looking out at the distant lagoon lights and the stars above the hill.

Casa na Mata is tucked away but easy to reach, less than a 15-minute walk from the center of the lagoon. The host is welcoming, cheerful, flexible, and eager to share good energy. A few days there left me calm, in a good mood, feeling ready for things, and refreshed. The wildlife makes it especially memorable: monkeys visit your bedroom window in the morning, toucans circle the house during the day, and a pink sunset finishes the day. It's a unique, needed, revitalizing stay. Casa na Mata is definitely one of my favorite places in the world, and I highly recommend it. Wonderful things happen to me every time I go. It's a truly special place.

The place was extremely dirty, and the dogs were left outside in the cold and seemed to be starving. I fed them with the food that was in the house. I went there to celebrate my birthday expecting a great stay, but it was the opposite. The photos don't reflect what it's really like. We couldn't stand staying, so I went home a day early feeling awful. I wanted to take all the dogs with me. Such a disappointing, terrible experience!