Pousada Vale das Orquídeas

There are several room options, and the pousada is close to town. The shared spaces are very well kept, and the staff are helpful. Breakfast was very good, and the common pool is heated. There’s also a sauna. Definitely worth booking a few days to relax there.

The staff were kind, friendly, and helpful the whole time. I felt at home and well looked after, even during a short power outage in town. We were given candles and matches for the rooms, though we didn’t end up needing them. I could easily disconnect from the daily rush and spend time resting in a hammock, on the swing, or by the pool. The price was very good too. The property is simple rather than luxurious, but it’s comfortable, spotless, lovely, and carefully maintained down to the little details. The chalet worked well for us, with good beds, clean, fresh smelling sheets and towels, pillows for different preferences, and enough blankets. The air conditioner was powerful and quiet, the ceiling fan and mini fridge worked well, though the fridge was empty. It would have been useful to have a few items available to buy during the stay. There was a hammock in the room and hooks to hang it from. The bathroom is small but functional, and we had no trouble using it. The shower had a good flow and adjustable temperature, including hot water. Shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, and enough toilet paper were provided, with liquid soap by the sink as well. The wi-fi worked reliably throughout our stay. All the facilities were working well: the dining room, natural and heated pools with a whirlpool and swim-up bar, dry sauna, and massage room. Pool towels were included at no extra charge. The breakfast was excellent and generous, with savory and sweet breads, fruit, cakes, sweets, cold cuts, cheeses, different fresh juices, green juice every day, hot and cold milk, yogurt, coffee, hot water and teas. The wood stove had hot items like cheese rolls, pies, stuffed breads, scrambled eggs, sausage with onions, and sausage in sauce. There were also cornflakes, granola, a waffle maker with batter and several toppings, plus butter, jams, and requeijão. I didn’t miss a thing. I’ve stayed at much more expensive hotels with simpler breakfasts. They also serve a complimentary afternoon coffee from 15:30 to 17:00. There are fewer options than at breakfast, but it’s still generous. The bar is open all day, with cocktails, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snacks, platters, sandwiches, salads, pasta, different dishes from rice and beans plates to more elaborate ones like chicken bobó, and soups. Everything tasted good and was reasonably priced, though often nobody was available at the counter to help. Massages cost extra, but they’re well worth it. They take place in a cozy private room with pleasant music, the sound of the natural spring in front, air conditioning, and aromatherapy. Bruna and Cibele were both attentive and skilled. There’s also free drinking water from the Pompéia mountain spring, so you don’t need to buy bottles. Bring a reusable bottle to fill.

The place is pleasant and the pool care and cleanliness of the shared spaces were okay. Service at the pousada was great, and breakfast was very good. But the towels really need replacing. There wasn’t a spare pillow, and the mattress was very, very bad. We spent several vacation days there, so those details matter a lot. They need urgent attention.

The heated pool and its kiosk area are well equipped, and getting there is easy, just before the city entrance. The facilities are excellent, everything was clean, service was great, and breakfast was impeccable. It’s the best pousada I’ve stayed at. I recommend it and plan to return when I’m in Socorro.