Pousada Norage

The breakfast was generous, and everything was clean. Aurita, the owner of the pousada, was kind, and the hospitality and service deserve top marks.

The owner was very welcoming during our excellent stay. Since I'm pregnant, she put us in a downstairs room so I wouldn't have to climb many stairs. The room was simple but very clean, and breakfast was good. The location was also good, close to the beach and shops.

The nearby beach doesn't have a stretch of sand where you can sit, just a waterfront with kiosks. It seems like a good place to go at night, but it wasn't what we wanted for the daytime. Our room was very simple but clean, and the air conditioning worked well. Breakfast wasn't served buffet-style, and the portions were limited. One day we asked for more, but employee Luciano said there was none left. They only had powdered milk, and one morning there was no bread. The cups and plates came wrapped in plastic, which seemed completely unnecessary, and they were often dirty, as were the coffee pots. We asked several times for replacements. The visibly annoyed employee brought us disposable cups instead. To get to Praia de Barra do Pote, a beautiful beach with sand and service facilities, you have to take public transport in vans (Topics). The ride takes 30 minutes. Dona Aurita, the owner of the inn, seemed concerned about our well-being, though it was clear that some things were just how the place operates.

I always stay in the top-floor apartment, with a view of that beautiful sunset. The location is great too, close to the beach, the square, and shops, and they help guests arrange boat trips. Aurita and the staff take such good care of everyone, making the place feel cozy but still beachy. The breakfast is the best, with lots of Northeastern dishes and choices for vegetarians, vegans, and people who can't have gluten or lactose. There's also a gourmet dining space you can book for dinner, in a quiet, elegant setting with a distinctive menu. They follow all the Covid-19 safety protocols and set a real example of how an inn should be run. A wonderful place in Cacha Pregos, surely the best on Itaparica Island. Unmatched!