Escape to Paradise: Ilha Grande's Stunning Telhado Azul Pousada
Escape to Paradise? My Chaotic Chronicle of Telhado Azul Pousada on Ilha Grande
Okay, so here's the deal. I just clawed my way back from Ilha Grande and that insane Telhado Azul Pousada. "Paradise," they call it. Let's just say my experience was less "sun-kissed angel" and more "slightly sunburned, slightly bewildered, and definitely in need of a strong caipirinha."
Accessibility & the Great Stairway Struggle (and a glimmer of hope):
Alright, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way first. Accessibility? Not exactly Telhado Azul's strong suit. Think steep hills, cobblestone paths, and a whole lot of stairs. Like, a lot of stairs. Whew! I can't imagine navigating those if you needed a wheelchair. They do mention "facilities for disabled guests" in passing. This is where I mentally picture a guy with a team of porters, and a lot of patience - or maybe just a really, really strong friend. I didn't see an elevator either, which makes sense given the island's…wild, untamed charm.
Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional stomach pang):
The dining situation? A mixed bag, my friends. They brag about everything food-related. Everything. And they had a whole plethora of options. Like, too many. "A la carte," "buffet," "happy hour," "poolside bar," "vegetarian restaurant" (bless!), "international cuisine," "Asian cuisine," even "soup in restaurant." Seriously, it's a food-lover's minefield.
The breakfast was a glorious, carb-loaded adventure. I'm talking a mountain of croissants, glistening fruit, strong coffee, and that amazing Brazilian pão de queijo (cheese bread) that will haunt your dreams. They've got a "breakfast takeaway service" too, which I thought was genius for those early morning hikes. Also, I was delighted they provided "essential condiments" which is a total life-saver.
Okay, let's be real though: I did suffer the dreaded "travel tummy" one night. So, I'm not going to lie, I’m a big fan of "safe dining setup" and "sanitized tables," but I forgot to ask about it that night.
"Room service, 24-hour?" Yes, please! I ordered a simple, comforting pizza. Because sometimes, after a day of hiking, you just need melted cheese and dough. (Note: I do wish the pizza had its own designated corner in the restaurant, too.)
Where to Flop and Unwind (and maybe get a little lost):
The "ways to relax" are… plentiful. “Spa/sauna,” “steamroom,” "massage," "spa," "pool with view" (oh, the view!), "fitness center," even a "foot bath" (which I totally missed – damn). They're clearly trying to pamper you.
I really had my heart set on the “Pool with a view” – and it delivered. That pool, perched on the hillside, overlooking the emerald sea… it was genuinely breathtaking. Okay, I admit it: for a solid hour, I did nothing but float on my back, stare at the sky, and wonder if reality could possibly be this beautiful. They also had a “poolside bar,” which, naturally, I tested. The caipirinhas were potent. Just sayin'.
This is where the day went sideways - the best sideways. I'd spent a whole day sweating like a pig on a hike to explore a waterfall. When I got back to the hotel, I just wanted to melt. Into the "spa."
I booked the “Body Scrub” and “Body Wrap” and I had never felt so pampered in my life. The "massage" was incredible, like it was my whole life was being unknotted by expert hands.
The problem wasn't the body wrap, the massage, the sauna, or the pool - it was me. I was getting so relaxed. I got out of the spa and got so lost, I wandered around and nearly didn't get back to my room!
Cleanliness & Safety (the Things We Worry About, Right?):
During a pandemic, it's a huge relief to see they take hygiene seriously. They have "hygiene certification," "anti-viral cleaning products," "daily disinfection in common areas," and "rooms sanitized between stays." The "hand sanitizer" stations were strategically placed, and the staff seemed genuinely committed to keeping things clean. They removed "shared stationery" which I think is a smart idea. Though, honestly, the idea of a "doctor/nurse on call" made me a little nervous. (But hey, better safe than sorry!)
The Details (or, The Things That Matter…and Some That Don't):
Internet: They boast "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" True! I didn't even notice a "Internet [LAN]" option, because, let's face it, who uses a LAN cable in 2024? The connection was decent enough to upload my Insta stories of that pool.
Rooms: My room was, on the whole, pretty great. "Air conditioning," "blackout curtains," "complimentary tea," "mini-bar" – the usual suspects. I'm a sucker for "bathrobes," and "slippers." The "window that opens" was crucial for the sea breeze. However, I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that I did have a moment of panic when I realized I didn’t quite know how to use the "bathroom phone."
Services & Conveniences: "Concierge," "daily housekeeping," "currency exchange," "luggage storage"… they had the basics covered. The "elevator" (or lack thereof, as previously mentioned) was a slight bummer.
For the Kids: "Family/child friendly," "babysitting service," "kids meal"… sounds like a good spot for a family vacation; or maybe not, depending on whether you like kids. The website mentioned "Kids facilities" – I couldn't find them, but maybe they're hidden somewhere, like the entrance to Narnia…?
Getting Around & Other Tidbits
They had "car park [free of charge]." I spent a lot of time hiking around, so I didn’t use it. They also had "airport transfer" and "taxi service" which is helpful, because getting to Ilha Grande is an adventure in itself. Just be prepared for a bumpy boat ride.
There's even a "proposal spot" – romantic, I guess. (Not for me this time.)
The Verdict:
Telhado Azul Pousada is a beautiful place. It's imperfect, a little chaotic (in a good way), and definitely not for everyone. Are you looking for absolute tranquility and a perfectly-organized vacation? Maybe look elsewhere. But if you crave a bit of adventure, stunning views, and a whole lot of pampering, this place is worth the trip. Just…pack some comfy shoes (and maybe a friend to help with the stairs). And definitely, definitely, try those caipirinhas. You won't regret it.
Luxury Austrian Alps Escape: Pension & Appartements Marxenhof Pertisau Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my (slightly chaotic, totally awesome) trip to Pousada Telhado Azul on Ilha Grande, Brazil. This ain't your perfectly polished travel blog, folks. This is the Real McCoy. Prepare for sunburn, sand in places you don't want it, and the occasional existential crisis brought on by a particularly beautiful sunset.
Day 1: Arrival and Beach Bliss (Mostly)
- 10:00 AM: Landed in Rio. Ugh, airport crowds. Smells like overzealous duty-free perfume and desperation. Found my pre-booked transfer to Angra dos Reis (the ferry port for Ilha Grande) – blessedly air-conditioned and with a driver who didn't quite speak English, but understood "Telhado Azul" with a knowing nod. Score.
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM: The highway was rough, that's a fact. And it stretched onward with little to catch the views, I felt sleepy and nothing more. Long drive to Angra dos Reis. The scenery started to get prettier once we got close, I could start to feel the holiday vibe starting to kick in.
- 5:00 PM: Ferry to Ilha Grande! The islands are beautiful. The water is this insane shade of turquoise that looks straight out of a postcard. I nearly knocked over a little old lady taking Instagram photos on a bench because I was overwhelmed and wanted to do the same for myself. Embarrassing.
- 6:00 PM: Arrived in Abraão, the main village on Ilha Grande. Found a guy with a small cart to take my luggage… which included everything, really. Walking around, it felt great.
- 6:30 PM: HOLY MOLY, Telhado Azul! The Pousada is gorgeous. Like, seriously gorgeous. Tiny, charming, views for days. My room? A little slice of heaven, all breezy linens and a balcony overlooking the ocean. Feeling a weird mix of "I deserve this" and "Am I dreaming?".
- 7:00 PM: Settled in, unpacked (sort of…), and immediately changed into my swimsuit. Priorities. Headed down to Praia do Canto (the beach closest to the Pousada).
- 7:30 PM: First dip in the ocean! Ahhh, pure bliss. Salt water, sun, and that feeling of weightlessness. Felt like a baby.
- 8:00 PM: Stumbled across a tiny beach bar, ordered a caipirinha (or three). Learning to drink like a local is important.
- 9:00 PM: Dinner at a charming little restaurant on the beach. Grilled fish with a view. The waiter was a bit… slow. Possibly because he was also trying to flirt with the other waitresses. But hey, what's the rush? We're on island time. The food was worth the wait, though.
Day 2: Trail Treachery and Kayak Katharsis
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Pousada. Fresh fruit, strong coffee, the works. This place is spoiling me.
- 10:00 AM: Hiking to "Praia do Lopes Mendes." This was supposed to be a "moderate" hike. "Moderate" my foot. It was a freaking mountain. Seriously, I felt like I was climbing Everest. And the humidity? Brutal. I swear I almost died of heatstroke twice. I think I sweated out all my caipirinhas.
- 12:00 PM: Finally arrived at Lopes Mendes. And… wow. It’s even more stunning than the pictures. Pristine white sand, crashing waves, the whole shebang. Spent the next few hours collapsing onto a beach towel, periodically wading into the ocean and wondering if I should ever leave.
- 3:00 PM: The hike back was slightly less hellish because I knew what I was in for. Still, I definitely contemplated hailing a helicopter at one point.
- 5:00 PM: A quick nap to recover from the hike.
- 6:00 PM: Kayak time! Rented a kayak and paddled around the bay. This was the chill I needed. Paddling, bobbing in the water, watching the sunset…pure joy. Almost tipped over once, trying to wave at a passing boat.
- 7:00 PM: More caipirinhas. Because, Brazil.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a different, equally charming restaurant. This time with a view of the sunset. The food wasn’t as good as the beach restaurant the previous night.
Day 3: Boat Trip Bonanza and Farewell Feels
- 9:00 AM: Another amazing breakfast. I could get used to this.
- 10:00 AM: Boat trip! Hopped on a small boat with a group of people and cruised around the island. Visited various beaches, snorkeled in crystal-clear waters (saw a sea turtle!), and basically felt like a mermaid.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch on the boat. Simple, but delicious. Grilled fish, rice, beans, the works. The sun was beating down on me, and I had to remember to put on sunscreen. The whole day became a bit of a blur.
- 3:00 PM: Continued to visit more beaches. More snorkeling. More bliss.
- 6:00 PM: Back in Abraão. Strolled around the town, bought some souvenirs (mostly for myself, let's be honest).
- 7:00 PM: Final caipirinha, watching the sunset. Feeling a little sad to be leaving tomorrow.
- 8:00 PM: Last dinner at a restaurant. Feeling the end of my holiday.
- 9:00 PM: Packing. Which really just meant shoving everything into my suitcase.
Day 4: Departure and Reflections
- 8:00 AM: One last breakfast. Squeezed every last bit of joy out of it.
- 9:00 AM: Left Telhado Azul. Sniff. Goodbye, paradise.
- 10:00 AM: Farewell Ilha Grande. The ferry felt different, I was coming away from the island but it left an amazing imprint in me.
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Long drive from Angra do Reis, Rio airport, and a plane to reality.
- Reflections: Ilha Grande was… magic. Even with the sweaty hikes, the slow service, and the occasional existential crisis. It was a place where I could truly switch off, reconnect with nature, and stuff my face with grilled fish. I'm already planning my return. Seriously, go. Just. Go. And tell Telhado Azul I sent you. They probably won't remember, but it’s worth a shot.
Escape to Paradise: Telhado Azul Pousada – You HAVE Questions, I (Probably) Have Answers (and Opinions!)
Okay, so Telhado Azul… Is it *really* as ridiculously beautiful as the pictures? Asking for a friend... who is very much me.
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because the pictures? They *capture* the beauty. But they don’t *get* it. They don't capture the air, thick with salt and the promise of a caipirinha. They don’t capture the way the bougainvillea spills over the walls looking like a particularly flamboyant artist had a meltdown there… in the best possible way. I landed at Telhado Azul after what felt like a transatlantic flight (even though it wasn’t), and I nearly cried. Seriously. Like, ugly cry. Tired, travel-worn me, reduced to a blubbering mess by a building. It's *that* good. The view from the breakfast terrace… pure, unadulterated, Instagram-worthy bliss. Just… *wow*. But I’m warning you: the perfection is… intimidating. Like, will I spill coffee on the white linens? Will I accidentally leave a hair in the shower? The pressure's real, people. Real.
And the rooms? Are they actually clean? I have a *thing* about dust bunnies.
Clean? Honey, the rooms are practically sterile. I, Miss Dust-Bunnies-Need-To-Die, can vouch for it. The cleaning staff are… ninjas. Invisible ninjas who come in when you’re out exploring, and leave behind a sparkling haven. My room? Spotless. The bathroom? Shining. The bed? So fluffy and inviting, I spent the first hour just *bouncing*. (Okay, maybe I didn't *bounce*. But I definitely considered it). They do an incredible job. Which is more than I can say for my own cleaning habits, truth be told. Expect fresh towels every day, and a general aura of pristine tranquility. Just watch out for sand… you *will* track it in. It's the inescapable price of paradise. And honestly, it's worth it.
Breakfast. Tell me *everything* about breakfast. Because I live for breakfast.
Breakfast at Telhado Azul… okay, deep breath. This is where the whole "paradise" thing gets *dangerous*. Because after this breakfast? Normal breakfasts at home are going to *suck*. Like, big time suck. Fresh fruit? Mountains of it. Juices? Every flavor imaginable. Bread? Warm, crusty, perfect. Eggs? Cooked to order, any way you want them. And the view… did I mention the view? You eat overlooking the ocean. I’m telling you, I spent a good chunk of my mornings just staring out at the horizon, contemplating the sheer *awesomeness* of life, while stuffing my face with guava jam. And the staff! They are *so* attentive. They remember your coffee order, even if you've only had one. They genuinely seem happy to be there. Which, let’s be honest, is a bit suspicious… but in the best possible way! I'm already craving it. Think I'll go make a smoothie now to remind myself. This may backfire.
What's the vibe like? Is it party central, or chill and quiet? Because I need my chill.
Chill and quiet, my friend. Telhado Azul is *not* the place to be if you want to rage. There is no loud music, no pool parties, no screaming children (mostly). It's all about relaxation. Think lazy mornings, afternoons spent reading on your balcony (or in a hammock!), and evenings spent sipping cocktails while you listen to the waves. There’s a lovely sense of calm. You can actually *hear* yourself think. Which, depending on your thought patterns, can be either a tremendous blessing or a little terrifying. I found it incredibly restorative. It felt like a proper *escape*. You can mingle a little at breakfast, maybe swap travel stories with a fellow guest. But generally, everyone's there for a dose of tranquility. It’s perfect for couples, solo travellers seeking some peace, or anyone who just needs to recharge their batteries big time.
Okay, but what about getting around? Ilha Grande is an island, right? How do you *do* things?
Getting around Ilha Grande is part of the charm, and a bit of an adventure! No cars allowed. You'll be walking (a lot, bring good shoes, or comfy flip-flops! I learned that the hard way), taking water taxis, or hiking. From the pousada, you can walk to the village shops, restaurants, and the start of some trails (a pleasant stroll, usually). Water taxis are your primary mode of transport to other beaches. They are easy enough to find, or the pousada can arrange them for you. Be prepared for some jostling and getting a little wet – it’s all part of the experience! I'm useless at water taxis. I tend to get seasick, though the views were worth the slight nausea. And the hikes? Beautiful, challenging… and hot. Remember water, sunscreen, a hat, and a healthy dose of patience.
Anything I should be *particularly* aware of before I go? Like, any hidden surprises?
Yes! A couple of things. First, the mosquitos. They are relentless. Bring bug spray. And then bring *more* bug spray. Seriously. I got bitten in places I didn't even *know* I had. Secondly, the power. It can sometimes go out. It’s an island thing. Embrace it. It's part of the charm. Mostly. (I spent one evening reading by candlelight, which was quite romantic, actually... until the book I'd brought was utterly boring! So I recommend a *good* book). And thirdly… leave your worries at home. Seriously. Just… let them go. Ilha Grande has a way of washing them away. You might find yourself wanting to stay forever. *I* almost did.
So, about that view… You mentioned it. A LOT. Is it *really* as amazing as you keep going on about?
Okay, buckle up, because this is where things get a little… obsessive. The view. The *bleeding* view. From my balcony (I managed to snag a room with a balcony, praise the travel gods!), I had this panoramic vista. Picture turquoise water so clear you could see the fish swimming (I’m not exaggerating!), lush green mountains, and the most incredibly vibrant sunsets I've ever witnessed. Sunsets that painted the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple, that left me speechless every single time. I'm not even a "sunset person" – usually – but these… these were a religious experience. It wasn't just a view; it was a masterclass in beauty. One evening, I was sitting there with a glass of wineMountain Stay
