Pousada Literária de Paraty

Pousada Literária is all high ceilings with exposed wooden beams and bright spaces filled with contemporary Brazilian art and design. Outside, the central garden courtyard is a splendidly peaceful place to spend an afternoon, while the heated pool is more social. For food and drink, the Quintal das Letras restaurant, run by Belgian chef Bertrand Materne, showcases caiçara cuisine using ingredients that arrive daily from Fazenda Bananal and the small bar serves adventurous craft cocktails. The property also houses Livraria das Marés, Paraty's most complete bookstore, and that glorious library, complete with a fireplace for the cooler evenings.

Spread across restored colonial houses around a central garden, the 28 accommodations range from cosy suites to sprawling villas. Each air-conditioned space features king-size beds with luxurious 600-thread-count cotton sheets, while suites boast separate living areas. The standout Villa Aurora spans two floors with Lisa Corti Italian linen throws, Sergio Rodrigues armchairs, and a fireplace, whilst all rooms come with their own mini-library and reading chaise – this is a literary haven, after all. Master suites feature dual-basin bathrooms with hydro-massage showers and internal jacuzzis, and some connect to neighbouring rooms for families seeking extra space.

Join Brazil's most prestigious literary event, the FLIP Literary Festival, held every July - guests of Pousada Literária enjoy exclusive access to various events. Otherwise, the hotel offers a variety of exclusive experiences, including gastronomic cruises to Saco do Mamanguá, Brazil's only tropical fjord, and the Vila Mamanguá Private Beach Retreat. There are also guided walks through Paraty's historical centre, watercolour workshops, and cooking classes exploring caiçara traditions. At Fazenda Bananal, tour the organic gardens and visit the dairy and cheese-making facilities.