The Best Boutique Hotels and Pousadas in Pipa, Brazil

A relative new kid on the block, Beija Flor Resort & Spa has only recently opened. It is run by worldly Italians who have brought their eye for style to the hotel. Its surroundings though are undoubtedly Brazilian, with a rich, green garden and the main communal area sits beneath a gloriously enveloping thatched roof. The pool is state of the art, the spa ready to welcome you and Pipa is on the doorstep.

Kilombo Villas & Spa are a little of out Pipa itself, though the distance is not an issue as the hotel is so well equipped. There is a butler to attend to your every need, and small details, like breakfast served where you choose and a turn-down service, means that you really can outsource everything to someone else. The hotel combines modern technology with the utmost respect for nature and the environment, generating its electricity from solar panels and helping protect the resident turtles along with the TAMAR protection project.

Oka da Mata is etched out of Pipa’s eco-reserve close to Praia do Madeiro. For anyone in search of some peace and quiet, big skies and an endless expanse of sea, then this hotel on the clifftops is the place for you. It has been decorated with natural materials and soft hues to complement its sumptuous location. Though it is not far to town, there is a shuttle that runs regularly or the choice of hiring a car onsite.

Comprised of a hotel, resort and spa, the Sombra e Água Fresca trio has grown to become one of Pipa’s most-respected companies. The hotel is on the outskirts of town, a short walk from the centre but directly next to Praia da Amor. The beach is wild and undeveloped and loved by passing dolphins. The master suite has an infinity dipping pool, the others have Jacuzzi baths and there is an outside pool and fitness centre for general use. Staff are practised in organising boat rides, diving, bike riding, fishing and much else besides.

Hotel Ponta do Madeiro peeks out from the woods on a cliff above Maderio beach. It is a more colourful and characterful hotel then many of the resorts in Pipa. Artist Lídia Quaresma was brought in to help with the decoration and rooms have been designed with feng shui in mind. The 39 suites are carefully arranged to feel like far fewer and the staff are exceptionally friendly and attentive, often remembering guests’ names and able to organise all kinds of activities.

Marlins has been styled with a sophistication that you wouldn’t expect for a hotel in a surf town. It is unpretentious but extremely comfortable, and very well located above Pipa’s main beach. Half of the rooms are elevated and sea-facing giving unadulterated views of the coast, the others look onto the jungle. Outside, it has a snug covered area, a tiled terrace and a curved outdoor pool that feels like it is overflowing onto the beach.

One of the great benefits of the Thalassa Hotel is that it is a five minute walk (uphill) from Pipa’s main drag so the beaches, shops, bars and restaurants are all close by. It is an affordable choice and has a variety of accommodation with some small chalets and various apartments. With two swimming pools, a comfy raised wooden deck and a large dining area it is a spacious set-up. Massages, tours and transfers can all be arranged and the barman is always happy to whip up a piña colada or caipirinha for you. Look out for the gnomes and statues that hide in the gardens.