Trip style: Beach, Ecotourism, Farm lodges, honeymoon, romance, adventure, nature, history, culture, surf, kitesurf, yoga, spa, luxury

The Estrela da Ilha (Star of the Island)) is quite simply an extraordinary place, whether you come for the pousada which opens during high season and holidays, or the spa and yoga retreat which operates here the rest of the time.A beautiful high ceilinged oceanfront wooden  lodge nestling up against the Atlantic rainforest  this is a place which is only accessible by boat and where you are surrounded by nature on all sides..

There are 9 suites here, 3 standard, 4 luxury and 2 superluxury and all are well appointed with large beds, powershowers, hammocks and verandas, but there is no roomsafe, fridge or TV. The luxury here lies in the superb location, the large outdoor heated jacuzzi, the sauna, the healthy food, the views, the tranquility,  the gentle Brazilian music playing in the background.and the informal but excellent service.

Whichever plan you come on, be it the more normal half board pousada experience or the all inclusive Island Experience and yoga retreat you will go to sleep and wake to the sound of the waves enveloped by a glorious feeling of peace and tranquility. An unforgettable experience!

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Ilha Grande is a tropical paradise. The largest oceanic island in Brazil, it was first discovered in 1502, and has been, in turn, a magnet for pirates, a major staging point for the slave trade, and home to the infamous maximum security prison of Dois Rios. Despite its incredible natural beauty and proximity to Rio, the island only really became a tourist destination after the explosion of the prison in 1992, and there is still only a small local population of 6000.

The main town, Abraão, has a medical centre, police, firebrigade and tourist office and some 140 pousadas, but there are no motor vehicles, no roads (unless you count dirt tracks), no hotels, banks or shopping centres. And where Estrela da Ilha is situated is even more cut off- an hour by boat away with no regular boat service, although you can take a tourist trip over to Lagoa Azul and get the pousada boat to pick you up/drop you off there.

The best advice? Arrange a transfer in and out with the pousada and then leave your stress at home and enjoy the countless deserted beaches, the excellent diving, the kayaking and the fabulous hikes around the island. It really is a magical place.

• Walks and hikes over to Abraao (main town), Freguesia de Santana (colonial church), Bananal Pequeno (deserted beach)
• Kayaking to Lagoa Azul at sunset
• Chilling in the pousada sauna and heated jacuzzi
• Boat trips with snorkelling

• Fabulous oceanfront location with atlantic forest backdrop
• Great homecooked healthy food
• Personal service

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Price Guide

Prices below are low season rates for two people in brazilian reais (R$). Standard double room, with en-suite shower room, breakfast included.

Brazilian National Holidays

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