Casa Turquesa Paraty
brazil, brazil · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Casa Turquesa is one of the most romantic small hotels in Brazil — a colonial manor house in the cobblestoned UNESCO-listed historic centre of Paraty, restored with antique furniture, regional art and just nine elegant suites. The pace is slow, the service is personal, and the location is unbeatable: step out the door and you are on the centuries-old paving stones of one of South America's most beautiful preserved colonial towns, with the bay of Paraty and 65 emerald islands a short walk away. Relais & Châteaux membership confirms the standard. Honeymooners come for the heritage and atmosphere first — long candlelit dinners, schooner trips into the bay, cachaça tastings at family distilleries in the surrounding hills, and the rare combination of culture and nature that defines this stretch of the Costa Verde between Rio and São Paulo. Pair Casa Turquesa with a beach segment at Trancoso, Itacaré or Noronha, and you have one of the great Brazilian honeymoon itineraries.
- ✓Trust couples-verified reviews
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Are willing to invest in once-in-a-lifetime
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
91/100
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare Casa Turquesa across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
The Master Suite is the most spacious and overlooks the inner garden. Suites named after Brazilian artists — like Tarsila or Portinari — each have unique antique furniture and original art. Higher-floor suites get more light; ground-floor suites have direct garden access.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $1,000/nt) | $7,000 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $1,800 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $10,500 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $300 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $1,400 |
| Total estimated | $21,900 |
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival and historic centre
Drive from Rio (4 hours) or São Paulo (5 hours), settle into your suite, walk the cobblestones at golden hour. Welcome cachaça tasting, dinner at Banana da Terra, the most celebrated restaurant in town.
Schooner day on the bay
Full-day private or shared schooner trip across the Bay of Paraty — five island stops, snorkelling, lunch on board, swimming in coves. Return for cocktails on the Casa Turquesa terrace.
Cachaça trail and waterfalls
Drive into the Serra do Mar to visit family-run cachaça distilleries (Engenho d'Ouro and Maria Izabel), with lunch at a fazenda. Stop at Cachoeira do Tobogã for a swim under the rocks.
Trindade beach day
30 minutes south to Trindade, a relaxed beach village with translucent natural pools. Lunch at a beachfront barraca, return in time for an evening walking tour of the colonial centre with a local historian.
Spa morning, gallery afternoon
In-suite couple's massage, lunch at Quintal das Letras, afternoon visiting Paraty's small museums and contemporary galleries — Casa de Cultura and Sesc Paraty are both worth time.
Saco do Mamanguá
Day trip to the Saco do Mamanguá, Brazil's only tropical fjord, with a hike to the viewpoint and a refreshing river swim. Dinner at Casa do Fogo with cachaça pairings.
Slow last day
Sunday morning service at the Igreja de Santa Rita, brunch at Casa Turquesa, final stroll on the cobblestones, late checkout before the drive back.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
The historic centre is car-free and paved with large irregular stones — beautiful but not heel-friendly. Pack flats.
Paraty is best as a 3–4 night segment within a longer Brazil itinerary, not a full week alone, unless you really love a slow pace.
It is not a beach hotel — the beaches require a short boat or drive. If beach is the priority, pair with Trancoso or Itacaré.
Rains heavily December through March (this is the wettest part of Brazil). Best weather is May to September.
Only nine suites and high demand — book 3–6 months ahead, especially for the literary festival (FLIP) in late August.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Casa Turquesa Paraty, [Dates] Hello Casa Turquesa reservations, We are planning our honeymoon and would love to stay at Casa Turquesa from [arrival date] for [number] nights. Could you please share: - Availability and rate for the Master Suite (and one of the Tarsila/Portinari category suites for comparison) - Honeymoon offer details (welcome amenity, in-suite breakfast, spa treatment, late checkout) - Private schooner charter pricing and recommended duration - Help arranging cachaça distillery tours and a guided historical walk - Private transfer pricing from Rio (GIG/SDU) and São Paulo (GRU) We are flexible by a few days if that helps with availability. Thank you, [Your name]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do we get to Paraty?
Most couples drive or take a private transfer from Rio (4 hours via the Costa Verde) or São Paulo (5 hours). Some fly to Angra dos Reis or charter, but the road from Rio is scenic and easier.
Should we stay 3 nights or 7?
Most honeymoons spend 3–4 nights in Paraty paired with a beach segment elsewhere. A full week works only if you want a deeply slow rhythm — which some couples actively choose.
Is the bay swimmable?
Absolutely — the Bay of Paraty has dozens of small islands and protected coves with calm, warm water. The schooner day is the highlight.
How is the food?
Outstanding for a small town. Banana da Terra, Quintal das Letras and Casa do Fogo are the headliners. Casa Turquesa breakfast is a multi-course event in itself.
Best time of year?
May to September is the dry, mild Brazilian winter — perfect for Paraty. December–March is rainy. The literary festival in late August/early September is a magical time but the town is busy.
Can the hotel arrange the schooner and cachaça tours?
Yes — Casa Turquesa's concierge organises private schooner charters, distillery visits with English-speaking guides, hiking with naturalists and gallery tours.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
