Pousada Praia Serena

Praia Serena is a fantastic place to stay. It's just short walk to the old town of Paraty, and is situated on Jabaquara beach, which has plenty of bars and kiosks to choose from if you want drink, dine, and relax by the sea. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the property is a lovely tranquil place to unwind complete with stunning ocean views, and birdsong in the mornings. Simon and Helena are simply the best hosts we've ever stayed with. Wonderfully helpful with advice on the local wildlife, nature spots, and tours. There is a delicious fresh breakfast served every morning, and you might even see a monkey dining on the balcony nearby if Simon and Helena have left a frozen banana out for them! We started planning our next visit even before we had left.

We had a lovely time with our two kids in the ´Casa Praia Serena´ The owners are lovely, Helena Brasilian and Simon British. The staff warm and welcoming, always had tips to give about different beaches to go to. Breakfast was lovely (a nice cup of tea), which is hard to find in Brazil) and the two ladies that do breakfast are full of smiles. The rooms are clean and are serviced daily. We always finished off the day with a splash in the very clean swimming pool. Definately worth the money spent! Thanks Helena and Simon.

I absolutely loved my stay at Praia Serena earlier this month (Aug 2017)! I arrived late in the evening but Simon was still there to welcome me warmly. My second floor room had a shared balcony with exactly the views you see on the website...they are the real deal! And while somewhat spartan in decor, my room was clean, had a shower, and had all the amenities you'd need. In my case I was there to experience all the outdoor activities Paraty had to offer, so Praia Serena was the perfect staging point for that. Breakfasts were sumptuous and freshly prepared each morning by Praia Serena's absolutely charming staff. A morning tradition there also includes visits from a troup of Common Marmosets, which really ties in perfectly with the bucolic surroundings on Jabaquara beach. Simon and Helena know all the best local spots and they let even let me borrow their son's bike when I found myself without a ride on afternoon. Simon also pointed me to a fantastic little restaurant a few kilometers bike ride up the coast, which turned out to be a highlight of the trip. He also connected me with ParatyExplorer tours (see separate review), which also completely exceeded my expectations. I don't know if I'll have the opportunity to return to Brazil, but my fond memories of Paraty and Praia Serena will last a lifetime. I couldn't be happier, and encourage you to let Simon and Helena show you the same hospitality they showed me.