Mande Harris, who lives in Grant Park in Atlanta, visited her husband, Andy Moose, while he was studying in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

"Happy to be at the beach during our winter, the first weekend I arrived we decided to go to a quiet little fishing village about four hours south of Rio, on the coast of the state of Sao Paulo. We found a quaint facility called Pousada Picinguaba, south of Parati (www.picinguaba.com).

Mande Harris/Special (ENLARGE)
Andy Moose has it made in the shade — even if he did have to rig it himself — at Mata Atlantica in eastern Brazil.
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"My husband and I have traveled the world. He is fluent in three languages. We often try to find little nooks in the world with few people, but with beautiful natural scenery and exceptional service. We both agreed after staying at the pousada for three nights that this was by far our favorite destination for relaxing and enjoying nature while being spoiled with healthy culinary delights and wonderful staff members.

"We enjoyed intimate dining experiences, fresh fish, exotic juices, all in a very friendly atmosphere. In fact, I am convinced that there is some force and air about this pousada that keeps its guests in a state of pure bliss!

"Our first night we enjoyed sashimi from a fresh catch, prepared by a staff member for all the guests poolside. We all watched very closely as he cut the pieces right off the whole fish and placed them on a plate with soy sauce for all of us to enjoy. The staff was always there but never in sight of the guests. If we wanted juice by the pool, picnic lunches, a caipirinha before dinner, it was available.

"The owner has a private schooner, which he takes guests on to travel to other small islands to snorkel, swim, and collect sea shells. The pousada also offers kayaks to take around the cove, maybe a 10-minute paddle, to enjoy the private beach in front of the undeveloped Atlantic rain forest. Or paddle straight up the river from the bay and enjoy banks filled with little crabs and exotic birds.

"It was truly a magical experience. When we returned to Rio, I was on the beach one afternoon talking with a lady who lived in Leblon, where we were staying, and she asked where we had been so far. I told her about Picinguaba. Andy and I had read in the 'Hip Hotels' book at the pousada that if you tell most Brazilians to go visit Picinguaba, they react with a 'picin what?' She was no different. I was happy to be able to tell a local where to go to get away from the busy streets of Rio de Janeiro.

"I cannot wait to go back to the little village. I left a part of myself there."