Ilha de Toque Toque Boutique Hotel & Spa

Ilha de Toque Toque is situated on a beautiful piece of tropical property, superbly landscaped and maintained, with flowers, trees and songbirds such as hummingbirds and finches. The feel at this intimate getaway is relaxed and romantic and there are panoramic views of the ocean and green mountains from the grounds. The hotel has a strong environmental ethic: no tree was cut during construction and much of the hotel's water is heated with solar energy.The property tends to attract vacationing couples, including honeymooners, and it's popular with guests from Sao Paulo who want to escape the heat and noise of the city.  

Ilha de Toque Toque is off Highway 101/SP-055, on a secluded hilltop in a protected stretch of the Atlantic Forest overlooking the quiet and unspoiled Toque Toque Grande Beach. Another superb beach is Calhetas Beach, located a 15-minute walk west of the hotel. The hotel is also a 15-minute drive southeast of Maresias, a fashionable beach town with excellent surfing, dining, bars and clubs. Located a 20-minute drive east, Sao Sebastiao features attractions such as the historic Igreja Matriz de Sao Sebastião (Parish Church of St. Sebastian), Museu de Arte Sacra (Sacred Art Museum), and the Nossa Senhora do Amparo Convent. Sao Paulo's and its international airport take around two and a half hours to reach, give or take. 

Surrounded by lush greenery, the Ilha de Toque Toque's 10 suites are airy, light-filled, and quiet. All have wood balconies or patios with hammocks and full or partial views of the ocean. All the suites have lots of wood in the furniture, trim, walls and ceilings, which add to the charming, rustic-chic character. Walls feature local art and there are splashes of blue, red, orange and yellow in the bed throws and rugs. All rooms have plush beds, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, safes, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with movie channels and DVD/CD players. Most suites feature ofuros (Japanese deep soaking tubs) while the Master Suite has a sauna and a small private pool. Some suites have fireplaces, kitchens, and/or iPod docks. 

Ilha de Toque Toque offers a terrific array of amenities, especially for a 10-room property. The free breakfast buffet features items such as eggs, fresh fruit, and house-made bolo de laranja (orange cake). The restaurant has superb ocean views, a rustic-upscale dining room with lots of wood, and a deck surrounded by greenery and singing birds. For lunch and dinner the restaurant serves locally inspired items such as grilled salmon with tamarind sauce and dourada fish cooked in white wine and cream. Beverages include numerous fresh juices, an extensive wine list, and excellent caipirinhas, the Brazilian national cocktail. 

There are also two pools, one with a hot tub and an attractively landscaped deck with a ocean views. Set farther down the hill on its own secluded deck in the forest is a second swimming pool with a waterfall feature. The hotel also has a wet sauna, a small fitness room, a massage room, a free DVD lending library, a TV room, and a game room with card tables and billiards. Parking at the hotel is free of charge. 

A three-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the hotel, Toque Toque Grande Beach is secluded and usually free of crowds. It features clear water, white sand, and scenic sunsets. The water is excellent for diving and snorkeling, and the hotel provides snorkeling equipment free of charge as well as beachfront drink, towel, and chair service. Guests can also hike or mountain bike in the forest surrounding the hotel, or arrange excursions kayaking, fishing, scuba diving and boat rides (fees apply for all).