RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Brazilian travelers no longer need to fly abroad to stay in unusual themed accommodations. Brazil already has countless options of unusual inns and hotels for those who want to get away from it all and enjoy differentiated experiences.
The lodgings are spread all over the country; however, most are concentrated in the south and southeast regions, and cater for all budgets and audiences, from esoteric to nudists, from aviation enthusiasts to campers, some boasting comfort and others originality, ensuring the guest a memorable stay.
FREE OF CLOTHES
Created in 2015, it is the perfect place to stay free of clothes and in contact with nature since nudity is allowed in all areas. Affiliated with the Brazilian Federation of Naturism (FBRN), the hotel follows the same rules of conduct.
With 16 rooms, fixed and monthly lodging is also allowed, and it is in a private area inserted in the center of the Colina do Sol Naturist Club. Unlike most accommodations of this kind, single people are welcome.
Where: Ubuntu, in the municipality of Taquara, metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul.
Price: From R$180 for up to 2 people, plus Colina do Sol’s concierge fee (R$57 per person for 2 days, reducing according to the length of stay).
Leisure: swimming pools, lakes, trails, sports courts, gym in an area of 70 hectares.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/hotelnaturistaubuntu/
SLEEPING IN AN OLD TRAILER
Those who have never traveled by motorhome, but are curious about what it is like to sleep in a trailer, can now satisfy that desire.
In this space in São Paulo, it is possible to stay in one of 4 vintage trailers, all of them complete with an equipped kitchen. The atypical lodging in the country accommodates up to 5 people, and pets are allowed (for an extra fee). The “minicabs” on wheels are from the 1980s and early 1990s.
Where: Labrume, near downtown Capivari, in Campos do Jordão, São Paulo.
Price: from R$800 a day depending on the period.
Leisure/Practicality: The space offers campfires, and the trailers have heaters – some have a deck with a table and chairs.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/labrume.lodges/
A GLASS CABIN AMONG THE MOUNTAINS
Sleeping under a starry sky in the middle of nature is already possible. Ideal for couples in love, the glass cabin allows you to observe the surroundings without having to get out of bed.
The bathroom is outside, as is the private whirlpool bath, and if you want a little more privacy, just close the curtains, although it is located in an isolated space, precisely to ensure intimacy.
Where: Cambirela Space, in Palhoça, Santa Catarina.
Price: from R$1,670 (prices vary according to the package, including one night in the transparent cabin).
Leisure/practicality: private heated pool with spa, therapeutic massage bed, hiking trails, horseback riding, etc.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/espacocambirela/
STAYING IN A WINE BARREL
Pipa is the name given to a large wooden structure for storing liquids, mainly for aging distilled spirits. However, it is possible to stay inside these huge barrels transformed into chalets in the south of Brazil.
Inaugurated in January 2021, the project was born three years before that. It is common in the region to reuse the barrels to build kiosks and other constructions, but it was little explored as an accommodation. There are four two-story kites with a balcony overlooking a beautiful valley, comfortably accommodating a couple or even families with up to two children.
The initiative has attracted drink lovers and couples who find the idea of sleeping in a “giant barrel” curious.
Where: Pipas Terroir, in Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul.
Price: average R$890 for a couple with breakfast.
Leisure/practicality: ofurô, internal fireplace, a bonfire outside, wine cellar with several wines, and sparkling wines.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/pipasterroir/
A FLOATING HOUSE
Located in the Jaguari reservoir, 2 hours away from São Paulo, the houseboat accommodates two people comfortably in a total area of 64m² (38m² inside and 26m² outside).
The houseboat is sustainable, the electric power comes from solar panels, an aerobic biodigester treats the waste, and the construction uses reforested wood.
Even though it is on the water, it sways very little, and the action of the wind causes the house to rotate slowly on its axis, making it possible to see different landscapes.
Where: Altar, in Joanópolis, São Paulo.
Price: from R$1,400 (on the Airbnb platform, without site taxes)
Leisure/Practicalities: fireplace, projector (can be used as outdoor cinema), equipped kitchen to prepare meals, and ecological barbecue.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/altar.br/
LIVING IN THE BUBBLE
Inaugurated in late 2020, the bubble house is in the middle of nature, thus ensuring the guest’s privacy who can observe the surrounding landscape without leaving the ‘bubble’.
Outside, the bathroom with glass and wood walls has a view of the mountains. The lodging is inside a lodging complex, with all infrastructure, being a unique experience of sleeping under the stars and waking up with the vegetation and the sound of the birds.
Where: Cabana Home, in Araçoiaba da Serra, São Paulo.
Price: from R$1,800 a day.
Leisure/practicality: outdoor bathtub, TV in the room, outdoor swing, and air conditioning.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/cabanahome/
TRANSPARENT IGLOO
Similar to the bubble house, this is a dome-shaped geodesic lodge overlooking a dam. Opened in August 2021, the transparent suite follows the model of similar accommodations, with a bathroom outside and glass walls to admire the landscape.
Where: Bubble Experience, in Joanópolis, São Paulo.
Price: from R$1,200 a day.
Leisure/practicality: TV in the room, external whirlpool bath, equipped kitchen, fireplace, and lounge chairs.
More information: https://www.airbnb.com.br/rooms/50916618?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=b530de5c-54e0-4fba-a92f-0ba04ea22b5f&source_impression_id=p3_1641831760_PR3Z76lRGxYZ2YRy
WELCOME ABOARD
Can you imagine staying in a real airplane? Considered the first accommodation of its kind in Brazil, the guest can experience this even while on the ground.
In the 3-story “control tower” is the large luxurious double room with direct access to the aircraft through a corridor. The spacious bathroom with a Jacuzzi is on the second floor, and on the last floor, there is a terrace with a view of the Mantiqueira Mountains, where it is possible to observe the plane in its entirety.
Inside the “private jet” is the living room, with swivel armchairs, tables, a sofa (which can be converted into a bed), minibar, mobile air conditioning, TV, etc.
Aviation fans will not be disappointed; the aircraft’s cockpit has an original panel with dials, controls (EMB 120 model), a flight simulator, and other features that make the passenger feel like a pilot. It is 180m², including the control tower and the aircraft, and can accommodate up to four people.
Where: Viviê – airplane inn, located in Monte Verde, Minas Gerais.
Price: from R$1.700 per day.
Leisure/practicalities: heated pool, trails in the forest, digital fireplace, etc.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/viviepousada/
BEING ABDUCTED
At this thematic inn with spaceship-shaped rooms, guests can feel abducted. The “spaceships” were built by hand, using iron and cement as raw material, and the ceiling with glass holes allows the entrance of sunlight.
Each “ship” has a different painting and style, and the number of crew members it can accommodate can vary (between 2 and 5 people). The general public seeks an experience closer to the reality of the Chapada dos Veadeiros, and many appreciate the ufology theme.
Where: Espaço Nave Lunazen, in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Goiás.
Price: from R$259 a day (low season).
Leisure/practice: pool and bistro with bar.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/espaconaveslunazen/
STAYING IN A COCOON
The look is reminiscent of a beehive, but it is an unprecedented concept of a tent in the country. Made of canvas and wood, the 24m² cocoon has everything guests need concerning comfort and has a differential – the bathroom is inside the accommodation.
Although smaller, compared to the other places mentioned above, the “cocoon” has a private deck with a Jacuzzi, fireplace, and a view of the countryside.
Where: Parador, in Cambará do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul.
Price: from R$1.971 + 10% tax.
Leisure/practice: fireplace, TV, horseback riding, quad biking, and Jacuzzi.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/paradorcambaradosul/
SUITE IN A REPLICA OF A TRAIN CAR
Created in 2005, this inn goes back to the railway universe of the past. The concept of the chalets was inspired by the wagons used by Emperor Dom Pedro II in 1881. There are six standardized wagon suites, in addition to traditional rooms.
Where: Pousada Trem do Imperador, in Tiradentes, Minas Gerais.
Price: from R$640.
Leisure/practicality: indoor pool with whirlpool and thermal sheets.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/pousadatremdoimperador/