Escape to Paradise: Abayomi Hotel, Ilhabela, Brazil
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the shimmering, sun-kissed paradise of the Abayomi Hotel in Ilhabela, Brazil. And trust me, after spending some time there, I'm ready to spill the beans, the caipirinhas, and maybe even a few tears of joy. Prepare for the messiest, most honest hotel review you've ever read.
First Impressions: Ilhabela’s Embrace (and My Own Misadventures)
Okay, so picture this: You're exhausted. Months of staring at spreadsheets, answering emails, and generally feeling like a stressed-out hamster on a wheel. You need escape. And Ilhabela, a lush island off the coast of São Paulo, screams escape. The ferry ride over is an experience in itself, the salt spray on your face a promise of what's to come.
The Abayomi Hotel? Well, the exterior is stunning. It’s perched on a hillside, seemingly dripping into the emerald ocean. And that view – oh, the view! It’s the kind that makes you want to chuck your phone into the sea and just breathe. (Spoiler alert: I didn't throw my phone. Priorities, people.)
Right off the bat, a little stumble. I'm not the world's most graceful human. I tripped on a rogue cobblestone on arrival. Scraped my knee. The staff, bless their heart, rushed over with a first aid kit and sympathetic smiles. And that's when I knew, good people.
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag, Sadly…(and My Own Impatience)
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. Accessibility. This is where things get a little sticky. The website claims to have facilities, but it’s not something I dove deep into, my bad. I'm not a wheelchair user myself, so I didn't dissect it. And I admit, I was so caught up in the sun and the view, that I didn't do the thorough legwork, which, mea culpa, is a little selfish honestly. There are mentions of facilities for disabled guests (elevator, etc.) but you'd need to call ahead and be sure. Remember, folks, ask all the questions before you book. It's your right.
On-Site Dining & Lounging: Food Coma, Beach Bliss, and Some Questionable Margaritas
Alright, let’s talk food. Essential stuff. Abayomi’s restaurants are… stellar. And the Poolside Bar, well, let's just say I developed a very close relationship with it during my stay.
- Restaurants: There's an a la carte restaurant, a (Vegetarian restaurant). I tried them all. The International cuisine is a highlight, with fresh seafood practically leaping from the plate. Asian cuisine is available, too.
- Breakfast: Breakfast in room is possible, but Buffet in restaurant is the way to go! The Breakfast Buffet is epic. Western/Asian breakfast are available.
- Drinks: The Poolside Bar is where the magic really happens. Happy Hour is a must-do, especially if you're into Margaritas. (I'm not going to lie, the first one was… intense. Let's just say the bartender was a bit heavy-handed with the tequila. The second one, however, was perfect.) Poolside bar is truly incredible! There's also a Coffee shop.
- Snacks and More: There's a Snack Bar which is perfect for grabbing something quick.
Ways to Relax: Spa Therapy, Sunset Serenity, and Me Getting Lost in the Sauna.
Okay, now for the real good stuff: relaxation. This is where Abayomi truly excels.
- Spa: Spa/sauna is a must. The Body scrub was divine, the Body wrap even better. The Massage? Pure bliss. The therapists are magic.
- Watery Bliss: You absolutely must make the Pool with view a personal mission. I spent an entire afternoon floating in the Swimming pool [outdoor], just staring out at the ocean. It was pure serenity.
- Gym Time: The Fitness center is solid. But honestly, I spent more time lounging than lunging. Don't judge me!
- The Sauna: The Sauna! I had a moment in there. Let's just say I got a little disoriented and may or may not have wandered around for a good ten minutes trying to find the exit. (Don't worry, I was fine. It was just…warm.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitization Station, and All That
Let's be clear, I've been very happy with the safety. The hotel is top notch:
- Covid-19: They're taking this seriously. I saw Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, etc. Honestly, I felt very safe. They are keeping it fresh and sterile.
- Other: Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher, and Security [24-hour] are reassuring.
The Rooms: My Personal Oasis…and a Few Minor Gripes
My room? Incredible. Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. I could've happily lived there forever.
- The Bed: The Extra long bed was a dream.
- The View. I had a partial Ocean view, and I basically spent my entire stay glued to my balcony, feeling smug and superior to everyone else who wasn't there. (Sorry, not sorry).
- Details: Little touches like Complimentary tea and Free bottled water were great. They have Bathrobes, Bathrobes, Hair dryer and the Mirror was in the perfect spot.
- The Annoyances: Interconnecting room(s) available: I didn't want that with another room. And one minor gripe: the Alarm clock was a bit temperamental.
Services and Conveniences: Concierge Magic, and a Hilarious Dry Cleaning Disaster
Okay, the hotel offers a lot.
- The Concierge: The staff were fantastic. The Daily housekeeping kept everything spotless.
- Stuff: Laundry service, Doorman, Luggage storage, Cash withdrawal, Food delivery. They run a convenience store.
- Internet: They have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet, Internet [LAN], etc.
- The Dry Cleaning Debacle: I sent a shirt in for Dry cleaning. It came back… smaller. Much, much smaller. Let's just say I learned a valuable lesson about Brazilian dry cleaners.
For the Kids: Family Friendly, but Assess Accordingly
I don't have any kids, so I can't personally comment on this. But, there are Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Getting Around: Ferry Fiascos, and Taxi Temptation
- Airport Transfers: They offer Airport transfer.
- Cars: Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
- Bikes: They have Bicycle parking.
Let's Get to the Heart: The Emotional Punch.
This is where the Abayomi really got to me. The world felt… heavy before I went. Work stress, pandemic worries… it was a lot. But sitting on that balcony, listening to the waves, feeling the sun on my face… it felt like my soul finally took a deep breath. I had moments. Moments of pure, unadulterated joy. Moments where I just knew I was exactly where I needed to be.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Just to Keep it Real)
- The cobblestones. Seriously, watch your step!
- The slightly aggressive margaritas. Proceed with caution.
- The fact that I had to leave. Honestly, I almost cried.
Final Verdict: Book it. Just Do It (but Be Prepared!)
Look, the Abayomi Hotel isn't perfect. No place is. But it's pretty damn close. It’s a place to escape. A place to recharge. A place to remember what it feels like to be truly, utterly relaxed.
Here's the deal: If you’re looking for the ultimate escape, then if you're into stunning views, incredible food, and a chance to truly unwind, then book the Abayomi Hotel.
**Now, to seal the deal, a tempting offer
Athens Dream Getaway: 2-Bedroom Charm Near Ancient Wonders!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary for the Abayomi Hotel in Ilhabela, Brazil, is about to get REAL. This isn't some sterile, pre-fab travel plan. This is me going to Brazil. And knowing me, it's probably going to be a chaotic blend of breathtaking beauty, near-disasters, and an unhealthy obsession with caipirinhas.
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Bliss (and potential sunburn hell)
10:00 AM (Approximate): Land in Guarulhos (GRU) - Ugh, flying. I'm always convinced the plane is going to fall out of the sky, even though I know the statistics are on my side. Arriving at the airport is a whole other beast. God, I’d forgotten how awful the airport smells. That mix of jet fuel and stressed-out humans… glorious. Trying to find the shuttle with my luggage is always the first test of my patience.
12:00 PM (ish): The transfer to Ilhabela. Apparently, it’s a ferry, which sounds charming… until I picture seasickness. Hopefully, the Dramamine kicks in. The thought of staring at endless water makes me queasy, but then again, it's Brazil. Gotta keep the barf bag handy, just in case.
1:00 PM: ARRIVE at the Abayomi Hotel! Okay, first impressions… Holy crap. This place is gorgeous. Pictures don’t do it justice. Palm trees swaying, the ocean practically lapping at the doorstep… I'm already starting to feel the tension melt away. The reception staff are smiley and speak some English, which is a godsend because my Portuguese is currently limited to “cerveja” and “obrigado.”
2:00 PM: Check into my room. A quick unpack – mostly swimsuits and enough sunscreen to bathe in (lesson learned: past sunburns = pure, soul-crushing agony). Then, run screaming down to the beach.
2:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Beach time! Okay, this is the dream. The sand is fine, the water is clear… I'm already halfway to a blissful state of vacation zen. Of course, I instantly forgot to reapply sunscreen and am probably going to resemble a lobster by dinner. Classic. Swimming for hours, I thought I saw a dolphin, but it probably was just a fish. Beach vendors with their little trinkets make me want to buy everything. The little beachside bars are already calling to me. Yes.
6:30 PM: Drinks at the beach bar. Caipirinhasssss! Honestly, this drink is my kryptonite. Dangerously delicious. I could drink these all day. And I might. Starting strong!
7:30 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Trying to eat something healthy (I swear!) but the smell of grilled seafood is… irresistible. Sigh. Going for it. The first night in a new place always involves a little bit of overeating, right? Right?!
9:00 PM: Sunset… maybe. Depending on how many caipirinhas I’ve had. Hopefully I’ll be coherent enough to actually witness it.
10:00 PM: Bed. Zzzzzzzzz.
Day 2: Island Exploration & the Great Kayaking Mishap
- 8:00 AM: Wake up feeling… surprisingly good? Considering the aforementioned caipirinhas. Breakfast is a delightful spread of fruit, pastries, and more coffee than is probably advisable. I swear, I could live off the pastries.
- 9:00 AM: Renting a buggy to explore the island. Yay! Freedom! After getting a quick lesson, I’m ready to hit the road.
- 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Driving around the island discovering hidden beaches and viewpoints. The scenery is breathtaking! Some of the roads are a little… rough. I’m suddenly appreciating how forgiving the buggy is. Almost got lost! But the GPS worked and saved the day,
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a beachfront restaurant. Fresh fish, and ice-cold beer. Feeling good… maybe TOO good.
- 2:30 PM: Kayaking! This was supposed to be a relaxing adventure. Until… well, let's just say my kayaking skills are, shall we say, aspirational. I thought I was doing great and then the currents took over. Suddenly, I was paddling furiously, going out to sea, and the land was shrinking in the distance. Panic! Pure, unadulterated panic! Swallowed a mouthful of saltwater, nearly capsized (several times), and looked like a total idiot in front of everyone. Eventually, with a lot of grunting and some lucky wind, I managed to get back to shore. Shaken, but not stirred (unlike my stomach). I had to take a break after and sit in the sun. The sun is the best panacea, I think.
- 4:30 PM: Regrouping. Need a strong drink. A very strong drink. Back to the beach bar!
- 5:30 PM: Attempting to look like I’ve been on a glamorous yacht, sipping cocktails and reading a book.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant in Vila (the main town). Charming place with a buzzing atmosphere.
- 8:30 PM: Trying to actually understand some of the other diners and what they are saying–attempting to listen and learn some Portuguese from them (failure).
- 10:00 PM: Heading back to the hotel, very content.
Day 3: Hiking & Beach Bliss Redux (and the lingering effects of the kayaking fiasco)
- 9:00 AM: Attempting to make use of the hotel gym. Gave up after 15 minutes. My muscles are still screaming from yesterday’s kayaking ordeal.
- 10:00 AM: Hike to a waterfall. The trail is beautiful, but I’m sweating buckets. I’m convinced every insect in Brazil is trying to eat me. Reached a waterfall, the water is cool and refreshing. Worth it!
- 1:00 PM: Trying a little bit of local food. Yummy, and not too expensive.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the beach. This time, sticking to the shore.
- 3:00 PM: The dreaded reapplying of sunscreen.
- 5:00 PM: More caipirinhas. This is becoming a habit. But who’s judging?
- 7:00 PM: Dinner in Vila – I am going to try the pasta.
- 8:30 PM: Stargazing on the beach. Pure magic.
- 10:00 PM: Bed, utterly shattered but incredibly happy.
Day 4: Departure (and a sad attempt to pack)
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. Trying to savor. Trying to memorize every detail.
- 10:00 AM: Packing. The worst part of any vacation. Always. Somehow always take up more space than you have.
- 11:00 AM: One final beach visit.
- 12:00 PM: Checking out of the hotel. Goodbye, Abayomi! Goodbye, paradise! I'll miss the sunshine, the sea, and the caipirinhas (especially the caipirinhas).
- 1:00 PM: Transfer back to Guarulhos airport.
- 3:00 PM: Plane. Sad face. Looking forward to going back already!
Final Thoughts:
This trip to Ilhabela was everything I hoped it would be (mostly). The Abayomi Hotel was a dream. The beaches were pristine. The caipirinhas were lethal but delicious. I might still have a slight fear of kayaking, but hey, at least I survived. Brazil, you've stolen a piece of my heart (and maybe a few brain cells). Until next time!
Chiang Mai Paradise: Uncover STAY MAYB's Hidden Gem in Thailand
Okay, Seriously, Is This "Escape to Paradise" Thing Legit or Just Hype?
Alright, let's cut the fluff. Ilhabela *is* stunning. Like, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Think turquoise water, lush rainforest tumbling down to the beach... yeah, it's the real deal. Abayomi Hotel? Well, that's where it gets interesting. The brochure photos are... generous. They’ve clearly got a good photographer. But don't expect perfection. I'm talking about those little things that make real life, well, *real*.
My first impression? Wow. Seriously, "wow". The view from the restaurant was insane, like *literally* a postcard. But then... and here's the thing: the "rustic charm" is definitely in full force. By that, I mean the internet, which was about as reliable as a tipsy sloth in a surf competition. I spent a solid hour trying to upload a picture of my breakfast (a *fantastic* acai bowl, by the way), and eventually gave up. My phone ended up in the sea anyway, a tale for another time. More below.
The Rooms: Cozy Cabins or Cramped Cr*pholes? (Be Honest.)
Okay, okay, spill the beans about the rooms. This is where the "rustic charm" really gets going. They're not what you'd call modern. Think more "cabin in the woods chic" than "sleek minimalist hotel room." We stayed in a "Superior Bungalow" (fancy name, right?), and it was… adequate. The bed was comfy enough, but the bathroom was, well, let's just say it had seen better days. The shower pressure? About as powerful as a newborn kitten sneezing. Also, be prepared for the occasional gecko. They're your new roommates. They're everywhere. One even fell from the ceiling while I was meditating. It was *not* relaxing.
But! (There's always a but, isn't there?) The view from our balcony was breathtaking. Seriously. I spent a lot of time there, just staring at the ocean, sipping a glass of wine (which, by the way, you should definitely bring your own, because their selection is... limited). So, yeah, the rooms themselves aren't luxurious, but the location makes up for a *lot*. Just lower your expectations. They're not designed for the discerning traveler who demands a perfect bathroom. Don't get me wrong, I needed to de-stress in the bathroom, if only for a few minutes.
Food and Drink: Is It Worth It? (And Are the Cocktails Deadly?)
Ah, the food. Okay, the breakfast acai bowls are seriously to die for. Seriously, I had one every single morning. Their coffee? Not so great, but no one's perfect, right? Lunch and dinner? Hit or miss. Some days it was amazing. Fresh seafood grilling on the beach. Other days... let's just say the "chef" seemed to have a vendetta against seasoning.
The cocktails? Proceed with caution. They're strong. *Really* strong. I remember one night... I think I had three Caipirinhas (which, in Brazil, is like having *one*). I woke up the next morning… well, let's just say the photos from that night are best left buried. The staff? They were nice enough, but one guy definitely had a crush on me. Awkward. But in all, the cocktails will make you feel great for an hour or two, and after that: you're better off taking it easy.
The Beach: Is It Actually Swimmable, or Just Photo-Op Bait?
The beach. Oh, the beach. That's the reason you're going, right? Good news: it's gorgeous. Seriously, golden sand, clear water, perfect for swimming. The downsides? Sometimes the waves are a bit rough. And, like every beach in South America, you need to watch out for the occasional rogue jelly fish sting. But, overall, it's amazing. Just be mindful of the sun, it's crazy strong. Bring sunscreen! And bug spray! The mosquitoes are relentless, especially at dusk. We used some of this awful stuff that smelled of chemicals, I think there's still some in my blood.
Activities: Is There Anything *To Do*, or Just Lounging on the Beach?
Lounging on the beach is a perfectly acceptable activity. Trust me. But, if you're the type who gets bored, there are options. You can go snorkeling (saw some amazing fish!). You can take a boat trip (highly recommended). You can hike. You can even try surfing (I failed miserably, but it was hilarious).
The hotel also offers yoga classes, which were... interesting. The instructor was very Zen, which was great until a monkey decided to steal her water bottle mid-pose. I swear, the wildlife in Ilhabela is like something out of a cartoon. Seriously, you could build a whole narrative with the stuff you see. Monkeys, iguanas, the aforementioned geckos... it's *wild*.
Staff and Service: Are They Helpful, or Horribly Slow?
The staff... they're *trying*. They're generally friendly and helpful. But things move at a relaxed pace. "Island time" is a real thing. Don't expect lightning-fast service. If you need something, be patient. And learn some basic Portuguese. It goes a long way. I managed to order a beer, and a fruit platter. And I managed to tip in Reais, which I later found out were a much smaller amount than I wanted to.
One time, I asked for a taxi. The reception guy told me to wait 10 minutes. Two hours later, I was still waiting. I ended up walking back along the beach, which wasn't so bad actually. It was beautiful, by the way. Serendipitous, even. So, yeah, service might be a bit slow, but the people are nice. Just go with the flow. And maybe have a backup plan.
The Internet: Seriously, How Bad Is It? (Because I Need to Work/Post on Social Media.)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. The internet. It's… challenged. Expect to be disconnected from the world. You might get lucky and get a decent signal for an hour or two, but don't bank on it. Seriously, if you need to work, or you'reOcean By H10 Hotels
