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Casa Lavinia

  • Casa Lavinia
  • Casa Lavinia
  • Casa Lavinia
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A modest colonial pousada brimming with character in the heart of Sao Luis.

Casa Lavinia is a typical low-key and welcoming Brazilian pousada (guest house) right in the historic centre of São Luis, set on a street lined with restored Portuguese colonial residences. Expect no frills but plenty of atmosphere: this is an unassuming yet characterful place with a brightly painted nineteenth century façade, the evocative interior lovingly adorned with a collection of arts and crafts acquired by the proprietors during their travels. The family-run property is well appreciated for the helpfulness of its English-speaking hosts: it only receives up to a maximum 12 guests at a time, so you can be sure of personal attention.

There are just four air-conditioned guest rooms, all simply designed and furnished but each with its own nostalgic, individually conceived décor. Beamed ceilings, decorative mosaic-tiled bathrooms recalling traditional Portuguese crafts and wooden or flagstone floors create an almost rustic look in this urban environment. There's a cosy book-lined lounge stuffed with sofas, and a breakfast room: eating options for other meals and the main attractions of old São Luis are just a few minutes’ walk away.

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What our clients say

  • Our trip was most enjoyable particularly because of the wide variety of locations and experiences. Difficult to pick out the most memorable - but the Anavilhanas l Lodge was quite…

    PA, Bourne End Dec 2014
  • Highlight: The wildlife at Mutum - tapir, caimans, anteater, capybara, massive range of birdlife

    DL, London Nov 2016
  • All of it was memorable, the Hotel were the perfect choice and the guides were knowledgeable and very helpful. The Falls were breath-taking and listening to the falls and bird…

    BS, Harrow Dec 2014
  • This trip was memorable from start to finish. We will definitely be visiting Brazil again.

    JH, Dorking Mar 2015
  • The Iguazu falls were amazing.  Brazilia was also a real experience and is undersold - it is a really singular place to visit - the parliament and other buildings are…

    AB, Reading Feb 2016
  • Rio - the ultimate party city. The Pantanal - fascinating wildlife. Iguacu - Wow ! And the Andes - Incredible. We ran out of superlatives to describe what we were…

    PM, Stamford Brook Mar 2014
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Our Expert's Opinion

Charlotte
Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

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    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

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    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

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    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

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    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

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    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

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