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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.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Highlight: Visiting Iguazu Falls.

    TF, Wakefield Oct 2016
  • Most memorable experience: "Hard to say it was all wonderful. Looking for alligators in a minute boat in the dark with eyes peering at you from out of the reeds,…

    VM, Shoreham-by-Sea May 2015
  • Most Memorable Moment: Spotting 7 Jaguars in Refugio Caiman and Iguacu Falls.    I also had my photo taken with Ronaldinho  on Copacabana Beach. Ha!

    BW, London Sep 2016
  • Most Memorable Moment?: We were lucky enough to have a major thunder storm overnight at the Iguazu falls and these were unbelievably spectacular the next day.  Also the Lencois Marahenas…

    KT, Andover Nov 2017
  • 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
  • Too many highlights - standing at the base of Christ the Redeemer, canoeing in the Amazon rainforest and sitting at the Cococabana Palace beach club on Cococabana beach........A fantastic holiday…

    AL, London Feb 2017
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Our Expert's Opinion

Mary
Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

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.

Papagaio

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Bartolome, Galápagos

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Real Latin american experts

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

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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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    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • Chris
    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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    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

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    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

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