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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

  • Where to start? The World Cup match in Salvador, the old town of Salvador itself, swimming with wild dolphins in Praia de Pipa, watching monkeys play at breakfast, piranha fishing…

    LM, London Aug 2014
  • Most memorable experience: "The contrast between city, wildlife and the beach."

    JB, Leicester Apr 2015
  • Highlights?: The sighting of Fera the jaguar, and the giant otter sighting at Rio Mutum.

    MM, Ascot Sep 2017
  • Highlight: Visiting Iguazu Falls.

    TF, Wakefield Oct 2016
  • 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
  • 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

Carrie
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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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • 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.

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • Carrie
    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.

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    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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