Getting away for a beach weekend is always a treat – but you can double the pleasure at a stroke by making it a spa weekender. We’ve rounded up three seaside spas, from São Paulo’s north coast to Paraty in the state of Rio de Janeiro. They’re all reachable – traffic permitting, of course – for a weekend break. Treat yourself.
At the top end of the style stakes, the chic DPNY Beach Hotel on Ilhabela has a spa with an indoor heated pool and jacuzzi, both with a sea view, for your relaxing pleasure. If you don’t want to fork out for a weekend at this exclusive hotel, you can go for a spa day, which includes access to the pool, jacuzzi and sauna. Various types of massage as well as reflexology can be booked at an additional cost.
For a spot of rustic charm, try Aldeia de Sahy in Barra do Sahy, on São Paulo’s north coast. A cluster of beach chalets and flats provide simple accommodation on one of the coast’s more charming and less developed beaches. Their spa, Aldeia Zen, open for both guests and non- guests, offers a range of treatments – from massage to shiatsu, reiki and a local favourite – banhos de Ofurô – a relaxing Japanese bath, which can be enjoyed à deux.
Further up the coast in Paraty, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, the day spa Shambhala is an Asian-inspired temple of relaxation and pampering. A 10-minute walk from the historic centre of Paraty, it has treatments including acupuncture, reiki, reflexology, and several types of massage including ayurvedic, Thai, Indian, Balinese, Tibetan and hot stones, to name a few. Also on offer are classes in yoga, Pilates, tai chi and bamboo therapy. And while there aren’t any of the usual pool and sauna options, you can bring a magazine or book and enjoy the sea views whilst sipping a tea or fruit shake in the spa lounge.
Aldeia de Sahy is at Rua Adelino Tavares 64, Barra do Sahy, São Sebastião (11 3168 7777/aldeiadesahy.com.br). Prices doubles R$280-$335 low season, R$370-R$450 high season; massages R$130-$160.
DPNY Beach Hotel is at Avenida José Pacheco do Nascimento 7668, Ilhabela (12 3894 3000/dpny.com.br). Prices doubles R$343-R$1393 low season, R$490-$1990 high season; Spa day for non-guests R$80; massages from R$50-$150.
Shambhala day spa is at Rua Rita Ribeiro Gama, in Caborê, Paraty (24 3371 2186/shambhalaspa.com.br). Open 2pm-9pm Tue-Sat; 10am-5pm Sun. Prices massages R$120-$140; spa day packages of 2 to 5 treatments R$150-$250.
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