Updated on Sep.5, 2011
Maresias, a scenic beach in São Sebastião, on São Paulo's North Shore, attracts an eclectic crowd. During the summer, surfers, backpackers, and the wealthy all gather on the sands of Maresias, but some travel farther than others to enjoy the scene.
Maresias doesn't have five-star hotels - most affluent beachgoers own or rent vacation homes - but whatever accommodations there are will pump up their prices to make the most of summer.
For better rates, go to Maresias in April-June or August-November. Winter is less rainy than summer in the area (however, you're always subject to cloudy, rainy days in Maresias and other North Shore beaches).
July may have a good share of clear, sunny days, but it's the winter break in Brazil, and prices tend to go up.
Some Maresias pousadas may close during part of the low season, especially in August.
In September, hyped Sirena, one of Brazil's best known clubs, comes back from its August recess (in 2009, Sirena's season-opening party will be on August 29).
Alternatively, if you're not much of a night person and if you don't mind taking the bus, you can save some money by staying in Boiçucanga, the next beach south beyond the hill, which has affordable pousadas and restaurants, and spend the day in Maresias, where the beach is better.
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Maresias Hotels and Pousadas: Higher Range
- Maresias Beach Hotel
The hotel with the most guest rooms (91) is also one of only two toes-in-the-sand hotels in Maresias. All guest rooms have A/C and safety boxes. Wheelchair-accessible accommodations are available. The Maresias Beach offers guests beach service, a restaurant, a pool, sports courts and a game room.
From Sep-Nov 2009 (holidays excluded), the Maresias Beach has a promotional weekend fare for couples, breakfast included, for R$ 660.
- Pousada dos Condes
Balinese decorations help create the relaxing atmosphere at Pousada dos Condes, which also offers soothing therapies (paid separately). The pousada has 30 guest rooms and it’s located 150 meters from the beach. A restaurant serving seafood and kids’ meals, a pool and a sauna are other amenities.
- Pousada Pura Vida
An eye-pleaser decorated with Indonesian objects, artistic photos and colorful mosaics in the pool, Pura Vida has 15 guest rooms. Children are welcome – and so are well-mannered pets on a leash. João, a friendly golden retriever, does the honors. The pousada is quiet, but not far from Sirena.
- Pousada Marerê
Close to Sirena, but on a quiet dirt street, Marerê has 16 guest rooms, a pool with bar service and beach umbrellas and chairs for guests, included in the fare. Relax in the spa or in the sauna. Only children 12 and up are accepted.
- Pousada Tambayba
Tambayba is unique in Maresias accommodations in that it spreads along its own avenue – check out the map. It also has great amenities for families with kids, including a kitchen where parents can prepare their baby’s food.
- Pousada Porto Mare
Opened in 2007, Porto Mare still has a fresh look in its 28 guest rooms. Among the amenities are a sauna, a pool and beach service. The pousada is just a couple of blocks from the beach.
- Coconut’s Maresias Hotel
One of two hotels with direct access to the beach in Maresias (the other is Maresias Beach), Coconut’s has a pool close to the sand. However, guest rooms are in a building across the street. The hotel has 70 guest rooms, including wheelchair-accessible accommodations.
Mid-Range Pousadas and Hotels in Maresias
- Amoreiras Hotel Pousada
- Azul da Cor do Mar (www.azuldacordomar.com.br)
- Hotel Pousada Brig (www.brig.com.br)
- Pousada Canto Mágico (www.cantomagico.com.br)
- Pousada Katmandu (www.katmandumaresias.com.br)
- Pousada Maré Mansa (www.maremansa.com.br)
- Pousada Mibamar (www.saosebastiaosp.com.br/mibamar)
- Pousada Pé da Mata (www.pedamata.com)
- Refúgio de Maresias (www.refugiomaresias.com.br)
- Pousada Toca da Praia (www.tocadapraia.com.br)
- Pousada Verano (www.pousadaverano.com.br)
- Villa 'l Mare (www.villamare.com.br)
- Villa Maremotta (www.villamaremotta.com.br)
Budget Hotels and Accommodations in Maresias
- Azul Banana
- Bella Luna
- Pousada Canto do Rio
- Casa das Palmeiras (Pousada and Campground)
- Pousada Delta Mar
- Maresias Pousada
- Pousada San Sebastian (Maresias Hostel)
- Villa Rosa (next door to the Maresias Hostel, it has a bit of a hostel feel itself)
