Escape to Paradise: Campos do Jordão's Casarão da Ducha Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Campos do Jordão's Casarão da Ducha – A Review That's Got Some Serious Sass!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about dive headfirst into my experience at Casarão da Ducha in Campos do Jordão. Forget those dry, corporate reviews you usually see. This is gonna be real. This is gonna be… well, me.
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The Arrival – First Impressions… and a Few Hiccups Already!
So, Campos do Jordão. Romantic, right? The Swiss Alps of Brazil, they say. Well, Casarão da Ducha looks the part. It's this stunning, rustic-chic building that just screams "Instagram me!" (And, you know I did! #CasaraoDaDucha #CamposDoJordao #BrazilGetaway). The exterior is gorgeous, all exposed wood and lush greenery. The first impression? Pretty damn good. The elevator was a big plus, as I had mobility issues that month, so points for that Accessibility right off the bat (though it was slow, like REALLY slow, which is a recurring theme, I’m told). Exterior corridor – so you step straight out into the mountain air. Love it.
The "Contactless Check-in/out" was mostly alright, but the staff Doorman wasn’t always there, which seemed odd for a "luxury" place. But hey, I’m getting ahead of myself, aren't I?
The Car Park [on-site] and Valet parking were helpful, considering the winding mountain roads. Car park [free of charge] is always a plus, especially when you're trying to budget for all the caipirinhas you will be consuming.
Inside, it's all sleek, modern design, with a touch of that mountain lodge vibe. Elevator again, which made navigating the place a lot less frustrating, especially when carrying luggage, and there’s a Facilities for disabled guests indicated.
The Room – My Cozy Mountain Sanctuary… Mostly.
My room (a Non-smoking one, thank GOD) was lovely. Air Conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Triple check (seriously, Wi-Fi [free] everywhere and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – a total win!). Air conditioning in public area also worked great. Loved the Blackout curtains; perfect for those much-needed naps after a heavy session in the Bar! The Bed was… Extra long bed (perfect!, especially when after a few caipirinhas!). I'd say the rooms are perfect for couples too, with Couple's room available!
There's a Mini bar, stocked with overpriced snacks. A refrigerator, perfect for my own drinks. Bathtub, very nice. Shower (with a Separate shower/bathtub)… just enough space. And a Safe box for my valuables (which, let's be honest, were mostly my phone and passport). The Room decor was nice, not overdone, a little Reading light, good for catching up on my Brazilian romance novels.
However… and here comes the "however"… the Ironing facilities weren't exactly top-notch. My shirt came out looking like a crumpled mess (thankfully, Laundry service was available, and I needed it). Also, the Soundproofing wasn't quite as sound as I’d expect, so the hallway conversations and the late-night revelry from the bar sometimes filtered through. Definitely could have a Soundproof rooms as far as I’m concerned.
Dining – A Culinary Rollercoaster (With Some Delicious Peaks!)
Okay, the food. This is where things get a little… complicated. Restaurants! There were Restaurants, plural! Several! Coffee/tea in restaurant. Coffee shop. Poolside bar. Snack bar. A la carte in restaurant. Sounds fantastic, right?
Breakfast [buffet] was a delight. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, a huge spread: croissants, bread, fresh fruit. The Breakfast service was helpful and efficient. Buffet in restaurant was well-supplied, but the Coffee/tea in restaurant was… well, let’s just say the coffee needed some work. The International cuisine in the restaurant was generally good, but the Vegetarian restaurant choices were a bit limited. Desserts in restaurant were pretty good, though!
The A la carte in restaurant options were a mixed bag. Some dishes were heavenly (that Salad in restaurant!). Others… were best forgotten. There was Room service [24-hour], which was a godsend after a night of Happy hour in the Bar. The Bottle of water was very welcome, especially after hiking (yes, I did hike! Sort of. Slowly).
Relaxation Central – Spa Days and Mountain Views!
Okay, this is where Casarão really shines. The Pool with view? Breathtaking. Just… absolutely breathtaking. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Crystal clear. Swimming pool? Perfect! Sauna? Heavenly (particularly after a hard day lounging by the pool). Steamroom? Yes, please!
I indulged in a Body scrub (a little rough, but worth it), a Massage (pure bliss), and some time in the Spa/sauna (a total must). They boasted a Spa! Body wrap was also available. The Gym/fitness, well, I peeked in, and it seemed well-equipped. The Fitness center was there too. I Foot bath as well, it was a nice experience. Honestly, I spent most of my time horizontal, which is exactly what I needed. Ways to relax? They've got it covered.
Cleanliness and Safety – Putting My Anxious Mind at Ease (Mostly!)
Now, in these weird times, safety is paramount. And Casarão da Ducha took it seriously. The Anti-viral cleaning products are being used, which is reassuring. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. Staff trained in safety protocol. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
They even had Individually-wrapped food options. The Cashless payment service was an easy and Safe dining setup. I felt pretty safe overall (though I did bring my own hand sanitizer, because I'm that person. Hand sanitizer was available, though!). First aid kit, always a good sign, and a Doctor/nurse on call, just in case. There were Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms, which helped me sleep a little easier.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh"
Cash withdrawal. Concierge. Daily housekeeping. Dry cleaning. All good. Invoice provided. Laundry service.
However, some of the Services and conveniences were a little… lacking. The Concierge wasn't always super helpful, seemed to be lost in translation. The Business facilities (there was a Meeting/banquet facilities) were… adequate. I didn't require them, so I can’t attest to their usage. There was Meeting stationery. Xerox/fax in business center. Meetings were held. Audio-visual equipment for special events. On-site event hosting was offered.
For the Kids – I Didn't Bring Mine, But…
I didn't bring any kids. But Kids facilities were available, and Family/child friendly was indicated. Babysitting service was available (though I didn’t use it).
Internet - Gotta Stay Connected, Even in Paradise!
The Wi-Fi [free] was a lifesaver. Internet access – wireless, worked like a charm. Internet access – LAN was also available, though I didn’t need it. Internet everywhere! Internet services.
Getting Around – Navigating the Mountain (Literally and Figuratively)
Airport transfer was available. Car park [free of charge]. Car park [on-site]. Car power charging station. Taxi service. Bicycle parking. The Valet parking was great (especially when you've had a few caipirinhas).
The Verdict – Would I Go Back?
Look, Casarão da Ducha has its quirks. The service can sometimes be inconsistent, the food is a bit hit-or-miss, and the soundproofing could be better. But… the location is stunning. The spa is phenomenal. The rooms are comfortable. And the overall vibe is just… relaxing. Proposal spot? I could see it.
It's a place where you can truly escape and unwind. So, despite the imperfections, yes, I would go back. Just… maybe I'll bring my own
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Campos do Jordão, Brazil, and it’s gonna be a wild ride. Forget those perfectly polished itineraries, this is me, spilling my guts and my coffee (likely, somewhere along the way). We're staying at the Casarão da Ducha – a place that's sold to me as some fairy tale hideaway. We'll see if the reality lives up to the hype…and if my sanity survives.
The (Likely Highly Flawed) Plan: Campos do Jordão Pilgrimage
Day 1: Arrival & Accidental Altitude Adjustment
- Morning (Around 7:00 AM – Assuming I wake up): Touchdown in São Paulo. The flight was a blur of screaming babies and suspiciously free pretzels. Thank God for noise-canceling headphones. Honestly, I'm already wondering if I packed enough snacks. Always the crucial question.
- Mid-Morning (Maybe 10:00 AM): Blast from São Paulo to Campos do Jordão. The drive, I’m told, is supposed to be scenic. Scenic to me usually translates to "lots of blind curves and potential for motion sickness." Pray for me. Booking a private transfer? Nah, gonna test fate with a bus. (Cheapskate, I know, sue me.)
- Lunch (Whenever I find a non-sketchy roadside cafe): Some questionable pão de queijo and, hopefully, a strong coffee. Gotta fuel up for the altitude. They're telling me Campos do Jordão is high up. Like, really high. I anticipate wheezing.
- Afternoon (Around 2:00 PM - Assuming we didn't get stuck in the mud): Arrive at Casarão da Ducha. The pictures online are gorgeous. Like, impossibly gorgeous. Prepare for disappointment, but also, prepare for the possibility that it really is that stunning. The anticipation is killing me! Check-in, unpack (maybe; who am I kidding?), and immediately explore the sprawling property of the hotel.
- Immediate Emotional Reaction: OMG, I really hope the room is good, my back is killing me. Please, anything but a tiny room, I have a big suitcase, I just want something calm, and comfy, that would be fantastic. Also, is there a good view?
- Late Afternoon (3:30 PM-ish): Wandering the grounds of the hotel. Hopefully, finding a cute nook for a cup of coffee and a sit - or a hammock, if I'm lucky. Let's face it, I'm probably going to be doing some serious people-watching.
- Quirky Observation: I'm already betting I'll see at least one influencer posing dramatically for Instagram. Let the games begin!
- Evening (Around 7:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel restaurant or, depending on how brave I'm feeling after the bus ride, a local spot. The reviews are vague. Fingers crossed for edible food, and no food poisoning.
- Messier Structure: Okay, eating out in a strange place is always a gamble. I'm going to order something I can recognize. Maybe, just maybe, a hamburger. Okay, I'm boring, I know, but better safe than sorry!
Day 2: Chocolate, Charming Villages, and Existential Dread
- Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel, hoping for a decent spread. Nothing ruins a day quicker than a disappointing breakfast. Honestly, if there's no pão de queijo, I'm walking out.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Chocolate factory tour. Apparently, Campos do Jordão is famous for its chocolate. I'm in. Chocolate is a life necessity. I'll be the first in line for the tasting (probably). I'm planning on being a professional chocolate taster.
- Double Down on Experience: I need to find the most decadent, rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate I've ever tasted. This is not just about eating chocolate; it's a quest. I will dedicate my life to this quest.
- Emotional Reaction: OMG, If I find the perfect chocolate, I am going to cry. I'm already getting emotional just thinking about it.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Lunch in Vila Capivari. The main tourist hub. Prepare for crowds. Prepare for overpriced souvenirs. Prepare for cuteness overload. I might need to take a Xanax.
- Opinionated Language: This whole village is going to be utterly charming. I hope. Tourist traps are the worst. But I'll brave them.
- Afternoon (Around 2:00 PM): Explore Capivari. Ride the teleférico (cable car) up to Morro do Elefante for breathtaking views and photo opps and get lost in the beauty of Campos do Jordão, I'm told.
- Quirky Observation: I wonder how many people have lost their phones taking selfies up there. Statistically, it has to be a lot.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a recommended restaurant. Hopefully with live music. Or, if my social battery is dead, room service. The joy of not having to leave the room.
Day 3: Hiking (Maybe), More Chocolate, and a Sad Goodbye
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. Again. Praying for variety.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Hike. Maybe. The internet says there are trails. I say, "We'll see how motivated I am." Let's be honest, I might spend the morning reading in a comfy chair.
- Rambles: The idea of hiking sounds good. But then again, walking on flat ground also sounds good. Maybe the idea of just sitting and looking up at a tree sounds good.
- Lunch (12:30 PM): A light lunch. Sandwich? Salad? Or perhaps, another chocolate-related item?
- Afternoon (Around 2:00 PM): More chocolate exploration. Because, why not?
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Casarão da Ducha farewell. Relax by the fireplace. Take a bath. Soak in the last moments of mountain air before I'm back in the real world.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I don't want to leave. Oh, god, I wish I could stay here forever. But, alas, all good things must come to an end.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Pre-dinner beverage, either at the hotel bar or, if the hotel bar sucks, in my room. Reflect on the trip. Contemplate all the chocolate I have consumed.
- Dinner (7:30 PM): Final dinner. Trying to squeeze one last truly delicious Brazilian meal. The pressure is on.
Day 4: Departure & Post-Trip Debrief
- Morning (7:00 AM): One last breakfast. Trying to savor every moment.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Check out. The dreaded moment.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): The bus ride back to São Paulo. Holding onto the memory of the chocolate and the mountains.
- Afternoon onwards: Flight home. My phone fills with photos and videos of my trip. Post on social media with the usual cheesy captions.
- Messy Structure: *I’m already thinking up a list of things I forgot to do and foods I forgot to eat. I need to buy a lot of chocolate to bring home, like, a *lot. Maybe I'll start planning my next trip before this one has even ended.
- Quirky Observation: Prepare to re-enter real life with a severe case of the post-vacation blues.
Important Considerations:
- Weather: Pack layers. They say the weather in Campos do Jordão can be unpredictable. I'm picturing sunshine one minute, torrential downpour the next.
- Portuguese: My Portuguese is… limited. I shall rely on smiles, hand gestures, and Google Translate. Wish me luck.
- Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray. No one wants to be mosquito food.
- My Sanity: Pray for me, truly.
So, there you have it. My highly subjective, probably chaotic, and definitely imperfect plan for Campos do Jordão. Wish me luck, and maybe I'll update you all on my survival. Wish me luck and say a prayer to the travel gods that this itinerary doesn’t completely fall apart. Wish me the best! Because, I’m going to need it.
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Escape to Paradise: Campos do Jordão's Casarão da Ducha Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, so Campos do Jordão...Is it *really* paradise, or just really expensive?
The Casarão da Ducha... sounds fancy. Is it worth the hype?
What should I pack? (Besides my sanity, which I'm guessing I'll lose.)
Tell me about the food! Is it as charming as the scenery? (And as expensive?)
Can I take my dog? (Please say yes.)
Are there any alternative things to do besides the Casarão da Ducha? I bet it's not *all* about that waterfall thingy, right?
