The sun has set on our 4th and final day at Karien and Riann's lovely Vila Pedra Mar. We are now sat in the half open lounge area on the top floor reflecting on the stay. From when we inquired about rates and made the booking Karien and Riann went out of their way to assist and provided all the needed information swiftly. In the following days they also helped setting up the seamlessly combined car and boat transfer from Rio de Janeiro's Galeao Intl Airport at what appeared to be competitive prices. When docking at their private landing, they were both there to welcome us, help with our bags and show us the ins and outs of the place. We hgot the green suite which is on the lower floor next to the honeymoon suite (well worth thinking about with it's generous space and balconies). Our room was all we needed though and at a very good price considering the wonderful breakfast and possibly even better suppers cooked up by our hosts every day. We were not short supplied of suggestions for boat trips, hiking trails, other activities and the areas best eateries for whatever we could make room for during the day. Very handy is the shared and very well equipped minibar in the lounge area too. All in all this little (3 rooms) place has everything you can possibly need and I haven't even come to the best part yet. The welcoming and heartwarming hospitality of Karien and Riann is beyond what anyone can expect anywhere and definitely the best I've experienced in my 25 years as a frequent traveller. Their passion for service and making their place a home away from home for their guests is literally second to none and possibly even out of this world. If you are ever in Rio and want a break from the bustling streets of the marvellous city and you enjoy beautiful views, water sports/activities, rain forest hiking, the absence of motorized vehicles (apart from the different boats serving the community in all aspects) and don't mind the absence of a nightlife, you should not under any circumstances deprive yourselves of a stay at this hidden gem. Whoever gives this place a different rating than 5 is out of their mind. It is rare for us to ever go back to a place as we love dicovering something new everytime, but we may just have to make an exception to the "rule" here.

PS: Big shout goes out to the team of boys working with the hosts, constantly smiling, helpful and efficient. Impeccable recruitment.