Note: Where pousadas are off the beaten track, Google maps only show the nearest town, and are not an accurate guide to location.
Some friends of mine stayed at Vilangelim Eco-pousada last year and came back raving about the place, saying it had to be part of Hidden Pousadas, but it is only when you visit that you understand quite how wonderful it is.
The unfinished road which leads to it might be mud soup or chocolate mousse in the rain but once you turn into the pousada itself you are in pure tropical paradise. Exuberant foliage and orange and pink bougainvillea frame the pool which acts as the focal point of the pousada; apartments and bungalows with terraces/verandas and hammocks are spread around the gardens shaded by trees and shrubs.
Vilangelim is not right on the beach. Indeed it could not be as there is a river running parallel to the beach. But you can hear the roar of the ocean when you wake up,calling you for that early morning walk along yet another gloriously deserted beach.
Imbassai is a curious place, not jsut because of the river running along the beach, bu also because there is no village centre, and roads do not seem to follow any logical pattern. Signposts at every street corner tell you the way to the pousadas (of which there are many), but the overall sensation is of being entirely off the beaten track.
For banks and commerce you'll have to trek back to Praia do Forte, 10km down the road, but if you like the peace of Imbassai you'll probably try to avoid this. If you don't feel like chilling out by the pool in the hotel, my recommendation would be to spend your time between ocean and river nearby and the next day take an hour's walk to Santo Antonio beach to the north for beers on the beach and a wonderful shrimp moqueca at Gean's in the village. The latter is the best I have tasted anywhre in Brzil and half the normal price, but one word of warning: you will definitely need a taxi or car for the return journey!
Canoe rip down the river Imbassai
Jerimum cafe and Nega Fulo pizzaria
Sapiranga reserve
Whale watching July to October
the pool and bar
pousada restaurant
beach and river nearby
side trips to Praia do Forte or Santo Antonio beaches
Try a different place if..
you have kids or you want nightlife
