Fazenda Capoava Itu — Hotel in Região Imediata de Sorocaba

Fazenda Capoava is a lovely retreat from the madness of Sao Paulo. It took us about 1.5 hours to get there from the city and my kids and I had a wonderful weekend enjoying the green lawns, hikes, horses, food, pool and games around the farm. ||||First, I am an American married to a Brazilian with school aged children. I am picky and always on the lookout for boutique hotels that are charming and have authenticity, lovely surroundings and great service. Most times I am disappointed.||||The hotel is set in a lovely secluded area, there is 8km of dirt road that leads there from the highway. I imagine it would be difficult in rainy conditions, but in dry conditions it was fine. The hotel itself is set around a large casarao that is classically and authentically decorated. There are chalets within the main house that overlook the pool, those are quite convenient. There are also a group of colonial chalets which are a 2-3 minute walk from the pool, but feel quite separated if you have to go back and forth a lot with children. I am rarely impressed with kids programs, but thought this one was quite good. They keep the kids outdoors and moving; no boring coloring sheets inside four walls. My kiddos jumped in the lake, fed the animals, played a ton of lawn games, went on picnics and hikes, all with monitors that were fun-loving. Tio Vinny was especially knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and great with the kids. The food was plentiful, well presented and tasty. We got to a point where we just could not eat anymore. ||||Note that we were there the weekend after carnival, so it was quiet (which I like), maybe 4-5 other families which gave the kids playmates and people to chat with at the pool or dinner, but did not make it feel overrun or crazy. The place is not cheap, unlike other hotel fazendas which are all inclusive, here you pay for all drinks, ice cream or popsicles at the pool, kayaks, horses, etc. We went at a time they were offering some discounts because it was not high season and with those and the value of the dollar, we found it worthwhile. ||||This is a place for people who like quiet luxury; not the disneyland like ambiance of Fazenda Mazzoropi. ||||We look forward to going back and thank the staff, all of whom were genuinely friendly, kind and...

VERY dedicated and attentive staff, especially the young guys who lead the children activities - but, really, everyone is on board to make your stay memorable. We stayed at Chalé 1 in the main house - very spacious, two bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a living room with TV (not that I watched any, there's a LOT to do outdoors). My 3.5 years-old had an absolute blast and so did we. Riding horses and bikes, seeing animals, playing in the pool, the kids' toys room, the walks, waterfall, lake, kayak - I'm probably forgetting something, but there's a lot to do.||||Great food too (all meals included, but all beverages are extra). Some of the activities are charged extra, not expensive but since it's added on to a not-so-cheap stay it can be a bit too much, but if you do the research before selecting this place you'll be fine. Let me be very clear: it is worth every penny, they are clearly looking out for that place and this level of service certainly doesn't come cheap in our country. All in all very...

We spent Christmas weekend at the Fazenda Capoava, 3 adults and 2 kids. We stayed at Chalé #1 which is very spacious, 2 bedrooms, 2 rooms and a super convenient seating room with a big TV. The Fazenda is gorgeous, surrounded by green, with views all over. Great for kids: swiming pool, animals, and fun activities. The Fazenda recently build a very modern restaurant, which is gorgeous. The food is a highlight because is tasty and healthy at the same time. There are many options: we don't eat meat and had a feast everyday. I would lilke to highlight especially the service, as all employees, from reception, to restaurant, to the cleaning staff and the "monitores" are all fantastic, always smiling and making sure that everything is OK with you. I will come...