Lakes, orchards, and mineral-water pools: Quinta das Águas Hotel revives a 19th-century estate in Itapira with calm, heritage, and comfort.
Before it became a hotel, the property followed a classic rural blueprint. In Portugal, a “quinta” traditionally refers to a country estate that combines a residence with productive land and strong cultural value. The word traces back to the Latin quintus, and today it broadly evokes the idea of a heritage farm stay — close to what Brazilians would call a fazenda or sítio.
From Fazenda Esperança to a heritage hotel
Set in Itapira, in the countryside of São Paulo state, the former Fazenda Esperança produced coffee and milk for years. The destination sits about 163 km from São Paulo and 90 km from Campinas, between Lindóia and Jacutinga, near the border with Minas Gerais. Its 19th-century colonial buildings and abundant water sources once drew in travelers — and, over decades, paved the way for what is now Quinta das Águas Hotel.
The hotel’s concept protects what made the estate distinctive: preserved colonial structures, water everywhere, lakes, and winding paths lined with fruit trees. A small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help adds to the sense of tradition; it was commissioned by the family matriarch and remains part of the daily atmosphere for guests and locals.
The heir behind the preservation
The project is led by the Carvalho family. One heir, economist Luiz Eduardo de Carvalho, 63, born in Campinas, studied Economics at PUC and worked for years in finance. He now heads the hotel operation, with a clear goal: preserve the estate’s architecture, countryside beauty, signature water features, and the welcoming spirit that defined the old farm.
That balance shows throughout the property. Green areas, fountains, and shaded paths recall farm life, while modern comfort appears in careful details — without losing the most valuable element: genuine hospitality.
Rooms, leisure, and open-air scenery
For now, the hotel offers 10 rooms of roughly 40 m² each. Large windows open to the gardens and the former coffee drying yard, now turned into a social plaza. Guests also find two mineral-water pools, a game room, a beach tennis court, nature trails bordered by fruit trees, lakes for catch-and-release fishing, a playground, a colonial-style bar, and event rooms for small to mid-size gatherings.
Rooms feature colonial-style furniture, an amenities kit, TV, cotton bed linens, and soft pillows. The hotel is operating in a soft opening phase and expects to expand to more than 24 rooms in the coming months.
Handmade flavors with a balanced menu
Food is part of the experience at Quinta das Águas Hotel. Breakfast highlights fruit, breads, jams, cakes, cheeses, homemade butter, toast, cold cuts, natural juices, eggs made to order, fruit yogurts, honey, cereals, teas, milk, and fresh coffee. Lunch and dinner are planned by a nutritionist team, with balanced portions of meats, fish, vegetables, salads, pasta, and risottos, prepared in a countryside style.
A slow-down escape
The promise is simple: step away from big-city speed. Guests can watch birds and toucans, catch sunsets and sunrise, chat on the porch, or linger by the lake with a fire pit and the sound of wind in the trees. It’s a different kind of stay — one that protects local history and keeps nature as the constant backdrop for a real reset.
One child up to age 10, sharing the parents’ room, stays free of charge. Check availability and conditions for January holidays and Carnival.
Service
Quinta das Águas Hotel (Itapira, São Paulo State – Brazil)
Info & reservations (WhatsApp): +55 (19) 99843-5566
Website: www.quintadasaguashotel.com.br
Foto: Divulgação
