Picture the Brazilian island of Ilhabela in the late 1970s. Long before it became the beloved, bustling weekend escape for Paulistanos, it was a rugged, pristine stretch of the Atlantic Forest where the jungle cascaded untouched right down to the sea. It was here, tucked just behind the historical centre’s main church, that a family decided to put down roots. The parents, affectionately known to the family as “Papito”, built a private estate among the ancient boulders. It was a quiet, wild refuge where their children could grow up immersed in the rhythm of the rainforest.
Decades later, those children found themselves navigating the relentless, exhausting pace of modern city life. Yearning for the raw simplicity of their 1970s childhood, they made a decision most of us only daydream about: they packed up and returned to the island. They wanted that same slow, nature-bound existence for their own daughters, Luna and Luiza.
To make it happen, they decided to transform their family’s historic enclave into a boutique hotel. It became a true family endeavour much like another beloved relative. “Nana” even offered her own home to help expand the grounds. In late 2018, Villa Kebaya officially opened its doors.
A Vision of Simplicity
The owners built a sanctuary that reflected their life’s journey. Inspired by transformative travels across Asia, they infused the raw Brazilian backdrop with authentic, handcrafted Balinese furniture and art.
“We want you to find here an extension of your home,” the owners share when explaining their vision. “Coziness, simplicity, peace, lots of love, and a great respect for others, for nature, and for the animals that surround the island.”
Benefiting from the Dream
Today, travellers like my husband Jo and I are among the beneficiaries of their vision.
Because the owners prioritised nature over rapid expansion, the 1970s soul of the property remains entirely intact. Our stunning chalet, complete with its own private outside pool, was designed as a seamless extension of the rainforest. We didn’t need alarm clocks. Instead, we woke to the exact same sounds those children heard fifty years ago: the calls of vibrant tropical birds and the chatter of wild monkeys swinging through the canopy above us.
Our mornings began with a sensory ritual: sustainable Brazilian coffee brewed table-side through a traditional muslin cloth, the rich aroma filling the air before we even took a sip. This was served alongside homemade breads, fresh fruit, and, in true Brazilian fashion, freshly baked cake.
It takes a rare kind of dedication to preserve the magic of a place across generations. By holding tightly to their vision of a slower, more intentional life, the owners of Vila Kebaya have truly honoured their family’s past. They have created the perfect haven for the rest of us to find a little peace in the present.
Want to read more about our island adventures and the incredible infinity pools, spa treatments, and jungle waterfalls of Ilhabela?
Read my full WLT travel diary here: Jungle Whispers & Balinese Bliss: A Secret Ilhabela Sanctuary
Website: vilakebaya.com.br
