The Location: We’re nestled in the village of Gamboa, on the island of Tinharé, near Morro de São Paulo. Unlike the crowded buzz of Morro, Gamboa is unhurried and under-the-radar. Here, the river meets the ocean in a gentle embrace. The name Gamboa comes from the Tupi language, meaning tranquil waters, and that’s exactly what you’ll find. The sea here is calm like a lake, sunsets are astonishing, and the sand—fine and white—is a gift from the nearby pink clay cliffs.  

Loft—a story of love at first sight

Twenty years ago, we stumbled upon this island and quietly whispered, “Let’s retire here someday.” Back then, we were still deep in our Swiss lives—careers, deadlines, and snowy Alps. But something in this place—its wild heart, its peaceful forest, its time-forgotten rhythm—stayed with us like a promise.

Two decades later, after a yoga retreat in India and what felt like a call from the universe, we came back. We left behind structure and certainty and stepped into the forest—literally. The house we found, long asleep under layers of green, was an architectural gem by an Argentinean architect. Elevated like a treehouse for grownups, its wooden beams and brick walls feel like sculptures in dialogue with nature. Light pours through huge glass windows, blurring the line between house and forest.

We restored it piece by piece—carrying every bit of furniture uphill by hand. There was no path then, only determination, laughter, and a dream. The result is a retreat that feels part wild, part sacred, and entirely ours. And now, we’d love to share it with you. 

The Space: A lofty 80m² open-plan haven—rustic yet elegant, raw yet curated. The mezzanine bedroom overlooks the living space, where two hand-crafted benches can sleep children or adventurous teens. Perfect for a couple or a small family, with artisanal details throughout: linen mosquito nets, minimal fans, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace overlooking the Atlantic forest—a favorite perch for birds, breezes, and the occasional curious monkey.

Bungalows—making history with responsibility

After restoring our beloved loft, we knew its rare woods and heavy materials belonged to another time. When the idea of expanding came, we wanted to honor the island differently—lightly, thoughtfully, and sustainably.

With a team of architects, we designed three bungalows that gently rise above the forest floor, linked by wooden walkways that weave through the trees. No glass facades, no air conditioners, no heavy machinery. Instead, we used local materials and ancestral techniques. The walls are made from taipa, an ancient Brazilian method using compacted earth—the very soil from the foundations. Their warm, pink hues echo the nearby clay cliffs and naturally regulate temperature, staying cool by day and cozy by night. Prefabricated metal frames minimize waste and support green roofs that nurture the forest’s microclimate. 

And perhaps most daring of all—we banned glass. After learning that billions of birds die flying into windows each year, we couldn’t ignore it. So we created wooden screens filled with delicate dendê-palm leaves, opening wide to the forest or closing for privacy and rain protection.

This isn’t just eco-friendly architecture—it’s a living experiment. A home that treads lightly, listens deeply, and invites the kind of stillness that only comes when nature leads.

The Space: Tucked into the forest canopy, the bungalow is a serene 35m² sanctuary designed with restraint and reverence. Modern yet rooted in nature, it blends clean lines with raw textures—wood, clay, and palm leaves—creating a space that feels both grounded and elevated. Inside, the sleeping area, working nook, and covered terrace flow seamlessly together. A queen-size bed sits at the heart of it all, from where you can watch the forest unfold like a slow, breathing movie. The space also includes a refined bathroom with a clay sink, handmade copper shower, toilet, and thoughtful essentials like a minibar, tea kettle, and coffee press. Every detail is considered: linen mosquito nets, ceramic switches, minimal fans. Just outside, your private terrace hovers above the forest floor—a peaceful spot to greet the morning with birdsong or glimpse monkeys swinging by.