Banana Leaf Eco Hostel, with over 75,000 followers on Instagram, is a hospitality project developed in partnership with two investors. I served as lead developer and managing partner, overseeing concept, architectural design, construction, financial planning, and operations from inception through ongoing management.

The property, originally a 5,000 sq. ft. single-family residence on an 80,000 sq. ft. hillside lot within preserved Atlantic rainforest, was transformed into an eco-hostel while maintaining its residential character and connection to the landscape. The renovation included full interior reconfiguration, additional bathrooms, custom bunk beds to optimize occupancy, and redesigned circulation, guest flow, service areas, and systems to support efficient hospitality operations.

The interior follows a Hippie Chic style, combining vintage furniture with modern artwork to create an informal and expressive atmosphere aligned with the hostel’s creative and nature-connected identity. Located in Barra de Guaratiba, about 50 km from Rio’s Zona Sul, the project sits at the base of Pedra do Telégrafo and overlooks Guaratiba Bay, mangroves, and protected parklands, with the design maximizing views and interaction with nature while incorporating sustainable strategies such as material reuse and low-impact construction.

The hostel opened in 2016 hosting the Danish National Girls Choir during the Olympic Games and remains fully operational with strong international visibility. The project represents a full-cycle development, including architectural adaptation, construction, interior design, branding, and ongoing operations. I left the business right after it's opening and moved to the US.