Who's Going
King of Norway, Phillipe Starck, Rodrigo Santoro
Reason to Stay
Local architecture, tranquil pool, and romantic setting
Hotel Type
Small Luxury Resort
A hillside enclave of style and Latin sensibility, this 32-room hacienda-style Pousada overlooks the tranquil waters of Buzios bay. Guests enter a stone-floored lounge with built-in bookcases and local photography amongst oversized furnishings and local antiques. Underneath the lobby is a boutique spa offering massages, European facials and yoga classes. The resort features a sprawling terrace overlooking the sea with sun loungers, restaurant and rectangular lap pool each surprisingly private despite close-proximity. Walking the hotel grounds, a meticulous staff carries out daily rituals like linen-changes and toilet scrubbing while strewing wildflowers freshly-picked from the hotel grounds.
While finicky guests complain about the efficiency of the air-conditioning and limited amenities, others choose to focus on the extraordinary setting and views yet spoilt by mass-tourism. Located walking-distance to the village, a wooden-promenade features restaurants, Privilege nightclub and several high-end shops (and that creepy-Bridgette Bardot statue). The better swimming and surfing beaches are only reachable by car, so be prepared to either rent or request a cab.
The Room
Stepping back in time is not always a good thing, as guests might notice as they try to listen to their CNN above the hum of a VW-sized air-conditioner puffing-out lukewarm air. But electronics aside, this is the best hotel in Buzios. Guest rooms are arranged within concealed Spanish-style buildings alive in tropical foliage and well-placed candlelight. Heavy-keys with souvenir-size rings open lacquered doors leading to well-sized guest rooms. Deluxe and superior categories feature sea-facing terraces outfitted with oversize candles, private loungers and locally made hammocks. Brightly colored decor in all-rooms includes natural-stone floors with simple furnishings like wooden trunks, shutter-style closets and cheery-floral artwork. The bed is no more than a metal-frame with firm-mattress and all-cotton linens, but kissed with flower-petals at turndown by the hotel staff. Some bathrooms feature oversize windows looking-out onto the sea (and balcony for modest-types) complete with teak-vanities and natural-marble flooring. For those with a fear of bugs, and there are some big ones in Brazil, the hotel does a great job at keeping the unwanted-guests away.
Preferred Room
Deluxe Room (terrace)
Special Features
Romantic Location, Local-owner, Celebrity Clientele
Amenities
Restaurant, Spa, Views, Pool
