The stunning beach resort of Buzios, which is reminiscent of St Tropez on the French Riviera, is just two hours from Rio de Janeiro. As it’s in the southern Hemisphere, it’s the ideal location for a vacation over Christmas and New Year. Baroque Travel tells us why
It was French actress Brigitte Bardot who put Buzios on the map in the 1960s. These tiny charming Brazilian fishing villages are located on a 5-mile long peninsula that boasts not just one, but 17 beautiful beaches. Today, it remains a favorite South American beach resort, offering everything St Tropez offers – but at a different time of year. As it’s located in the southern hemisphere, it’s the perfect spot to visit to enjoy a beach holiday during the Festive Season.
So what can one do in Buzios, you ask? Let’s take a look. You can go surfing (or watch the surfers) on Geribá Beach, go snorkelling in the horse-shoe shape that makes up Ferradura Beach, not to mention more fabulous water sports including windsurfing and kite surfing as well as great hiking on terra firma. Exploring this scenic part of Brazil is another adventure – as is staying at the magnificent Insólito Boutique Hotel, which is located right on the beach.
One minute you’re enjoying vibrant Rio Janeiro and just two hours later you’ve driven to an oasis of calm in beautiful Buzios. Our hotel of choice is the luxurious and contemporary Insólito Boutique Hotel, which nestles on a rocky hillside overlooking Ferradura Beach. The eco-friendly hotel (it’s solar-heated for starters) has been designed to blend into the natural surroundings and the 24 contemporary guest rooms and suites are all decorated with exquisite handicrafts, both local and well-known items. Most of the rooms feature a verandah with panoramic sea views and a private whirlpool, and the suites all boast a lounge. The Honeymoon Suite also offers a private saltwater swimming pool.
The design of the hotel was created by owner and celebrated Brazilian architect Emmanuelle de Clermont Tonnerre. It combines wooden beams, terracotta roof tiles and glass, all typical Brazilian materials.
This charming hotel owns two speedboats that are on hand to take guests to 23 neighboring beaches on the Buzios peninsula. When they are at the hotel, there’s a stunning beach lounge to relax in, or they can enjoy drinks at the pool bar.