Insolito

A slick boutique hotel that's close to buzzy Búzios and its 26 beaches, yet blissfully serene

If the Búzios crowd is Brazil's most hip, the Insolito Hotel is their perfect foil. Beautiful and chic in equal measures, it's as inviting as the town itself, with Mediterranean gardens, 2 swimming pools and sweeping vistas over the peninsula and emerald sea. Once a private villa, it's staggered down a cliff edge, with rooms, suites and shared areas spread over different levels. A roof-level restaurant perches on top, a turquoise pool wraps around the bottom. Snow-white parasols offer respite from the sun and four-poster daybeds line the decking, each romantically draped in gauze.

Inside, the décor is clean-cut and sleek - imagine white walls, parquet flooring and angular white leather chairs. Yet it's by no means stark: navy or lime print cushions and crimson lampshades echo the colourful Brazilian beach vibe, adding a cool edge to what could otherwise feel a tad formulaic. The service is slick but friendly, and to top it all off, Búzios' 20-something beaches and excellent restaurants are within easy reach.

Highs

• The attractive rooms with top-notch furnishings and private balconies; suites have outdoor Jacuzzis, too
• A great deal of space and privacy for a small hotel
• The wonderfully romantic atmosphere in the restaurant at night - and its delicious fusion food
• Indian massages and tropical fruit treatments in the spa
• Beautifully tended gardens and exotic fresh flowers collected from Rio's giant flower market overnight
• Sunset views from almost every part of the hotel

Lows

• It's surrounded by other holiday homes, and faces west over the horseshoe of busy Ferradura bay, which is packed in high season
• It's pricey, and there's a 3-night minimum stay
• Although you could walk into town, it's a 1km stroll (not ideal in heels!) so you'll probably rely on the hotel shuttle/taxis at night
• The restaurant interior is erring on canteen and lacks the superior design of the rest of the hotel - sit outside if you can