It might seem unlikely that what was once a tiny fishing village is now one of our favourite South American seaside destinations, but once you set foot in Búzios you'll get it. With over 20 secluded beaches to choose from plus the opportunity to pump up the adrenalin with a range of water sports and some first-class nightlife, this is no run-of-the-mill resort town.
Often cited as one of the most beautiful areas in the world, the Búzios peninsula lies just 100 miles north of Rio and offers a low key alternative to the bustling Brazilian capital. Long the haunt of film and rock stars (the original and best - think Jagger and Bardot - plus some up-and-coming starlets), it remains an elite spot and as such has all the amenities and activities you could possibly dream of.
First and foremost are the beaches. Try a different strand every day of your holiday, each one with a special draw: head to Manguinhos or Rasa for some intense kite-surfing or take a boat to the secluded Azeda beach for a quiet day of sunbathing. And did we mention the diving? Well it's very, very good. Not only can you dive right in Búzios, but the best site in all of Brazil lies just 30min north in Arraial do Cabo.
While there, we recommend you stay in the elegant Casas Brancas hotel. With only 32 rooms, this boutique hotel offers the height of latin luxury with a Mediterranean twist. Relax in the in-house spa or watch the sun go down with a capirinha from the terrace bar before dining on haute med-brazilian cuisine made with the freshest of local produce. Then, if you're feeling like a big night, take in the Rua da Pedras, within five minutes' walk and the centre of the town's raucous after-hours scenes.
We can't think of a better way to spend a week, can you?
