When booking a blissful boutique stay it can be reassuring to know that you have a stunning beach nearby. Well, Insolito in Brazil has got that covered – 26 times. As well as having a glut of beautiful beaches, buzzy and hip Búzios also has an abundance of restaurants and great night life, all within easy reach of the hotel.
Insolito is just as spectacular as its surroundings. Clean-cut, serene and chic, the Mediterranean gardens, 2 swimming pools and sweeping views make for a decadent getaway, particularly with the addition of the superlative spa.
Rooms: Throughout the 5 different room types (Superior, Luxo, Junior Suite, Master Suite and Insolito Suite) there is one unifying theme: luxury. Kingsize beds are made up with top-quality white sheets and duvets, and everything is top of the range: mattresses are by Sealy, robes by Trussardie, towels are Karsten Zero Twist Towels. You also get a plasma TV, a DVD player and free WiFi. All of them are supremely calm; predominantly white interiors are punctuated with flashes of bright colour or attractive patterns in the Brazilian rugs and plush furnishings.
We love the Luxo rooms, which have a private slice of garden, but our rooms of choice would be the Insolito Suites (if your budget will stretch to it). These have outdoor Jacuzzis on their wraparound decks so you get panoramic sea views as you soak – impossible not to love.
Food: The food in A Galeria – the hotel’s restaurant – is a beautiful example of fusion cooking offering European food with a Brazilian twist. Think salmon and caviar with fennel carpaccio and Sicilian lemon or perhaps foie gras to start, then perhaps lobster and quinoa risotto, rump of young bull with truffles and mashed olives, or catch of the day with cashew nuts. This is all enjoyed on the beautiful rooftop terrace with stunning views by day and gentle candlelight by night. Breakfast is a simple buffet of meats, cheeses, homemade bread, croissants and cakes, followed by eggs or pancakes cooked to order.
If you want to venture away from the hotel, Insolito also runs Eden Beach Lounge, a laid back restaurant below the hotel (open from 11am to late) with a simpler menu and live DJ music. Alternatively, there’s a wealth of excellent eateries in town, or head to the lesser known ‘Centro Gastronimico’ in Porta da Barra for a number of restaurants in which to enjoy a more relaxed evening of delicious food.
Top Tip: We’d recommend taking a boat trip along the Buziana coast, stopping off en route to swim. Boats leave from Praia da Armação and Ossos and take about 3 hours, finally delivering guests at Buziana restaurant for a seafood lunch.
i-escape gift: a complimentary bottle of champagne, and a room upgrade, subject to availability on arrival