The top 10 boutique beach hotels in Brazil

If it’s a little R&R you’re after, Brazil has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether it’s a traditional beach hut in the jungle or an elegant beach spa that you’re after, we’ve got just the ticket. Accomodation across Brazil is as original as it is varied, from slick hotels in the city to pousadas in rural towns. However, the boutique details in some of the smaller properties are what really brings out the beauty on a relaxed trip to the country.

We’ve picked some of our favourites, including those we stay at on our Flash Pack trips. And, while beautiful independent hotels can often be out of reach for solo travellers due to the single supplement, with Flash Pack you can still access these beautiful stays, minus those pesky room rates. Here’s our favourite spots in Brazil from which to enjoy the laid-back life.

Pousada Maravilha, Fernando de Noronha

With its volcanic beauty, rich wildlife and eco-friendly character, the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha off the northeast coast of Brazil has some of the best beaches in the country. With crystal clear waters, white sandy shoreline, and hard-to-reach peacefulness (you can only get there by boat or plane), it’s well worth the trip. What makes Pousada Maravilha so special is the 360 degree views of Sueste Bay – a top spot for marine life – along with their ecological approach to business. With exceptional service and gorgeous rooms, you’ll see the rewards of the journey pay off.

Insólito Boutique Hotel & Spa, Armação dos Búzios

Originally a port for pirates and slave traders, visitors today would be hard-pressed to find evidence of this gruesome past in Armação dos Búzios, east of Rio. It has a relaxed atmosphere, rustic architecture and natural beauty, with some of the most beautiful sunsets. Insólito is situated next to Ferradura beach. Each room contains authentic Brazilian art as well as books on art, architecture, culture and history. The rooms are also cosy and the food is exceptional.

Pousada do Ouro, Paraty

Down the Costa Verde (Green Coast) sits this pastel port town with cobbled streets backing on to jungled mountains. The beautiful setting is also awash with incredible independent restaurants. Behind the whitewashed walls and sunflower yellow windows, you’ll find the welcoming Pousada do Ouro guesthouse, just eight minutes walk from Paraty’s beaches. Exposed wooden beams hint at its 18th century heritage, and you can cool off with a quick dip in the palm-flanked outdoor pool. We love it so much, a stay is included as part of our Brazil Icons: São Paulo to Rio trip.

Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa, Trancoso

The sleepy fishing village of Trancoso, Bahia, is exactly where you want to go to hide from the busier parts of Brazil. Nothing opens until 3pm as everyone is at the beach. Uxua Casa blends in seamlessly, with renovated fishermen’s homes that make up nearly half of the properties rooms. Each casa was built by local artisans using traditional building methods, reclaimed materials and Brazilian antiques and art. The result is a mix of rustic, contemporary and authentic Bahian charm.

Txai Resort, Itacaré

Frequently voted one of the world’s best small towns, Itacaré is a hub of Bahian culture, where visitors get to taste some of the best Brazilian food and take part in Capoeira circles (a fight and dance performance). As for the beaches, there are many still completely isolated with no infrastructure and impressive natural wonder. Txai Resort has been voted one of the best beach hotels and is truly deserving of the title. The resort was built with raw materials from the region and offers exceptional Brazilian cuisine and hospitality.

Butterfly House, Maraú

Maraú in the northeast might not be the first place that jumps to mind when thinking of a beach holiday in Brazil, but that definitely isn’t because it’s lacking in them. As far as the eye can see, you’ll find unspoilt islands, mangroves, palm trees, lakes and deserted beaches. The Butterfly House owners opted to protect the surrounding untouched beauty, taking 10 years to build the property. The result is a chic eco-resort which blends with the natural environment to create an organic luxury. It’s the perfect spot for those looking for plush paired with adventure.

Kenoa, Barra de São Miguel

Barra de São Miguel in Alagoas is set in a tropical rainforest. It’s a place where searing temperatures are cooled by the gentle ocean breeze. It’s also one of the best places to visit during Festa Junina (a celebration of the winter solstice), but is popular all year round with domestic and international visitors. Kenoa is located right on the beachfront, surrounded by fine white sand, calm clear sea, great weather and seclusion – everything you could want from a beach hotel.

Sagu Mini Resort, Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is an island with history having been a pirates’ lair, a leper colony and even a prison for political prisoners. Today, things are a little more relaxed. Much of the island is unbuilt and made up of unspoilt tropical beaches and virgin Atlantic rainforests. Sagu is nestled in amongst the trees, right on the edge of the Bay of Abraão, where visitors can relax in hammocks, sip caipirinhas and enjoy the glorious sunsets.

Fazenda Corumbau, Ponta do Corumbau

Ponta do Corumbau in Bahia is a real life paradise with 15km of white sand, crystalline water, palm trees and spectacular coral reefs. Fazenda Corumbau perches right on the beach in among the wispy palms, making you feel at one with nature. The rooms elegantly mix sophistication with tradition, and the restaurant offers locally sourced food, including vegetables from their very own garden.

Toca da Coruja, Tibau do Sul

Tibau do Sul in the northeast region of Brazil is picture perfect with tranquil beaches sheltered under high cliffs. It’s the perfect place to relax and watch the sunset while taking in the warm Brazilian rays. Toca da Coruja is a trendy beach hotel set around a tropical garden. It’s made from raw materials, such as bamboo, perfectly encapsulating elegance and authentic Brazilian style.

Ready for your next adventure? Try group solo travel to Brazil with Flash Pack – designed exclusively for people in their 30s and 40s, seeking the independence of solo travel within the safety of a group.

A cool 98% of Flashpackers arrive solo to join our group adventures. So, you’ll be in good company – whether a first time solo traveller or a seasoned pro looking for like-minded new friends.

Images: courtesy of Pousada Maravilha, Pousada do Ouro, Toca da Coruja, Txai Resort, UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, Fazenda São Francisco do Corumbau , Kenoa and Unsplash.