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 2- to 5-night minimum stay during special events and holidays
- 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
Best time to go
We'd recommend low season (March-December) to avoid the crowds and the heat, though not in September when it's extremely windy. The hottest time is from December to February, when temperatures often reach the high 80sF and it can be humid with frequent short bursts of rain. This is also the busiest time of year (New Year is one big party) and the hectic pace of the surrounding beach and party life will either add to or detract from your experience. It can be quite cool from July to August (usually in the 70sF).
Our top tips
There's a 2- to 3-night minimum stay during special events and holidays and this would fit in perfectly as part of a longer trip to Brazil, with a few days spent in Rio too.
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.
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.
Location
Insolito is set 1km outside the fashionable coastal town of Armação de Búzios (usually known as just Búzios), 2.5 hours' drive from Rio de Janeiro along a good paved highway.
By Air:
Rio's Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (180km away) is served by many international airlines. Click on the links below for more information. Búzios Airport (15km away) is only served by private aircraft; the hotel can arrange charter flights from Rio or any other Brazilian city in a private Pilatus PC12 plane on request (enquire when booking).
From the Airport
It's a straightforward drive from Rio, but if you'd prefer the hotel can arrange a (pricey) transfer - see Rates. To be honest though, we found the journey by bus very easy (see below).
By Bus:
Local bus companies travel between Novo Rio Rodoviaria (the main bus station in Rio) and Búzios every 2 hours, and services are cheap and comfortable. From Búzios, you can take a local taxi to the hotel.
By Car:
If you want to hire a car please see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Brazil and getting around
Airports:
- Rio de Janeiro Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International 180.0 km GIG
- Búzios 15.0 km BZC
Other:
- Beach 0.2 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km