Santa Cruz Vacations from $1,490

We thoroughly enjoyed three days of complete peace and tranquillity at Vila Santa Teresa, staying in a stunning room with breathtaking views over the whole of Rio de Janeiro. This is a very small, intimate hotel with only six or seven rooms, set on a hill surrounded by a beautiful, extensive garden. The entire property is enclosed, offering a wonderful sense of privacy, peace and security. The hotel has a restaurant that we would highly recommend for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food and the setting make it a lovely place to enjoy a meal. There is no bar or traditionally staffed reception open throughout the day; instead, the hotel operates with a butler service, which adds to its intimate and personalised character. If you are looking for a place in Rio where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, relax in complete tranquillity and enjoy spectacular views, Vila Santa Teresa is absolutely perfect. A truly special place to stay!

You couldn't ask for a better beachfront hotel in Búzios. It's located on one of the best beaches in the area, and the easy access to and from the beach made our family vacation completely stress-free. Whenever the kids were ready for a break from the sand and beach, the pool was just seconds away, making it incredibly convenient for families. After visiting several other beaches during our trip, we all agreed that where we stayed was by far the best option. We actually felt bad for other visitors who had to search for parking or walk long distances from their hotels just to get to the beach. Having parking available at the hotel was another huge plus. The service was excellent throughout our stay. Our receptionist, Jessica, was incredibly friendly, helpful, and informative, making us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The room was very clean and the hotel restaurants even offered chicken fingers, which our kid who weren't used to the local cuisine were thrilled to find. Another bonus was the location. There was a great restaurant and an ice cream shop directly across the street. Rua das Pedras was only a short Uber ride away and Ubers were always easy to find and very affordable. The only downside was the layout of our loft-style room. The refrigerator and dresser were tucked underneath the staircase, making it very easy for adults to bump their heads on the stairs, which could be dangerous. Just be cautious if you're staying in that room style.

A wonderful breakfast. Fresh food and many, many lovely shops.