Búzios is undoubtedly the most charming resort in the Lagos Region and an excellent choice of destination to enjoy a weekend very close to the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Vila da Santa : Charming hotel in Praia dos Ossos
Whenever I travel, I try my best to stay in charming hotels, and Búzios is their paradise.
Vila da Santa is inspired by a Mediterranean fishing village, with internal patios on different building levels. The original fisherman's house from the 1940s was renovated and currently serves as a reception, giving access to the internal courtyards and the two stone pools. All the decoration of the hotel was acquired by the owners, the couple Bettina and Pierre d'Archemont in more than 30 years of travel – many of them in France and Italy – and make the hotel even more special.
Location:
Vila da Santa is located on Praia dos Ossos, close to Orla Bardot and close to Azeda and Azedinha beaches (my favorites in Búzios).
I found its location excellent, the hotel is in a super charming corner next to other hotels and restaurants, it has a direct exit to Praia dos Ossos, a super calm beach for children and quiet to enjoy. To the right of the hotel is the bucolic church of Sant'Anna and to the left, a 5-minute walk away, the Azeda and Azedinha beaches.
The famous Rua das Pedras is just 1.2km away on foot, about 15 minutes walking, where there are several restaurants, shops, bars, clubs and also where taxi boats leave for other nearby beaches.
Hotel and Amenities:
Vila da Santa is an extremely charming hotel and it seems that you are walking through the streets of the Greek islands or the Cote D'Azur, every detail has been carefully thought out, from the decoration, to the furniture, to the spaces.
The hotel has a pleasant outdoor patio, reading/games room, restaurant and a heated stone pool. On the upper level are the accommodations, spa and another space with a swimming pool and bar.
It has a direct exit to Praia dos Ossos and beach service with chairs, umbrellas, a menu of drinks and snacks, in addition to offering guests stand up paddle boards and kayaks.
The spa offers different types of massages, lymphatic drainage, sauna and jacuzzi and can be reserved for one or two people.
Speaking of relaxing, Vila da Santa has an experience called Detox da Alma, which seems to be super cool with yoga classes, massages, healthy food and baths – I already want to go back to check it out !!!
The hotel also offers outdoor activities such as boat trips, golf, nautical activities, trails and even a sung mass (happens on Saturdays at 8 pm at the Church of Sant'Anna, which is just a few steps from the hotel).
Also on Saturdays, there is live music in the inner courtyard that is right in front of the restaurant – a great choice to start the night.
Breakfast is served at the La Gare restaurant and is delicious and super complete with a table with cakes (very good), cold cuts, bread, yogurt, jams, cereals and juices made to order! In the kitchen you can also prepare eggs and tapioca, all hot on the spot.
The rooms:
There are 19 suites divided into 6 accommodation categories and a Secret House, perfect for enjoying with family or a group of friends.
I stayed in the Premium Suite, super spacious with 45m², king size bed and pool view. In addition to being very comfortable and featuring excellent quality 400-thread-count bedding, the room also had air conditioning, ceiling fan, wardrobe, desk, minibar, coffee machine, free wifi and cable TV.
The bathroom, also very spacious and bright, had Granado amenities, bathrobe, hairdryer (really) and the crockery and metal of the sinks, toilets and shower are from the English brand Imperial (the same used at the Hotel Ritz, in Paris and in the Buckingham Palace, London).
Casa Secreta, on the other hand, is the perfect solution for family trips, groups of friends and even a mini wedding, as it is a huge 300m² house with six suites, maid's quarters, fully equipped kitchen, living room with deck, dining room, living room of tv and direct exit to the beach and to the little church of Sant'Anna. The master suite, measuring 65m², overlooks the sea.
Vila da Santa is really the perfect place for anyone looking to get married in Búzios … besides the place being beautiful and having a super romantic atmosphere, Greek style, it still has the church of Sant'Anna, which is actually next to the hotel , and the beach, which is out of season, is practically private because the movement of Praia dos Ossos is very calm.
Restaurant:
Inside Vila da Santa is the La Gare restaurant, specialized in seafood and made with regional products and according to each season. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and is open to the public. I found the place super nice for a romantic dinner and a little further away from the tumult of restaurants on Rua da Pedras.
I took advantage of my stay there and went to visit La Gare during dinner. I started with a starter of shrimp with mango, super tasty, for the main I had grilled fish with banana, chestnuts and soy sauce and ended with a great flambéed banana with ice cream for dessert.
I really loved my experience at Vila da Santa, in addition to all the comfort and great location, the hotel staff is super attentive and solicitous of all guests. I would definitely love to stay at this hotel again.