Quadra B Rua E 1 Lt 9-10, Praia de João Fernandes, Armacao dos Buzios, Brazil | (888) 616-5829
Two-minute walk to João Fernandes beach
Spectacular ocean views
Beautiful tropical garden with an outdoor pool and deck
Bright and airy rooms with balconies and some ocean views
Hot buffet breakfast included in the room rate
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free parking
Spa offers treatments, whirlpool, and a steam room
Kayak rentals and snorkel gear
No elevators and many stairs
Spotty Wi-Fi
Nearest bus-station 15-minute walk away
Balconies aren't furnished
The upper-middle-range Pousada Bahiamarela has a picturesque location on a hill overlooking João Fernandes beach. The pousada (Portuguese term for a guest house, but is actually a small hotel) features a spacious lobby with locally made furniture. 26 bright rooms are available in three categories. All come with unfurnished balconies and most have spectacular ocean views. The adjacent restaurant opens to the infinity-edge pool deck. A sumptuous hot buffet breakfast -- included in the room rate -- and a la carte meals for lunch and dinner are available. Other perks include a small spa, free (but spotty) Wi-Fi, and kayak rentals.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Stylish boutique hotel with ocean views
The Bahiamarela is a stylish boutique hotel that's popular with both families and couples, mostly from South America. Overall, the vibe is tropical, romantic, and friendly. Cozy public areas feature locally made rustic furniture, colorful striped and floral throw pillows, and Asian-inspired accessories in the form of Buddha statues. White and brown curtains hang from wooden beams and orange pillar candles add a splash of color. Outdoors, there's a beautiful patio topped with a thatch roof and set with cushioned benches. Garden grounds incorporate native plants and flowers and there are stunning views of the bay. Expect lots of steps and no elevator.
Location
Few steps from the João Fernandes beach
The Pousada Bahiamarela is built on a hillside to take advantage of beach and bay views. Just across a small street is João Fernandes Beach, among the most popular and sought after of the more than 20 beaches located in the Armacão dos Búzios Peninsula. It offers clean, turquoise water and white sand. The beach features casual kiosks serving cold beer or caipirinha drinks, and couple of restaurants. Boat-rides are available, as well as snorkeling and scuba trips.The neighborhood offers some decent restaurant choices, but no major shops. Thus, a trip to Búzios downtown is required for those seeking fine dining, nightclubs, bars, and shopping. A drive to Rua das Pedras, the heart of Búzios, takes about five to 10 minutes. The nearest bus-stop is about a 10- to 15-minute walk. Buzios city offers a good selection of boutiques and is famous for locally designed and made beach and swimwear. The next bigger city -- Cabo Frio -- is about a 40-minute drive away. It has shops, malls, some excellent beaches, and diving shops. A small domestic airport has limited service; it receives charter flights from Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile during the Southern Hemisphere's summer months of December through March.
Rooms
Spacious and airy, with balconies and some gorgeous ocean views
The Pousada Bahiamarela offers 26 guest rooms in three categories: Deluxe, Superior Deluxe, and Master. Each is bright and cheery with white walls and tile floors, plus pops of yellow on the bed. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, and free Wi-Fi are standard. All rooms include an unfurnished balcony, but not all have ocean views. Clean bathrooms include showers and basic toiletries, hairdryers must be requested. Upgrade to the Master Suite for a private whirlpool. Room service is available mid-day through the late evening.
Features
Infinity-edge pool and free breakfast, plus a spa
The Pousada Bahiamarela offers a cozy restaurant with views to the pool and the sundeck. Hot buffet breakfast is included in the room rate, and a la carte meals are available for lunch and dinner. The adjacent pool bar offers tropical drinks and snacks. The pool is gorgeous and has spectacular views of João Fernandes beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The sun deck is set with several sun beds, and a quiet corner has semi-private day beds.A small spa provides treatments, a steam room, showers, and a relaxing area. Free towels and kayak rentals are available for the beach. Limited parking is available, though it does fill up, forcing some guests to find street parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The front desk staff sells city and boat tours, and snorkeling and scuba diving trips; they can assist in organizing airport transfers to Cabo Frio or Rio de Janeiro airports. Laundry service is provided for a fee.
