Serena Hotel Boutique Buzios

The Serena Buzios Resort offers a romantic hideaway in a mostly quiet and residential neighborhood just a few hundred meters from the Atlantic Ocean. Outdoors, the property is landscaped with lush tropical garden, palm trees, and native plants. Wooden sun loungers are set on the grass to encourage lounging. White two-story buildings with tiled roofs and wooden balconies look chic and bohemian. Indoors, a small lobby has painted white walls and matching, modern white rocking chairs with wood rockers. The vast majority of visitors here are Brazilian and international couples, but families visit too. Overall, the vibe is focused on serenity and peace. 

The Serena Buzios Resort is located in a safe, residential neighborhood with a few hotels and pousadas (guest houses) in the vicinity. The area has a green and tropical feel as the cobblestone streets are surrounded by blooming fire-trees and bougainvilleas. Geribá Beach is among the most popular of the more than 20 beaches located around the Búzios Peninsula. Geribá offers a wide patch of sand, good for relaxing, walking around, or surfing. At times, the ocean can get rough, and swimmers need to be aware of undercurrents; look for the red or black flags. The beach has kiosks, vendors, and a few bars, but the main dining scene is outside Geribá. Busy and bustling Rua das Pedras street is a 10-minute taxi drive away. The historical center of Búzios is charming and idyllic. It features Colonial period houses, churches, and the Orla Bardot (Ocean Boulevard) for excellent sunset bars and restaurants. At midnight the street fills with nightclub goers, particularly on summer weekends.The neighborhood of Porto da Barra area is about a 10- to 15-minutes' walk away. It hosts a fish market, boutiques, art galleries, bakeries, and some good restaurant options; a popular spot for a sunset cocktail.

The Serena Bzuios Resort offers rooms in five categories: Standard, Superior (A or B), Loft, and Suite. All rooms and suites are spacious with an elegant decor and modern vibe. The rooms come with beige tiled floors and white walls. White vaulted ceilings (in some rooms) and large windows make the spaces bright and airy. Light wood furniture and purple throw pillows on the bed add splashes of color to the otherwise chicly simple space. Minibars, safes, free (spotty) Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs are standard. Most rooms have a furnished balcony or terrace, some have an outdoor hot tub. Some of the bathrooms are on the small side, though tiled showers are large. A hairdryer is mounted to the wall and toiletries are elegantly presented on a glass shelf. Past guests have made occasional complaints about housekeeping standards. 

The Serena Buzios Resort features one of the best pool areas in Búzios. The surrounding garden is beautifully landscaped, and the wood deck is furnished with stylish white sun beds -- some inside the shallow pool -- and romantic sofas. The adjacent restaurant serves a luxury breakfast with sparkling wine, Chilean salmon, and freshly squeezed orange juice; however, it's not normally included in the room rate. Lunch and dinner are served a la carte. Live music is occasionally performed for guests' entertainment. The resort has a massage room and an adjacent, tiny fitness center. The equipment looks dated and could use a refresh. All guests get a free, though relatively quick, massage during their stay. The resort --  located just 300 meters from Geribá Beach -- offers beach attendance. This includes chairs, umbrellas, and a free 30-minute surf lesson. Drinks and juices are also available from the beach bar. Free transportation is provided to Buzios and other nearby beaches like Tartaruga or João Fernandes. Spotty Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.