Aug 31, 2012
|Last updated on January 10th, 2021 at 10:12 am
The Best Beach Resorts in Brazil
Brazil makes up nearly half of the land in South America and because of this, Brazil has an abundance of cultures and landscapes. Part of this diversity includes some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. After you have explored the major highlights in Brazil – whether it be witnessing the beauty of Rio de Janeiro, the sheer wonder of Iguazu Falls, or an Amazon Rainforest Tour – end your tour in total relaxation at one of Brazil’s best beach resorts in northern, eastern or southern Brazil. So whether you are looking for a Brazil beach resorts vacation or simply a luxury & guided Brazil tour, this complete guide to the best beach resorts in Brazil has you covered!
Northern Brazil’s Best Beach Resorts
Jericoacoara, the famous and yet remote:
Jericoacoara is a small and unique fishing village in northern Brazil. Jericoacoara is actually known for being one of the best beach towns in northern Brazil – and that means something! The area has some of the best beaches and coves in Brazil. The beach village is also known for being the mecca of kitesurfing and windsurfing and is visited by people from all over the world to practice these sports. The vibe in Jeri, as is commonly known, is very relaxed and unassuming, but there are a couple of beautiful beach resorts that stand out to travelers around the world.
Pousada Vila Kalango
Pousada Vila Kalango is easily one of the best hotels in Brazil. The resort perfectly integrates with nature as it is surrounded by sand dunes and spectacular sunsets. Ground floor apartments open up to a beautiful garden and the pool overlooks the rolling sand dunes and the sea. The restaurant prides itself on serving the best flavors of northeastern Brazilian cuisine. The hotel has a strong emphasis on sustainability and pride itself on using locally-sourced goods and recycled materials.
Pousada Jeriba
Pousada Jeribá was carefully designed taking into account the pristine nature of Jericoacoara National Park and the humble origins of this old fisherman village. The beautiful swimming pools and wooden interior creates an enchanting environment, ideal for travelers seeking a relaxing getaway. Guests can unwind at the spa or enjoy a health treatment by the ocean. Each apartment comes with luxurious showers, balconies with hammocks, and 5-star amenities making it the perfect beach resort in Brazil.
Essenza Hotel
Essenza Hotel is a beachfront 5-star property that has the best views of Jeri’s central beach. It is also only steps away from where all the restaurants are located, so the location makes Essenza one of the best hotels in Brazil. The decor is modern and stylish and guests can savor regional and international dishes at Essenza’s Hotel International Cuisine Restaurant.
Insider Tip: while staying at any of the resorts, ask if you can take a buggy excursion to the nearby dunes and lagoons, similar to the ones located in the Lencois Maranhenses National Park.
Pipa Beach in Natal:
Pipa Beach is known for its peaceful stretches of white sand surrounded by cliffs. It is common to find yourself swimming with friendly dolphins in these calm waters.
Pousada Toca da Coruja
Pousada Toca da Coruja resort is a 15 to 20 min walk to the famous Pipa beach. Located 80 km from Natal, the capital city of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, is one of the most important beach resorts in the region. The Santuario Ecologico Da Pipa, an ecological sanctuary, surrounds the resort. Also, scientists research marine animals such as dolphins and sea turtles here.
Insider Tip: go on an adventure with a sandboarding activity, available in some of the many dunes in Pipa’s beaches.
Beach Resorts in Fernando de Noronha
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fernando de Noronha has some of the top-ranked beaches in the world. It is a set of volcanic islands located 350km away from Brazil’s Northeast coast and its picturesque beaches are considered one of the most paradisiacal landscapes in the world. Accommodations are very limited since there’s only a small amount of hotels in the islands, but here are some of the best ones:
Pousada Ze Maria
This resort started out as a guesthouse and now has several private bungalows. This is what makes this place so special the size of the resort and the location makes it a truly private getaway.
Northeastern Brazil’s Best Beach Resorts
Bahia, the African Brazil:
Bahia is a state in Brazil with beautiful beaches lined with coconut palm trees. Bahia’s importance also lies in its rich culture, originated in the African slave trade in the XVII century, Bahia is considered to possess the greatest and most distinctive African imprint, in terms of culture and customs, in Brazil.
Insider Tip: add a night or two in Salvador, Bahia’s capital, for a fun city stay before your resort visit. The colonial center of town is one of the most picturesque in the whole country.
Pousada Lagoa do Cassange
In the midst of the Maraú Peninsula, Pousada Lagoa do Cassange is located in a magnificent ecological sanctuary and is the perfect getaway from the busyness of the city. There is a spacious lawn with coconut trees where you can relax in a hammock, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the magnificent view of the ocean.
Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort
Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort is a natural paradise in an almost untouched region of Brazil and is a short 45-minute flight from Salvador Airport. This is a perfect destination for honeymooners looking for luxury resorts in Brazil. The Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort is located on the Marau Peninsula, surrounded by the Atlantic Forest. Relax on the beach or explore this remote region.
Morro de São Paulo
Morro de Sao Paulo is a charming beach town known for having no cars and only one road. Here you have a number of great beaches to choose from. This allows for a remote experience where you can relax and explore without the excess noise! The accommodations on Morro de Sao Paulo are not as upscale as some of the other beach resorts in Brazil because it is a small quaint beach town. Choose from a number of great pousadas that capture the essence of the island. The best two in the island are Villa dos Corais and Pousada Minha Louca Paixão.
Insiders Tip: check out the sunset at the Farol do Morro, the lighthouse located near the harbor.
Txai Resort
The Txai Resort is another luxury resort in Brazil, as it boasts an exclusive and eco-friendly experience. Located in Itacare, at 48 km from the Airport of Ilheus, and voted “Best Waterside Hotel” in South America by Conde Nast, Johansens Luxury Hotel Guide, this resort lives up to every expectation. Relax on the white sandy beaches or unwind at the world-class spa.
Beach Resorts in Porto de Galinhas
Porto de Galinhas is a small beach town, south of Recife. This has been considered the “Best Brazil Beach” by readers of the Travel & Tourism magazine. This quiet destination features natural tidal pools in the warm, clear Atlantic water. Here’s the best resort to stay in Porto de Galinhas.
Nannai Resort & Spa
On top of being located on arguably the best beach in Brazil, this resort has an incredible series of pools – 6000 square meters to be exact. There are a number of water sports available if you are looking to stay active, along with spas, saunas, and hydrotherapies if you are looking to relax. The resort restaurant offers the best regional cuisine, along with a large wine selection. This is truly one of the best luxury resorts in Brazil.
Best places in Brazil’s Southeast:
Beach Resorts in Ilha Grande
Not far from Rio de Janeiro is Ilha Grande! This is an adventurous and relaxed beach resort located just outside of Rio. Like Morro de São Paulo, there are no cars on the island. The terrain of Ilha Grande makes it more dynamic than the average beach destination: the dense green hills contain great vegetation and provide spectacular views from the top. This creates a great opportunity to explore in the morning and relax on the beach in the afternoon. Lopes Mendes beach is one of the most incredible beaches and is a must-see. With regards to accommodation, the best places to stay are Sagu Miniresort and Villa Pedra do Mar.
Sagu Miniresort
This pousada is set in a colonial house surrounded by the Atlantic Rainforest, and perfectly located a few minutes walk from the main center of town and the harbor. All rooms have excellent sea views and the hotel offers complimentary tea service every day.
Vila Pedra do Mar
Located in the east side -and less populated- of the island, this Pousada is perfect for going out hiking, with great hikes starting around the area. The hotel itself is beautiful, cozy and the food is excellent. There are also at least 3 different beaches nearby, ideal if you’d like to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Insider Tip: after a day tour to Lopes Mendes Beach (a must-see, which you can get to by hiking or by boat), head to Abrao (the small town center) and try some island specialties such as freshly caught oysters and seafood casseroles.
Beach Resorts in Buzios
Just a two-hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Rio de Janeiro is the small beach resort town of Buzios. Located on a peninsula with several natural harbors, Buzios has several beaches to choose from – there are popular family-friendly beaches, and there are secluded ones as well. Whether you are on your honeymoon or are looking for a nice place for a family vacation, Buzios has everything to offer.
Casas Brancas Boutique Hotel & Spa
One of the nicest beach resorts includes Casas Brancas Boutique Hotel & Spa. Three of the most beautiful beaches are located nearby this resort: Azeda Beach, Brava Beach, and Azedinha Beach.
Beach Resorts in Florianopolis
The capital city of the estate of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis offers everything, from the sun, beaches, green areas, parties, museums, fortresses, restaurants, and outdoor sports activities. It is the most important beach destination in the south of Brazil and it has its own airport. The best resorts are as follows:
Ponta das Canas Costão do Santinho
Just outside of Florianopolis, located on the north end of Santa Catarina Island is Ponta das Canas Costao do Santinho. This family-friendly resort is surrounded by sand dunes, coasts, trails, and a variety of archaeological sites. The resort additionally offers golf courses and indoor and outdoor thermal pools.
Hotel Costa Norte Ponta das Canas
Hotel Costa Norte Ponta das Canas is surrounded by beaches such as Ponta das Canas, Lagoinha, and Brava. This hotel offers a fine restaurant, poolside bar, and a children’s club. They offer an indoor and outdoor pool with ocean views.
Insider tip: since Florianopolis is located south of the country, it is best to visit during the warmer months (September-May), and if you want to avoid crowds, the perfect time of the year to visit are the months of October, November, and December.
Brazil offers many different coastal regions, each with a unique flair and exciting beach resorts. To find the best beach resorts in Brazil, you should plan your Brazil trip ahead and decide what exactly you are looking for. An experienced Travel Consultant who knows the Brazil beach resorts well can help you decide which ones are for you.