After realizing it’s only a 2 1/2 hour drive from Rio de Janeiro, I did what any hopeless-romantic travel blogger would do…I planned a trip to Brazil.

Búzios is known at the St. Tropez of Brazil, just as Buenos Aires is called the Paris of the South. Why is it that various places in South America need to be defined by an existing location elsewhere? They have their own identity and can stand on their own unique two feet. I’ve never stepped foot in St. Tropez, but I image the two cities being quite different in make up. Although rolling in the deep, Búzios lifestyle doesn’t strike me as ritzy as the residents of the French Riviera, floating on their P. Diddy-style yachts and walking around as if they’re in a rap video. In many ways, Buzios has kept close to it roots, the marina filled with old fishing boats and a zero sense of urgency.

The Concept

That same sense of zero urgency was carried over to a hidden beach retreat known as Insólito. Meaning “remarkable” in Portuguese, the Insolito Boutique Hotel is part art gallery, part romantic escape, and part nature paradise built upon a rock outcrop over secluded Ferradura Beach.

Eat

Situated at the top of the hotel with a view of the pool and ocean is A Galeria Restaurant. Take your lunch outside on the deck or take a break from the sun and cool off indoors with some acai. I pick the purple berries every time.

Drink

During the South American summer, the Insólito Beach Lounge is the place to be. Inspired after European beach clubs, this lounge-bar serves up delectable beachside cocktails alongside Mediterranean cuisine, covered decks and wifi. I can see myself here with a caipirinha and umbrella, wasted away again in Margaritaville Brazil.

Sleep

Each of the 24 rooms were individually designed by owner Emmanuelle Meeus de Clermont Tonnerre in a way to express the soul of Brazil. Apprehensive about turning her former home into a buzzing hotel, Emmanuelle wanted to have a place where people could feel connected to nature and a place that’s constantly changing with exhibitions and events. This is where the art gallery comes into play as the rooms serve as exhibitions for uniquely designed pieces that make reference to music, photography, literature, history, fashion and culture.

Relax

I’ve never stayed with a hotel that has incorporated so many romantic nooks and alcoves in which to bask with your significant other. Thank God mine accompanied me on this trip! With three pools, two Jacuzzis, saunas, Turkish baths, and yoga classes on offer, who needs the beach? So many options, so little time! Future guests take note: you’ll need a week here before resuming to normal life.

A special thank you to the Brazilian Tourism Board for inviting me to stay as a guest and showing me the best of Buzios!