A bungalow at Dos Ganchos

By Patrick Connelly

While it may not sport the plethora of resorts that countries like Mexico offer, Brazil has recently built up a reputable armada of beachside all-inclusives and romantic getaways.  With over 7,000 km of coastline, the area is immense and options are numerous.  Here are a few of Brazil’s best resorts, with representatives from several different parts of the country.

1. Ponta Das Ganchos – Southern Brazil (Near Florianopolis/Sao Paulo)

Leave the kids at home.  Literally.  They won’t be allowed in.  Ponta Das Ganchos, located on a private peninsula, is Brazil’s most romantic getaway: no one under 18 is allowed.  Twenty-five beautiful bungalows situate perfectly between the white beach and the lush Atlantic Forest, creating an intimate, isolated environment while offering top notch amenities.  From spas to movie theatres to massage tents, Ganchos has everything a couple needs and more.  The resort also sports one of Brazil’s finest diving areas at nearby Arvoredo Island.

I’s seclusion and luxury at the highest level, and such privilages do come at a cost.  But the location is not only picturesque, but also very convenient; the resort can be reached easily from Rio, Sao Paulo, and Buenos Aires.

2. Rio Das Piedras - 45 Minutes from Rio de Janeiro

This resort you can bring your kids to.  In fact, this Club Med creation caters to the young extremely well, and is a perfect place for a family vacation.  Its everything that you’d expect from member of the Med hegemony: quality, efficiency, and a well-rounded approach.  Das Piedras, a stone’s throw from Rio de Janeiro, has plenty to offer the kids as well as the parents, from waterskiing to spa treatment to archery lessons, all included in the overall fee.  A massive 320 rooms, in both club and deluxe sizes, means that getting a room is not nearly as hard as it is at Dos Ganchos, but on weekends the resort can get crowded with Paulistas from Sao Paulo and other cities.

Das Piedras also offers great dining and bars, most of which is included (some old wines and spirits are not), as well as Club Med’s famous monitors that keep watch over the kids while parents relax.

3. Blue Tree Eco Resort Park - Angra dos Reis (90 miles from Rio de Janeiro)

Another resort that is a favorite of weekenders from the large cities, Blue Tree Eco Resort is part of the Blue Tree Hotel chain and is a top quality destination for families and couples alike.  As the name suggests, Blue Tree is focused around a natural experience, combining the beauty of the surrounding environment with modern perks.  Numerous small, tranquil bays and islands dot the coastline while the Atlantic Forest covers everything in brilliant green.  Many of the resort’s activities are centered around this unique setting, with extensive canopy walking through the forests and watersports amidst the islands.  Along with Das Ganchos, Blue True also has some of southern Brazil’s best dive spots.

View at the Enotel Resort