✈️Vila da Santa Hotel Boutique & SPA in Buzios

Ideal location, pleasant surroundings, friendly service, comfortable suites, delicious pools, spa “private” beach, elegant decor and much more – Vila da Santa is the perfect hotel for those looking for a place to stay in Búzios.

I am from Rio de Janeiro, in love with beautiful Rio from January to January. Those who follow me on social media @lfmare and follow @fortravelovers on Instagram have seen first hand some tips from Búzios. Armação dos Búzios, or just Buzios, as it is popularly known, is a city located in the Lagos region, in the state of Rio de Janeiro – approximately 180 km from the capital. It is an excellent option for long or short vacations, holidays or even for those quick weekend trips and still getting to know the Vila da Santa Hotel

Vila da Santa Hotel

I've lost count of how many times I've been to Búzios, but there's always something to discover and plenty of reasons to enjoy and visit the resort. This time, what motivated me to go back there was Vila da Santa Hotel Boutique SPA – a new luxury hotel located in Praia dos Ossos, a few steps from Orla Bardot.

For those who want to explore the city as much as possible – especially the famous Rua das Pedras and Orla Bardot, staying at Praia dos Ossos it's a good option. I stayed two nights at Vila da Santa Hotel which is right there. I will tell you in this post a little more about this practically private and secret paradise.

The 19-suite hotel is a refuge between the Praça and Praia dos Ossos, the historic heart of Buzios and where is also the tiny, beautiful and important Sant'Anna Church, from 1743. The hotel rescues the best of the Búzios style of the 60s, which even Brigitte Bardot fell in love with at the time, mixing European archetypes such as the villages on the Mediterranean coast.

This mix with references mainly from France and Italy, is present in every corner of the hotel that took 5 years to be ready. It has in its environments the memories, stories and collection of works of art mined around the world by the owners of the place – the friendly French-Brazilian couple Pierre and Bettina d'Archemont.

The French accent and sophistication go beyond the surname and the decoration, made up of exquisite furniture and objects by Secrets de Famille, are also perceived in the cordiality and politeness of the staff, in the restaurant's menu and in every subtlety. You will understand how special this place is and why it is my recommendation for anyone search for a hotel in Buzios

Artistic mirrors decorate various corners of the hotel.
The Marbled Prometheus from Carraca … the secular art from Italy!

Location

Vila da Santa Hotel is just a few steps away from the crystalline and calm sea of Praia dos Ossos, close to Azeda and Azedinha and the trendy João Fernandes Beach. It has direct access from the beach, next to the Church of Sant'Ana.

It is less than 15 minutes from the famous Rua das Pedras, walking along the beautiful Orla Bardot.

Check in

I arrived a little before the scheduled time (14 pm) and before starting the check in procedure (booking, documents, etc.) I was accommodated with smiles and refreshing waters in the central courtyard.

After freshening up, it was ready and I went back to the reception – installed in an old fisherman's house from the 40's – now completely renovated and full of boho-chic and maritime details. Cozy and beautiful. I calmly waited for the room to be ready, while I sipped an iced hibiscus tea and looked at the artwork in the place.

A short time later I was escorted to the room and on the way I learned a little more about the local curiosities. I'll tell you too.

In the bedroom: a cute welcome card <3

Accommodation

Vila da Santa offers 19 suites, divided into six categories, including Casa Secreta (perfect for families or groups). Each room has very different decor and details, which I find super interesting. I love hotels where every corner has something different and unique. Accommodations are distinct from each other, but references to European and tropical culture are everywhere.

I stayed in a very comfortable and pleasant suite – number 7. Super soft double bed with 600 thread count Portuguese bedding

In the bathroom: refreshing and fragrant amenities created by Granado, while the bathroom fixtures and fittings are from the English Imperial – the same used in the Hotel Ritz Paris and Buckingham Palace. Very fancy !

Safe, closet with several hangers, table, TV and mini bar available.

In the bathroom, the chic faucets, private … those from England- and Granado amenities.

Facilities and common areas

There are several environments that integrate the multiple spaces. Tables and chairs with cushions are set out on the patio with various pieces of art and plants around. To sit, admire, relax and enjoy the time passing by. It's all very quiet, confidential and pleasant.

There is one of the entrances to the The Train Station – the hotel's restaurant, where the bar is also located and a hearty breakfast is served.

There are two delightful pools, one heated, with sun loungers perfect for shade or sun.

One of the corners next to the upper pool. Shade, book and fresh water!
Nice corner in the garden

A dot very positive and excellent is the structure of the beach. The hotel offers chairs, umbrellas and service on the beach – which is in front of the hotel – it is a little piece of Praia dos Ossos almost private for those who are staying there. Amazing. In addition to the drinks and snacks menu, you can also choose which activity you want to do among them: kayak and stand up paddle.

I really enjoyed the pool, the terrace and I also loved the living/reading room full of books, games, antiques, fireplace, wonderful paintings and mirrors. Perfect place for a cup of coffee and reading in the late afternoon.

During the night (on Saturdays) the patio becomes a perfect place to meet with friends, have dinner and have a few drinks – while there is a live show with the dear Dodô.

Pool Hotel Vila da Santa
Relax reading a book and drinking iced hibiscus tea (delicious)
The central courtyard of Vila da Santa.

Concierge Service
Laundry
Selection of newspapers
Gym room
Private tours and tours
SPA with special massages
Weekends with themed accommodation (Soul detox) – I really want to do it – see how cool this proposal is in the video below:

Breakfast

Delight! Breakfast with many options of fruit, bread, quiche, yogurt, different types of cheese and ham – and the classic French petit déjuner (croissant). There are also options for jams, cereals, cakes… as well as a good selection of drinks, coffee, teas, coconut water and natural juices. Including detox option (I loved the green juice). In addition to the buffet, there are à la carte options. You can choose how you want your eggs (omelet, scrambled, fried) and also your tapioca.

Ordered omelet with tomato, cheese, present and onion. And Nutella tapioca ;p All delicious.

One of the breakfast tables.

Curiosities

O service was one of the strongest positives and it really caught my attention. It is worth saying that the friendliness and cordiality present is part of a unique and very well done people management job. One of the hotel's policies is to host the employee with the family as if they were a customer. It's a way for all employees to experience what it's like to be a guest. I really enjoyed learning about this modus operandi. Pierre and Bettina also circulate around the hotel and are sweet and attentive to everyone.
The hotel adopted the Praça dos Ossos and began a plan to revitalize the bucolic square that is a meeting place for children and a historic point in the city.
The floor and some of the stones that frame the windows of the rooms were brought directly from France.
The hotel offers an excellent package for those looking for a place to get married in Búzios. The hotel is perfect for small weddings #miniwedding and #destinationwedding. The bride and groom and family stay in the Casa Secreta, the guests in the suites…the ceremony can take place in the Church, on the beach… Romantic!
The hotel works as a showroom for Secrets de Famille furniture. The French-inspired charm furniture is all unique and can be purchased and customized. For example: if you fall in love with the bed or closet in one of the rooms – you can buy it for your home, with the changes you want. Customization or bespoke service.

Pricing

Daily rates, as in almost all hotels, vary according to the period, category, channel and booking date. Rates and other special conditions can be checked directly with the hotel, but you can also get a quote and book here on the website with Booking.com. I even found a rate of 700 reais for the couple with breakfast. It's so worth it.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION OR LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOTEL HERE

Annotate you:

Eugênio Honold Square – Praia dos Ossos – Búzios – RJ
Tel.: +55 (22) 2623-5770 / +55 (22) 2623-2658
Facebook: Vila da Santa Boutique & Spa

***Our columnist Luis Felipe Di Mare stayed at the invitation of Hotel Vila da Santa***

Things to do in Buzios:

Five recommendations:

Stroll along Rua das Pedras and have an ice cream Italy
Go swimming from Ossos beach to Azeda and Azedinha
Eat a crepe at Chez Michou
Stretch out at night at Pacha or Privilège nightclubs.
Visit the beaches of Ferradura and João Fernandes (go early)

Where to stay in Buzios

Check below our complete content on where to stay in Búzios with comfort and tranquility:

B&Bs in Buzios

Hotels in Buzios

Airbnb in Buzios

National Travel Insurance

Unforeseen events happen! If you do not have health insurance or if your medical and hospital coverage does not cover this region, taking out national travel insurance may be a good idea. It's super cheap – from R$4 per day – and with it you travel peacefully, avoiding unplanned expenses. LEARN MORE HERE.