Guesthouses in Brazil

Pousada Picinguaba, Picinguaba

Surrounded by virgin rainforest near a tiny fishing village halfway between Rio and São Paulo, the French-owned Pousada Picinguaba is a chic retreat for adventure-seekers. As the road stops at the nearby beach, a trek through the forest takes guests to 10 whitewashed rooms that are as serene as they are stylish. Guests can visit nearby islands on the hotel's 40ft schooner whilst fresh Brazilian cuisine is served at candle-lit tables overlooking the bay. Pousada Picinguaba, Vila Picinguaba, Ubatuba (00 55 12 38 36 91 05; www.picinguaba.com). Doubles from €180 (£129) half-board.

Etnia Pousada, Trancoso, Bahia

The Seventies hippy heyday of the picturesque village of Trancoso lives on at Etnia Pousada - albeit with a modern twist. The fashion and design experience of Italian owners André Zanonato and Corrado Tini is reflected in the boho-chic ambience of the eight-bungalow hotel. An eclectic celebration of all things global and stylish, the rooms reflect their names - think Japanese minimalism in "Kyoto", Arabian arched doorways in "Marrocos" and vibrant painted woodwork in "Gipsy". For those keen to take a slice of pousada chic home with them, the hotel has an antique shop on the famous Quadrado square nearby.

Etnia Pousada, Trancoso, Bahia (00 55 73 36 68 1137; www.etniabrasil.com.br). Doubles start at US$176 (£104) including breakfast.

Casas Brancas, Búzios

Follow in the footsteps of Bridget Bardot - and style-savvy Cariocas - by driving two hours north of Rio to the fishing village of Búzios, the St Tropez of Latin America. Casas Brancas may be one of the oldest pousadas in town but its age belies a timelessly chic and peaceful retreat. The property's interior has a Mediterranean minimalist feel with sheer cotton curtains, old tiled floors and indigenous hangings. A tangle of nooks and crannies leads to 32 sea-facing rooms. Caipirinha in hand, bossa nova playing in the background, its perfect position over the bay makes it the ultimate setting for a sundowner.
Pousada Casas Brancas, Alto do Humaitá 10, Búzios (00 55 22 26 23 1458; www.casasbrancas.com.br). Doubles start at Reais434 (£107) including breakfast.

Pousada Maravilha, Pernambuco

The craggy volcanic landscape of the 21 islands of the Atlantic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is a haven for protected wildlife, from spinner dolphins to sea turtles. One of the main objectives of Pousada Maravilha is to protect its stunning environment - without scrimping on comforts. Its eight bungalows and apartments are the only ocean-facing accommodation on the archipelago. Views are optimised by Japanese-style baths on private decks, while diving, snorkelling and surfing are on offer for the more active. As visitor numbers are limited by the government to protect the landscape, expect deserted beaches, more wildlife than people and a break from the real world.

Pousada Maravilha, Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco (00 55 81 36 19 0028; www.pousadamaravilha.com.br). Doubles start at Reais955 (£234) including breakfast.

Relais Solar, Rio de Janeiro

Set amid the cobbled streets of the Santa Teresa district, one of the most artistic enclaves of the city, the five-bedroom guesthouse is housed in an old colonial villa. Each room - named after a tropical bird - is fresh, bright and modern. Stylish murals cover the walls while the furniture, fabrics and artworks are the creation of local craftsmen. And for those seduced by the décor, most items are available to buy.

Relais Solar, Ladeira do Meirelles 32, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro (00 55 21 22 21 2117; www.solardesanta.com.br). Doubles from US$75 (£44) including breakfast.

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