The small town of Trancoso marks the spot where Portuguese explorers first landed in Brazil some 500 years ago, and is today home to a tight-knit community. Rooted at its core is the 11-key UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, a rustic-luxe retreat headed up by Dutch designer (and former creative director of Diesel) Wilbert Das. Committed to spotlighting emerging creatives and honouring the surrounding landscape, the property is packed with locally sourced design details, from outdoor showers repurposed from tree trunks to an in-house boutique brimming with handmade textiles and abstract artworks. Book the treehouse room - all airy linens and polished woods - and spend days splashing in the outdoor pool, whose shimmering mosaic tiles contain approximately 40,000 pieces of native aventurine quartz, and enjoying platters of seafood, fresh fruits and spicy stuff straight from the grill.

Located in the sleepy village of Búzios, just a spade's throw from the blonde-sand Ferradura beach, Insólito Boutique Hotel & Spa is the kind of place that invites a digital detox: think bamboo parasols, loungers armed with plush cushions, braided hammocks and a sea-facing infinity pool buried beneath soaring palms. Spanning six categories, from classic suites to master abodes, guest rooms all feature a minimalist palette punctuated by pops of vibrant colour in the form of cushions and bedspreads. We suggest making the master suite your room of choice, where you'll find a private plunge pool and hot tub offering spectacular sunset views. Don't miss: if it's a getaway with your main squeeze, the team will happily pack you a champagne hamper to enjoy at the beach.

The grand Villa Bahia has 17 bedrooms spread across three floors, each individually designed to reflect the journey Portuguese explorers took when arriving in Brazil in 1500 - a concept that plays out through antique furnishings, handcrafted ceramics and native artworks. We love the tropical outdoor courtyard, where overgrown potted plants and curved wooden loungers with emerald-green cushions are perfectly positioned around a sun-kissed pool - the ideal spot for a refreshing cocktail. Helmed by French hotelier Bruno Guinard, the hotel's street-side destination restaurant has a bistro-style menu, featuring the likes of prawn-stuffed sandwiches and seriously delicious salads.

Could this be Brazil's coolest hippie enclave? Judging by the bamboo pergolas, braided hammocks, wicker chairs, seagrass lanterns and wooden screens, we'd say so. The accommodation comprises eight woodland villas, with raw materials used throughout to offer serenity-seekers a nature-rich base. Bedrooms have four-poster beds wrapped in white linens, all-marble bathrooms and private terraces complete with snug seating corners. Elsewhere, an outdoor pool, stellar spa, boho-chic bar and dazzling restaurant are sure to keep you entertained. If in the mood to explore, stroll to the nearby Quadrado Square to find a slew of independent eateries and boutiques.

Anchored on the pristine shores of Patacho beach, on Brazil's northeastern coastline, Pedras do Patacho is the pinnacle of barefoot living. Nestled within a 40km stretch of coconut trees, the property offers eight suites and seven sea-facing bungalows, the latter crafted from a honey-hued volcanic stone and kitted out with brushed-concrete flooring, vast windows and wooden detailing. Peel yourself away from your private pool to discover the hotel's state-of-the-art spa, in-house gallery, buzzy sundeck, three bars and top-notch restaurant. While there's plenty to be said for the beautiful design of the property, it's the activities we think you'll enjoy the most: organised hikes, rafting in natural pools, horse riding, kayaking and off-road biking are just a few of the standouts.

Seaside sister to the working organic farm-come-boutique hotel Fazenda Catuçaba, Pousada Picinguaba sits at the foothills of the verdant Atlantic Forest Natural Park. The food is a real highlight of any stay here, which is hardly surprising when you learn that Picinguaba translates as "fish shelter". Featuring fruits, veggies and fish gathered from the property's forest and ocean gardens, seasonal dishes are grilled and baked to perfection. For guests looking to explore the area, the hotel will arrange guided fishing, forest hikes, wildlife watching, mangrove canoeing and cultural tours of historic Ubatuba. Rooms provide home-from-home comforts such as retro turntables, shelves stacked with books and cosy nooks equipped with snug armchairs and sizable desks.

Established in 1974, the 32-key Casas Brancas Boutique & Spa effortlessly marries a contemporary aesthetic with traditional design: picture ornate lamps and double dressers paired with textured marbles and breathable fabrics. Start your day with a refreshing juice in one of the suspended egg chairs discreetly tucked away in shaded areas, before moving across to one of the double daybeds on the sun-drenched terrace. Cool down in the swimming pool, then order an icy cocktail from the al fresco bar. We recommend booking a Golden Mask facial during your stay, designed to hydrate and soothe skin after sun, wind and saltwater exposure.