Hotel Aretê

Gorgeous hotel I spent my 30th birthday here and it was magical. The hotel is immaculate and is a very high standard. The breakfast in particular is amazing! The staff were very lovely on my birthday and brought out a birthday cake for breakfast for me. The swimming pool, jacuzzi and restaurant are such beautiful settings (there is also a nice view from the gym?). The staff were all so professional, lovely and friendly. I also had a massage and it was really good! Only two downsides * They charge 10% service charge on the price of the booking. They said it was optional but I think it would be awkward to remove. I’ve never had this before, they should include it in the price before you book the room so you know what you are getting yourself into. * We had our room upgraded online from a luxury room to a master suite and the “master suite” was very underwhelming - it was small with a small dark balcony overlooking a road. It definitely just felt like a standard room. We had to pay more to upgrade the room further (the room we then got was amazing with a pier view).

The online booking worked correctly, the room was properly cleaned and prepared with a nice handwritten welcome note. The hotel staff is well-trained and helpful and friendly. Some even speak English, Italian. Spanish and communicate in French. The hotel's structure is simple, functional and decorated in a minimalist way with extreme good taste. Unfortunately the ceramic pieces are not for sale, as they are true works of art. The main body of the hotel is located on the edge of a marina with enough draft for sailing yachts over 40 feet. Access from the sea is protected by an unusual containment work made with large blocks of white cement material. The pool and jucuzzi are across the street served by a bar with suitable professionals. There are still other facilities strategically distributed where it is possible to access the strip of sand, take a good sauna. It is missing to talk about sports courts in a fourth division. It is worth knowing, because in addition to everything the breakfast is good, the cuisine follows the standard and the price is ethical.

What a fresh, relaxing and beautiful place, definitely one of my favorite hotels ever! Loved my week at Arete. Just consider that it is a 20 minute drive to buzios main area, but the distance is worth it for a quiet area. Can’t wait to go back!