Villa Balthazar, Buzios, Brazil
The rustic tucked-away Villa Balthazar was our first stop in Buzios, a resort coastal town, just a three-hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Rio.
We stayed in Buzios for a week and spent two incredible nights at this magical Villa. There is something special about staying in a villa. No wonder the rentals at Villaway are so in-demand. The idyllic retreat, hidden on a quiet cobblestoned street, is just 500 meters from Praia do Canto beach and a five minute walk from central Buzios.
The Story Behind the Villa
The Villa was established by Swedish couple Petra and Felix about three-and-a-half years ago, after the couple worked as volunteers in Rio and then traveled for 5 month throughout Brazil. They had decided they wanted to make Brazil their home and open a B&B, although they were unsure exactly where. However, as soon as they arrived in Buzios, at the end of their trip, they knew it was the perfect location to open their villa and live their dream.
Petra explained the idea behind the name Villa Balthazar: “When we were traveling we bumped into different places with the name Balthazar…. it’s a mighty and different name. A name you won’t forget… Villa, we chose because we don’t see ourselves as a Pousada or a hotel, it’s our home – a Villa.” And this sums up the unique qualities of the Villa, as well as the marks of home.
The Villa
Located just a ten minute walk from the terminal, the Villa is in the perfect location for seeing Buzios. You can walk almost everywhere – even to the much further beaches like Azeda e Azedinha and Joao Fernandinho. It is also a stone’s throw away from the beach, but despite this, the Villa remains peaceful and tranquil, tucked away from the area’s busier streets.
The Villa features a cosy communal living space in the main house with books, music and travel albums. The space is extremely welcoming and homely, and gave us a small glimpse into the young family’s life.
The Villa has rooms in the beautiful garden house and pool house.
Throughout the interior of the Villa you can spot the couple’s personal touches, from handmade furniture, European antiques and Swedish linens, to travel souvenirs, all positioned carefully amid the tropical Brazilian setting.
Many of the antiques in the Villa are from Petra’s mother, who was a collector of porcelain, chinaware, books, and vintage suitcases, ornaments and furniture.
Petra shipped over her extensive collection and the pieces are now very much a part of the Villa, from the chinaware at breakfast to the antique decorations in the rooms and main house. All of which adds even further to the personal feel this villa exudes.
Our room
We stayed in the superior garden room in the Garden House. It was very spacious, with it’s own small living space that included comfortable sofas and a tea table.
Again, the room was adorned with stunning mix of European décor, vintage furniture, and had a window with fantastic views over the back yard, as well as a balcony which overlooked the garden.
The attention to detail is what makes this place a one-of-a-kind. Petra and Felix went the extra mile to make our stay special. Small things like a fresh cold bottle of water in our room each day, a welcome note on the bed, complimentary drinks, fresh flowers, reading lamps, anti-mosquito products, towels for the pool and beach blankets if we needed, were all provided (for more photos of the different rooms click here).
The bathroom was also fully equipped with L’Occitane shower products and lotion, Cotton swabs and even perfume.
Petra and Felix were also extremely helpful throughout our stay. We had some great conversations and they gave us tips and advice on where to eat and which beaches to visit in town. Before leaving they even surprised us with a bag of snacks to take for the road.
Breakfast
We had breakfast on the balcony overlooking the garden – the perfect setting for the perfect breakfast!
It was hands down the best breakfast I’ve had in Brazil so far! Gourmet and homemade by Petra and Felix, the meal was beautifully presented on vintage chinaware and included eggs, fresh coffee/tea, orange juice, homemade bread, amazing homemade jams (strawberry/vanilla and orange/ginger flavors), a delicious fresh fruit salad and homemade yogurt and granola (made by Felix). His secret ingredient, Cardamom, often used in cooking in Sweden.
It was even finished off with a special dessert and a shot of a fruit smoothie!
Villa Balthazar was the perfect mix of modesty and luxury. The owners’ personalities and experiences were expressed throughout the Villa’s unique décor, while the exquisite service, food, and facilities make the Villa a premium accommodation – A homey and tropical setting with luxurious trimmings.
