My review is very late due to many things, but I wanted to be sure to write one. Villa Bambuti was absolutely fabulous! For starters, the place is charming, classy and casual all at once! The decor very special and done w/love - you can tell. There is no way to convey just how welcoming the hosts were. (I had to make adjustments to our reservations a few times over a couple of months and Debbie was SO gracious about it each time!)
While the weather during our 3 day stay was passable, w/at least some sun but also a little rain, there were a few guests there who had had several days of rain, but were SO happy that they had come to Villa Bambuti just the same.
Our trip started in RIo and from there we visited Iguazu Falls, flew back to Rio, got a car and drove to Buzios. This was the perfect way to do Buzios - after you do more active things or "city" things. We arrived a bit weary from driving in light rain and having to take a confusing detour about 45 min. from Buzios, but we finally got on the right track. We had a large villa room overlooking the pool; like in their photo (canopy bed, view of the sea, etc.). As soon as we checked in, we were offered drinks on the veranda, and our hostess graciously socialized w/us and a couple of other interesting guests. This cocktail hour seemed to occur every evening around 5 or 6, and we enjoyed these times so much! It was an "easy" atmosphere. Breakfast -well, we took our's on the terrace and WOW! Debbie is a FABULOUS cook and the presentation was awesome!!! English style w/lovely containers for the butter; flowers set into fruity drinks, and touches to rival the finest hotel. The setting is upscale, peaceful, and casual. Debbie and Luis are so friendly and loaded w/suggestions on places to eat, to go, and all manner of interesting information. The other member of their family, Zulu, was very well mannered and made the place all that much more like visiting good friends.
Most of the people we met here were well traveled, interesting, friendly and very down to earth. Their ages during our visit ran around 30 to 40. We were more near the hosts' age and felt right at home.
The view (of the ocean in the distance, and surrounding hills) was calming. Villa Bambuti is actually located on a hill in an upscale neighborhood of private residences. Yet it is a short drive into town (or you can take a cab). We hope to return someday and will FOR SURE stay there. I had been a bit concerned over whether it would be too far from the bustle of the town. But it was perfect. . . . By the way, do not be disappointed as you arrive in Buzios. You will wonder if it is going to be all that you read! But do not judge it until you get into the main area of town, which is sort of like the Lahaina of Brazil. - Lots of shops, restaurants, people strolling in the evening - and we were there in the off season! Our inn was the perfect place to wind down after daytime activities and the perfect place to return to each night. I saw some of the other places we had considered staying along the sea, and felt we had made the absolute best choice! You won't find many places this great (and we have traveled a LOT. ) I can only imagine very, very picky and extremely hard to please types not raving about this place! We feel privilaged to have stayed here!
