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!

The first few days of our holiday we've spent in Villa Bambuti. The weather was not great (raining), but despite that we've had a great 3-day stay in Buzios. Debbie and Luis made us feel very welcome, great breakfast (only the 3rd day outside on the terrace), small but very convenient room with nice balcony.

perfect location
exquisite service
most charming hosts
excellent value for money

My wife and I spent the last two nights of our honeymoon here and highly recommend it. As others have mentioned Debbie and Luis are terrific hosts and do everything they can to make you enjoy your stay – providing snacks and drinks when you arrive; recommending beaches, restaurants, bars and other things to do around town; calling cabs; arranging transportation to and from Rio; etc. Breakfast was great and the first course, fruit, was served within a few minutes of sitting down. Debbie said there was another couple staying there but we never saw them and it seemed like we had the place to ourselves. The weather wasn’t great the last day we were there but the place is nice enough that you won’t mind lounging around the deck or looking out at the water from your own patio.

The only warnings I would have is that it isn’t within walking distance of town, but on the flipside you get a great deal of privacy that you might not have elsewhere and a cab will show up to pick you up for the five minute ride into town within ten minutes of calling. Also, if you want to leave the windows open at night, make sure to bring bug spray. We each had several mosquito bites, but I’m sure that is true no matter where you stay. We saw a few ants in the bathroom and when we told them they immediately took care of it, which was very nice.

After four fun and adventurous days in Rio, it was wonderful to relax in Buzios at Villa Bambuti before heading home. I would love to return one day.