Pousada Zanzibar

Pousada Zanzibar suits divers who want a smaller, straightforward place to come back to, with nature around the property, sea views and an outdoor pool. You can cool down outside, settle into a sun lounger with a drink from the bar, or retreat to an air-conditioned room when the Brazilian heat has done its work.

The tone is practical rather than resort-sized. Free Wi-Fi throughout the property, complimentary parking and family accommodation keep the useful details covered, while the garden, terraces and shared lounge give you somewhere to sit without having to return immediately to your room. For a couple, the sea-facing outlook and balcony options add something to the evening; for a family or small group, the larger apartment categories make more sense.

You stay in Búzios, Brazil, directly beside a white-sand beach with sun loungers and parasols. The property has views towards Praia dos Ossos Beach, while the town's famous Rua das Pedras is about 1 km away. That puts restaurants, evening wandering and the familiar post-dive search for food within reach, without placing you in the middle of the busiest streets.

Ferradura Beach is about 1.5 miles away, with Tartaruga Beach, Virgens Beach and Manguinhos Beach each roughly 0.7 to 0.9 miles from the pousada. Canto Beach is about 1.5 miles away on foot. You also have restaurants nearby, including La Tortuga and La Tapera Pizzas e Massas, both within roughly half a mile, while the central bus station is about 1 mile away.

The rooms are airy and fitted with air conditioning, a minibar, a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe and a private bathroom. That is the useful combination when you return warm, salty and ready for a cold drink rather than a design lecture. Free Wi-Fi reaches every area of the property, including the rooms.

If the view matters, choose a category with sea views; some units also have a balcony with sun loungers, giving you a private place to sit as the day cools. The Junior Suite with Pool View is the obvious choice if you would rather look towards the water on the property than the beach, while the Deluxe Suite and the apartments are the more sensible direction for families or groups who need room to spread out.

The Duplex Apartment is aimed at the largest groups, while the smaller Apartment works for two people who prefer not to pay for space they will not use. Family rooms are available, cots can be requested for young children, and there are no extra beds. Daily housekeeping keeps the practical side of the stay moving.

Restaurante Zanzibar covers the three meals that matter most when your day starts early and ends with sandy feet: breakfast, lunch and dinner. The kitchen works with local and international dishes, so you can stay close to the flavours of Brazil or keep the evening familiar when a full day in the water has left you hungry rather than adventurous.

Breakfast is included, and the property also has a bar for drinks beside the outdoor relaxation areas. Room service is available for an additional charge, which is handy when the thought of changing for dinner feels like unnecessary decompression. There is no need to make every meal a production, either: La Tortuga, La Tapera Pizzas e Massas and O Peixe no Mato are all nearby.

The outdoor pool gives you an easy alternative to the sea when you want a short, low-effort swim without organising another outing. Sun loungers and beach chairs are available, so you can dry off properly before moving on to a drink or a meal. There is also direct access to the white-sand beach, with loungers and parasols for a slower stretch of the day.

The garden, terrace and sun terrace provide several places to sit, while the picnic area and outdoor furniture suit an unhurried afternoon. A shared lounge with a TV offers an indoor fallback when the weather turns or when your legs have had enough of excursions for one day.

For a couple, the combination is uncomplicated: swim, sit outside, watch the light change over the surroundings and decide whether dinner deserves a walk or room service. A concierge service and tour desk can help with plans beyond the property, and car hire is available if you want to explore Búzios under your own steam.

Check-in runs from 13:00 to 23:00, and you need to tell the property your expected arrival time in advance. Check-out is by 11:00. There is no age requirement for check-in, and children of all ages are welcome; children aged four and over are treated as adults under the accommodation policy.

An airport shuttle and a shuttle service are available, while car hire can also be arranged through the property. Cabo Frio Airport is about 12 miles away. Free on-site parking is available without reservation, useful if your Búzios trip includes a hire car or a longer transfer from the airport.

Private and express check-in and check-out are available, with express service carrying an additional charge. A tour desk, concierge service, laundry and ironing service cover the sort of jobs that become irritating after several days travelling. Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required, and cancellation and prepayment conditions vary by accommodation category.