The Best Inns and Bed & Breakfasts

Pousada do Mondego (Ouro Prêto; tel. 031/3551-2040): Wake up to the unforgettable view of Ouro Prêto's most famous church, São Francisco de Assis, just outside your window. Early in the morning the surrounding hills are often shrouded in mist.

Pousada Tankamana (Petrópolis; tel. 024/2222-9181): Nestled in the hills above Petrópolis, Pousada Tankamana is a breath of fresh air. The luxury chalets with Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces are perfectly cozy on a cold winter day, just the kind of place to stay put and finish that book you've been trying to read.

Solar da Ponte (Tiradentes; tel. 032/3355-1255): In the heart of Tiradentes, one the most charming colonial villages, Pousada Solar da Ponte is a real retreat. The spacious antique furnished rooms look out over the cobblestone streets. The lovely garden, library, and sitting rooms are perfect for a relaxing day. A yummy breakfast is served in the dining room overlooking the garden.

Porto Pacuiba Hotel (Ilhabela; tel. 012/3896-2466): On Ilhabela, this sprawling wooden mansion with its courtyards and walkways was built around tall mango trees. This oasis of comfort is an ideal home base for exploring the rest of the island.

Pousada do Boqueirão (Salvador; tel. 071/3241-2262): This renovated pousada on the edge of Salvador's Pelourinho has the charm of the 17th century and the convenience of the 21st. The view from your personal veranda out of the Bay of All Saints would be memorable in whatever century you found yourself.

Pousada Santa Clara (Boipeba; tel. 075/3653-6085): For a romantic getaway or just a few days of blissful relaxation, there's no place better than this lovely pousada, on the small island of Boipeba south of Morro de São Paulo. Each room is uniquely decorated and many feature a veranda and large windows looking out over the lush tropical garden. The nearly deserted beach is only 5 minutes away, if you walk slowly.

Pousada do Amparo (Olinda; tel. 081/3439-1749): In the heart of Olinda's old town, Pousada do Amaro is a perfectly restored 18th-century house. Set on a hillside, the views from the rooms and back deck of Olinda, the ocean below, and Recife in the background are amazing. Elegantly furnished in period style, the pousada is a real labor of love of the owners.

Tabapitanga (Porto de Galinhas; tel. 081/3552-1037): The oceanfront rooms of Tabapitanga are so close to the beach that light sleepers may want to close their veranda doors to keep the sound of the waves out. All rooms feature bright and cheerful artwork, king-size beds, and a veranda with hammock and lazy chair.

Manary Praia Hotel (Natal; tel. 084/3219-2900): On the beach of Ponta Negra in Natal, the Manary Praia offers luxurious and comfortable accommodations. The hacienda-style mansion is an excellent home base for exploring some of the best beaches in the Northeast.

Araras Eco Lodge (Pantanal; tel. 065/3682-2800): This lodge is the best in the Pantanal for wildlife viewing and experiencing the lifestyle of the pantaneiro cowboy. Accommodations are rustic but the quality of guides, the amazing food, and unparalleled wildlife are worth it. The owner has a history of environmental work in the region and runs an excellent program.