Hotel Le Relais La Borie

Located just past the cobblestone streets of Geriba, the last hotel looks more like a beautiful house, painted in shades of orange, with huge windows and calm exterior green space, decorated with ferns, palm trees, flowering plants hanging from trellises, some lounge chairs, tables, and a daybed. Interiors are equally inviting. The front desk, with its painted bench scenes, and sandy colors in the lobby pay homage to the main attraction: beach access. The back of the hotel, where guests can reach the sand, also houses the pool complex and swim-up bar. An elegant restaurant with white tablecloths and traditional dining chairs and a cozy fireplace give the space a luxe touch. Most guests are couples and families who are looking for privacy and an upscale place to relax. 

One of the best features of Le Relais La Borie Hotel is the location. Geriba is a pleasant and safe area, with a mainly residential neighborhood consisting of beach houses and high end villas. However, there's little in walking distance apart from the beach. Services, like ATMs, markets or drugstores, and the Buzios bus station, are about 10 minutes away by car. The popular Orla Bardot and Rua das Pedras, at the city center, and its numerous restaurants and famous nightlife are a 15-minute drive away. The well-known beach of Joao Fernandes, another touristy point of Buzios, is about a 15-minute drive away from Le Relais. Reaching Cabo Frio International Airport takes about an hour. The International Airport of Rio is about a three-hour drive. Times may vary during high season due to traffic increase. 

The 41 rooms are divided into four categories: Quarto Junior, Quarto Confort, Quarto Master, and Suite Master; all split between either (interrupted) ocean or garden views. All have a clean look with white tiles on the floor, cream-colored walls, and crisp white bedding. Squares of lovely blue-print fabric act as the bed’s headboard, and bedside lights' lampshades are done in matching fabric. A few little touches like white slipcovered armchairs, rustic wood furniture, or white-painted side tables point to a romantic French country look. They feature flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. White-tiled bathrooms have roomy granite-top sinks, wall-mounted hairdryers, walk-in showers, and L'Occitane toiletries. But some of the tile grout in the bathrooms is looking a little dingy and worn. Suites have additional seating areas, hardwood floors, and soaking tubs. The house next the hotel offers an additional six suites with the same style, and they can be rented together for large groups. 

The beach location at Geriba is the star feature here, and many of the amenities make excellent use of the sand's proximity. Beach towels, chairs, and sun umbrellas are on hand and there's a dedicated beach attendant. The peaceful and relaxing pool area is just a step away from the sand. There's a pool just for adults and a family pool with a kids' section, plus a swim-up bar. 

An elegant restaurant with a French/beach decor serves the free hot buffet breakfast, with items like fresh fruit and scrambled eggs, and a la carte meals for lunch and dinner. The adjacent bar serves drinks in a regal but calm atmosphere. Half-board packages are available.

There's also a small spa with a steam sauna, a massage room, and a romantic enclosed whirlpool. The tiny fitness center doesn't offer much in the way of equipment. Weddings are often held at the beach house. Laundry service is available, as are free parking and free Wi-Fi throughout.