9 Best Hotels in The South, Brazil

The ocean view from the north-facing rooms is one reason to stay at the island's most sophisticated resort; the surrounding 100-acre Atlantic Forest is another. There are several nearby trails, including one that leads to petroglyphs on the hill. The older buildings have full apartments with mini kitchens that are perfect for longer stays. A more recent addition features traditional hotel rooms with modern decor. All have great ocean views. The list of activities here is almost unending: martial arts, aerobics, surfing, sandboarding (like snowboarding, but on sand), and trekking.

Not only is this stately hotel in the national park, with views of the smaller falls from the front-side suites, but it also provides the traditional comforts of a colonial-style establishment: large rooms, terraces, vintage furniture, and hammocks. The main building, surrounded by verandas and gardens, is almost 100 years old and is a national historic monument. Although the rooms are comfortable, it's the setting and atmosphere that you pay for—the chance to wander the paths to the falls before and after the hordes of day visitors arrive is priceless. The traditional Brazilian Itaipú restaurant and the Ipê grill near the pool offer all-you-can-eat barbecue and salad buffets.

Everything at the Serrano is designed to make your stay enjoyable and unforgettable: superb restaurants, plenty of sports and leisure options, and a can't-beat location, just a few blocks from downtown Gramado. Rooms are plush and spacious, overlooking the city and forested hills beyond. Among the activities and amenities are a guided morning walk on the trail that circles the grounds, aerobics in the pool, massage, and a sauna. The Frontera Sur restaurant serves South American fare, with an emphasis on beef dishes. The resort has one of the best-regarded convention centers in Brazil on its grounds.

Right in the historic district, Camboa Resort has comfortable facilities, a long roster of activities, and a dedicated staff that can arrange tours in the region. The modern architecture and red-tile roofs blend nicely with the colonial surroundings. Rooms have a sleek design, with blond-wood furnishings and light colors. Ask to be on the north side for a bay view. Continental cuisine, with an emphasis on French, is served in the Camboa restaurant ($$).

This family-friendly hotel in a resort complex allows guests to sit around the lounge fireplace and enjoy panoramic views of the Quilombo Valley. The room decor is sleek and modern, with brushed-steel accents, lush bedding, and gleaming wood furnishings. West-facing rooms have stunning mountain views. Guests can use the amenities of the resort, like the swimming pools and the tennis courts. The resort offers larger apartment-like rooms with living rooms and kitchenettes at the contiguous Hotel Mountain Village.

On a hill overlooking the sea, this comfortable hotel features spacious, rustic rooms with verandas and lush wicker chairs. Both of its restaurants are highly regarded: Pizzeria do Refúgio ($$) and Estaleiro ($$$), which serves seafood.

This rustic-chic eco-resort offers easy access to the beach and several amenities, with comfortable rooms and villas with grand views of the sea scattered about the property, among palm trees and shrubbery. The poolside restaurant Engenho do Mar offers ecletic fare with emphasis on seafood. Instituto Baleia Franca operates out of reception, organizing land-based guided tours with biologists to see the southern right whale (R$60 per person; June to November). Guided hiking and horseback tours in the nearby Atlantic rain forest as well as surfing classes are also available.