Brazil's Hidden Secret - Buzios

The resort town of Buzios is just two hoursdue to the posh celebrity influence of Bardot,
north of Rio de Janeiro on some of Brazil's mostBuzios is now the summer home of many
premier coastline. Buzios is a peninsula that jutscelebrities, both of Brazilians and those outside the
out into the Atlantic, and forms many beaches,country. It is not uncommon to see famous
some of which have terrific surfing, while othersBrazilian soccer stars enjoying a casual game of
have calm and sheltered waters. Some of thefutbol on the wide, sandy beaches. Fancy resorts,
beaches are busy nearly all year-round, whilemansions, and villas line the foothills.
others are seldom ever visited.There are lots of bikini boutiques, French and
Buzios was a whaling and fishing town until theseafood restaurants, bars that are open late into
1960s, when the French actress Brigitte Bardotthe night, and other trendy spots that locals and
visited it and propelled it to worldwide fame.travelers both enjoy. Because of the exclusive
Bardot had been staying with her boyfriend in Rionature of the town, and also because of its
de Janeiro, but could not go outside of her hotellocation outside of Rio, the town is often
because she was been stalked by the paparazzi.well-attended during the high season, but is never
She decided to make a deal with the press,very crowded, at least not like on the beaches of
allowing one journalist to interview and photographRio.
her during her stay in Brazil. She and her boyfriendSeveral of the 25 or so beaches of Buzios are
snuck out of their hotel and headed for Buzios,quiet and secluded. Canto, Ferradura, and Tucuns
where they spend the rest of their holiday inare the best for those who really want to get
relative seclusion. Bardot enjoyed the little townaway from it all. It is also possible to take a
so much that she stayed for months after, andcatamaran or schooner tour around the peninsula,
returned after many years to vacation there.stopping at various island, beaches, and coral reefs
Since the sixties, the beachtown has transformedto dive, snorkel, or fish.
into an exclusive, high-end resort town. Perhaps