|
La
Mandragora, Buzios, Brazil
 
Travelers
Digest World Tour
Written By Mike Smith
Our crew spent almost two months in the gorgeous and exciting city of Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil. While there we decided to take a tour and hopped a
bus north along the coast. After a three hour drive we found ourselves in
an absolutely stunning beach town...Buzios. A must see for anyone that
loves the sand and surf.
We had previously made contact with the owner of a beautiful pousada and
once off the bus we hailed a taxi and proceeded across the small cobblestone paved town and arriving we were met by Mr. Maurice Bramson
owner of the pousada...La Mandragora. The reception was warm and the tone
of the decor was strictly Brazilian. The man was an absolute beacon of
friendliness and we immediately warmed up to him. He showed us to our
bungalow and to our gracious relief had one of his employees carry our
awkward and heavy bags up the several flights of steps....
The posada was divided into sections and connected by walkways starting at the reception and gradually elevating up to the several levels. It was like a stroll amidst multi-colored gardens of plants and flowers. It had a gorgeous pool with a thundering waterfalls...a large tennis court, a formal and informal dining area, a well stocked bar, a cable television sitting room with comfortable sofa and chairs. Down stairs behind the reception there was even a game room with pool and ping pong table... needless to say, the pousada was not only affordable, comfortable and offering every amenity...it was very well designed. We immensely enjoyed our five day stay and highly recommend it to anyone, group and or family.
Mr. Maurice Bramson spoke excellent English, Spanish and Portuguese. A real
gentleman and a very interesting conversationist. We shared many tall
tales over coffee and evening wine. He had spent much of his youth dodging
bombs in London during the second world war and had traveled much of the
world. His graciousness and easy style made for many long and pleasurable
conversations.
As for Buzios...you have to see and enjoy it for yourself. It is a truly
stunning and unforgettable lazy South American town with a panoramic of
mountains, heavily treed valleys, spectacular cliffs, white capped
beaches, secluded coves and glorious sunny days. The small lanes of the
town come to life when the sun sets into the waves and the shop stay open
late for the many souvenir hunters. The many fine restuarants and sidewalk
eateries were varied and quite frequent...leaving you content in your
dining pleasures and the many clubs, pubs and bars assured that you would
not go thirsty. We even discovered an authentic Mexican restaurant right
on the beach and on several occassions...enjoyed some truly hot and spicey
flavor of the south.
During the long warm days we would stay close to the many rewarding
luxuries of the hotel and I, personally, would stay very close to the cool
waters of the pool. We were here to explore and so on our second day in
town we rented a dune buggy and the real adventure began...We drove up,
around and over every possible road and goat trail and shot hundreds of
great photos. We even managed to squeeze in a three hour boat tour of the
coast and enjoyed some fairly good snorkeling in some hidden bays on the
far side of the penisula...The boat tour was good refreshing fun and
without even mentioning the three absolutely drop dead gorgeous girls we
met from Chile and Argentina...it was for sure...a remarkable day.
Visit Brazil...go to Rio and have the time of your life, but don't forget to take the short three hour drive or bus ride to Buzios... believe me you'll have a great time and don't forget your camera...it's stunningly and excellently located as a beach town that all adds up to an unforgettable vacation... After wards...you will add the name Buzios to your world travel vocabulary.
Travelers Digest was so impressed with the La Mandragora Pousada and its
owner...we made them honorable members in high standings.
Click
Here for Rates, Reservations, or to make in Inquiry.
Review written by the touring editor; Mike Smith in May 2004
This editorial in its entirety is the sole
property of Travelers Digest and may not be distributed, sold or
copied without prior written permission of Travelers Digest and/or
its licensed representatives.
|