Abracadabra is a magical paradise perched atop a hillside overlooking Armação dos Búzios, Brazil. Located 106 miles from Rio de Janeiro, I pre-arranged a private taxi to collect us at the airport and then drive us for 3 and a half hours, which included a stop for lunch, to Buzios. Abracadabra staff welcomed us with a refreshing beverage and carried our luggage to room #15. Highly recommend this room because of the large porch and extraordinary views. The room felt like a spa. Linen white walls, luxurious beds and linens, and refreshing decor all make for a feeling of renewal and rest. Room fridge with minibar, shampoo, lotion, and soap all provided - top quality. Buzios sports 23 unique beaches, each with its own character, offerings, and amenities. The hotel provides pool/beach towels anytime. When you return from the beach, they kindly take them and offer fresh towels. Nice. The infinity pool is perfect for lap swimming and the perfect place to take a dip and enjoy a cocktail as you watch the sunset. Cocktails and food are always available. Instead of a "hotel" feeling, you feel as if you are at an estate with all the richness that word implies. With the friendly and accommodating staff, spotless rooms and patios, the well-appointed decor, the property makes you feel like there is no other place you'd ever want to be. I'm ready to make this home. This slice of paradise is popular with couples, honeymooners, and people like me who need to rest, unplug, and find their center once again. I found that center, that grounding at Abracadabra. How did I do that? The staff is extraordinary in their friendliness and warmth. I called them the mid-westerners of South America. Down to earth, easy to talk to, accommodating, and engaging. When I approached the owner Jose about how lovely the staff were he replied, "Oh, they work with their souls." What? I was blown away, not only did he nail it, I wanted to apply for a job! Can you imagine your boss saying that? Me neither, but it showed. If you think this can't get better, it does. Now the hotel would rock on its own, and stand on its own merits, but the Mystico restaurant and Chilean Chef Felix make you wonder if you are really dead and if this is Heaven. The cuisine is off the charts. I will write that review next. I am a person, don't hate me, who is not "into" food, I'm not a foodie, I don't look forward to eating, it is a task needed to fuel my body and get on to the next thing. That all changed at Mystico. Suddenly, I was not just eating and fueling, I was enraptured by the flavors, textures, and presentation of the meals. Life changing. Thank you to the owner Jose, you're a friend for life, Felix the Manager, Chef Felix who changed my life, Denise, Ingrid, Fabio, Fabian, …
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.