Pousada Canto da Baleia

An early-2000s pousada on Rua Kioto at Praia dos Anjos, Canto da Baleia sits directly on one of Arraial do Cabo's calmer bays — the same cove where dive boats depart for the region's clear-water reefs, rated among the best in South America.

The property runs a beachfront outdoor pool alongside direct sand access, beach loungers, a bar, restaurant, and snack bar. A game room and garden round out the common areas, and a mobile app handles room service orders without front-desk detours.

Arraial do Cabo sits roughly 160km east of Rio de Janeiro. The tour desk here books the obligatory catamaran circuits to Ilha do Farol and Gruta Azul — excursions best arranged on arrival rather than in advance.