Ubatuba, on São Paulo's North Shore, can be a very romantic and sensuous getaway. Running along the sinuous Ubatuba coast's 92 beaches, Serra do Mar, or the Sea Range, has preserved areas of Atlantic rainforest, which creates a very scenic setting for romance.
However, Ubatuba is also a popular summer and holiday destination. If you want to avoid the largest crowds, book summer vacations on weekdays and go party in São Paulo on the weekend.
To increase your choice of secluded beaches, improve your chances of sunshine and deal with fewer mosquitoes, plan your Ubatuba (and North Shore) trip for June or August.
1. Picinguaba
Picinguaba has become a symbol for the stunning stretch of coast on the São Paulo-Rio de Janeiro border, between Ubatuba (SP) and colonial charmer Paraty (RJ).
Staying on Picinguaba means you're in rainforest protected by Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar. You'll be sharing the beach with nature-loving caiçaras and international travelers.
All the inns I mention in the article about Picinguaba are charming and cozy nests for lovers.
2. Praia da Fortaleza
Fortaleza is the perfect beach for couples looking for quiet and a bit of ecotourism and adventure without sacrificing comfort. Beautiful in itself, Fortaleza is also the starting point of an hour-long trail leading to Praia do Cedro, voted by readers of Brazilian travel website Viaje Aqui as one of the most beautiful deserted beaches in Brazil Bonete, another deserted beach, is not far.
Your romantic getaway on Fortaleza is, no doubt, Refúgio do Corsário, which offers comfortable rooms, including luxury suites for couples with great ocean views. Guided tours of nearby beaches are also provided by the hotel.
3. Praia do Lázaro
Lázaro as at the center of an attractive trio - Domingas Dias, Lázaro and Sununga. Saco da Ribeira, a bay with marinas, is also nearby.
Solar das Águas Cantantes, or the "Mansion of Singing Waters", is a short walk from the beach. The beautiful house in Brazilian colonial has great suites for couples with a view to the garden. The restaurant serves the best moqueca in Ubatuba.
Sununga is lush and beautiful, with a grotto that constantly drips water, but rough waves. Long before being madly in love at Domingas Dias during my honeymoon, I'd had a passion for this verdant little bay. At times, its calm waters can be quite cold. Count on your fiery hearts and take a plunge - it feels like a mountain lake with salty water.
4. Praia da Almada
If Praia da Almada gets busy, take a trail (about 30 minutes) to Praia Brava da Almada, voted one of the ten most beautiful deserted beaches in Brazil by readers of Brazilian travel website Viaje Aqui.
Your romantic refuge at Praia da Almada is Casa Milà. Built and owned by a couple - Mila and Rafael, both architects - Casa Milà makes the most of its spacious hillside plot: all the rooms have ocean views, and different levels afford privacy. The inn is open to children over 12 only.
5. Itamambuca
Photo courtesy Itamambuca Eco Resort.
Itamambuca, one of beaches on Ubatuba's North Shore, is a top Brazil surfing destination. Even if you don't know how to surf, the inebriating beauty of Itamambuca is a perfect setting for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
The best hotel for couples is the Itamambuca Eco Resort, which blends in beautifully with the Atlantic Forest. Apartments and bungalows, as well as the hotel spa, were designed with natural materials - reforested wood and bamboo - and have views to the surrounding vegetation.
The resort also has camping grounds by the Itamambuca River.
During school breaks, the hotel attracts families with kids, who can enjoy ecological activities. But even then, there's plenty of space for everybody on the 100,000-square meter property.
6. Paraty
One of the prettiest colonial towns in Brazil, Paraty has a historic downtown area encircled by chains and closed to cars. You can walk on sixteenth-century stone-paved streets (wear comfortable walking shoes), have lunch at charming restaurants and enjoy Paraty's beaches and islands.
Picinguaba is just 18 miles from Paraty, and only 49 miles separate Paraty from downtown Ubatuba.
Make it a weekend and stay at one of Paraty's cozy B&Bs. If you enjoy the romantic appeal of restored houses, take a look at Pousada Pardieiro or Pousada do Sandi, which are decorated with vintage pieces.
I also like Pousada Porto Imperial (4 nights min., no children under 12), a member of Roteiros de Charme.
