Easy to reach by a two and a half hour drive from Rio de Janeiro, this Colonial era coastal village, whose name means the “Bay of Kings,” is a gateway to pristine beaches, emerald-green waters, and 365 islands of all shapes and sizes. You can island hop by boat or settle in on stylish Ilha Grande, “the big island,” whose beaches are ringed by rainforest peaks. There are no cars and no electricity on the island—so this is the place to get away from it all. Spend days roaming paths that lead from one idyllic beach to another, or head to Gruta do Acaiá to see turtles or the shockingly blue waters of Lagoa Azul. Active pursuits include snorkeling and diving, sailing, and hiking to waterfalls tucked into the forest. Most of all, this is a private place to relax in a glorious getaway.