Pousada Estrela d'Água

Songbird Gal Costa’s vacation house—designed by architect Ricardo Salem—became a hotel in 1998. Now a member of Relais & Châteaux, the 28-room beachfront resort retains a winningly informal vibe and friendly service. The tiered swimming pool and fine beach bar are reason enough to stay here, but the Quadrado is a long walk uphill; you may want to take taxis into town.