1. The winds of Ceará beaches and water sports are the theme at Vila Galé Cumbuco, opened in late 2010 and by now established as a top all- inclusive beach resort in Brazil. With 465 guest rooms, the resort is a fantastic choice both for family travel and romance in Brazil. Bungalows allow for privacy; on the other hand, some bungalows can be booked together to accommodate larger groups. What Makes it Special: The location on paradisiacal Cumbuco Beach The Satsanga Spa Nep Kids' Club and facilities for families with babies Five restaurants, four bars and a disco Scenic, large pool surrounded by coconut trees Tours of nearby sand dunes

2. Brazil's southernmost all-inclusive resort, Ponta dos Ganchos also defines itself as exclusive: a luxury haven for guests 18 and over, who enjoy a paradisiac chunk of the Santa Catarina coast while staying in one of 20 comfortable bungalows. One of the most romantic getaways in Brazil, the resort has won several awards, including two consecutive Condé Nast Johansen (2007- 2008). What Makes it Special: Luxury bungalows with an ocean view and harmoniously integrated with nature Fine cuisine by chef Andre Tavares, with chef Laurent Suaudeau as a consultant until 2012 An island with a gazebo for private candlelit dinners (extra) Massage tents and Christian Dior spa treatments (also extra).

3. Located on a pristine beach at the northernmost tip of Santa Catarina Island, about 22 miles from the center of Florianópolis, has been locally awarded Best Beach Resort in Brazil six times in a row. Their all-inclusive packages are grouped under the name VIP Inclusive and comprise specific upgrades and services depending on the apartment. What Makes it Special: Commitment to the preservation of a private natural heritage reservation and archaeological sites Fantastic trekking Scuba diving The Costão Spa, with a wealth of therapies (day spa available) Shows and dances A golf course (www.costaogolfclub.com.br) less than three miles away State-of-the-art sports infrastructure

4. The Museum of Contemporary Art just made the art museum top 10 Brazil, more because of the odd building than the sometimes mediocre exhibitions on display. The UFO shaped art museum, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, stands on a cliff and seems to hover above the water. The museum's exhibition space is overlooking Niterói, the Guanabara Bay and the Sugar Loaf Mountain across the bay and offers superb views.

5. The Pottery Workshop Francisco Brennand is both a workshop and museum, where the artist creates and exposes wonderful eccentric art work. Surrounded by pretty tropical gardens, there are murals, panels and sculptures on permanent display, about 2,000 pieces in total. Brennand already displayed his art in several museums in Brazil and around the world.

6. The Museum of Modern Art was founded in the 1940s and is housed in a three-storey building with sloping porches. The museum contains a collection of mainly contemporary art from Brazil, comprising sculptures, photographic works from the 19th century, prints, drawings and paintings. Besides exhibition spaces, there is also a library and MAM has a comprehensive film library, including a cinema with a capacity of 165 visitors.