Review of Ponta dos Ganchos Resort, by Jill Starley-Grainger

Is this the world's most romantic hotel? Ponta dos Ganchos Resort is certainly a strong contender, as its many awards attest to, and it's definitely one of the dreamiest places you could ever hope to stay.

Jutting out on Brazil's southern coast, Ponta dos Ganchos is set in lush rainforest on a private peninsula. Honeymooners' heaven, it's a dreamy destination for couples looking to reconnect or just relax - kids aren't allowed, so no screaming babies or teenage strops here. Instead, expect to see smart couples in their 20s to 60s, although you'll likely only spot them at the resort's small sandy beach or restaurant. With just 25 villas spread on green hills overlooking the sea, you won't see your neighbours from your villa's terrace. Instead, look out for toucans, kingfishers, oystercatchers and frigatebirds, as well as dolphins (we saw them from our terrace two days in a row).

Despite the fact the villas are spread out, order room service and it'll be with you far quicker than in a typical five-star hotel. The Brazilian staff come across as being very relaxed and friendly, while secretly being super-efficient.

Just a short walk from the villas, you'll find Ponta dos Ganchos' private white-sand cove with small island (accessed by a footbridge), shallow swimming area, main restaurant and beach bar. There's also an open-air chill-out area where they hold occasional barbecues, and on the other side of the peninsula, a games room, private cinema, small gym, tennis court and indoor pool. The Christian Dior Spa is made up of three beach tents, where you can have mind-numbingly good massages to the natural soundtrack of the ocean waves.

But the main attraction is the outdoor activities - romantic strolls through the rainforest, scuba diving, dolphin spotting, island exploration, kayaking, cycling and more - all free.

The food here is worth writing home about, too, especially the astoundingly good 10-course degustation breakfast, starting with a fruit-and-veg smoothie and ending with a local sweet pastry. A daily changing menu of international cuisine is served in the beachside restaurant for lunch and dinner, with an emphasis on fresh seafood.

This luxury resort's 25 villas vary in size and facilities, from the spacious Luxo to the practically palatial Special Emerald Villa. Most villas have saunas and whirlpools, some have outdoor plunge pools overlooking the sea, and all have private terraces. Décor for the older villas tends more towards classic Caribbean beach-house, while the new Emerald Villas feel very Brazil-meets-Japan, with shoji-screen style ceilings and local-wood floors and walls. Splurge on the Special Emerald Villa for the millionaire experience, but if that's a bit beyond your budget, ask for Villas 19 or 20 for their great views and extra privacy.