Ubatuba

The fact that it sits in a privileged position on the Tropic of Capricorn ensuring it's the southern hemipshere's first spot to receive the summer sun tells you all you need to know about Ubatuba. Draped with the rich flora of the Mata Atlântica, the peaks of the Serra do Mar provide a dramatic, emerald-green backdrop to the winding, sun-kissed Ubatuba coastline – São Paulo state's most magical. This region has become a preeminent resort for well-heeled Paulistanos, with its elegant beach homes, stylish accommodations and an absolutely stunning arsenal of idyllic beaches – every one of which could possibly be the best you have ever seen. The area is especially agreeable in winter, when temps remain high enough, less rain bucks the town nickname (Ubachuva meaning Ubarain) and crowds dwindle.