Ilhabela is one of the most expensive places to stay along the Litoral Norte, especially in the summer (when reservations are essential). Although stylish eco-chic guesthouses are a dime a dozen, budget bungalows are harder to come by. The vast majority of lodgings are in Vila Ilhabela, but there are an increasing number of options along the entire western coast of the island.

Of good value in Vila is the charming Pousada dos Hibiscus (Av. Pedro de Paula Moraes 720, tel. 12/3896-1375, www.pousadadoshibiscos.com.br, R$135 d), whose jungly internal courtyard features a bar, pool, sauna, and bursts of flowers. Rooms are standard but pleasant whitewashed affairs with dark wood furniture, tile floors, and whirling ceiling fans.

South of Vila, off Saco da Capela beach, Pousada Saco da Capela (Rua Itapema 167, tel. 12/3896-8020, www.sacodacapela.com.br, R$169–189 d) offers attractive rooms (the best have polished hardwood floors and private verandas) in bungalows scattered amidst native vegetation.

If well-equipped with bug spray, hard-core jungle enthusiasts will adore the Pousada Ecológica Recanto da Cachoeira (Rua Benedito Garcêz 164, Água Branca, tel. 12/3896-3098, www.ecoilha.com.br, R$120–150 d), on the edge of the Parque Estadual de Ilhabela (just off the road leading to Praia de Castelhanos). Bird calls provide a constant soundtrack while the backdrop includes views of the Pico do Baepi. Basic but pleasant rooms have verandas and hammocks, and there is a nice pool for cooling off.

The grooviest new hotel on the block is the über-boutiquey DPNY Beach (Av. José Pacheco de Nascimento 7668, Praia do Curral, tel. 12/3894-2121, www.dpnybeach.com.br, R$530 including dinner), on trendy Praia do Curral. Almost overly designed, the rooms are drop-dead gorgeous with richly colored walls, zebra motifs, mosaic tiles, and southeast Asian ornaments. The beds are king-sized, TV screens are plasma, and everybody gets an iPod (laptops are available at the bar). The hotel’s private beach club doubles as a lounge where house music plays day and night and the contemporary restaurant, Tróia, has one of the most inventive kitchens on the island.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Maison Joly (Rua Antônio Lisboa Alves 278, tel. 12/3896-1201, www.maisonjoly.com.br, R$550–800 d) is fit for royalty. Idyllically perched upon a hilltop overlooking Vila Ilhabela, this exclusive luxury guesthouse has hosted everyone from the Swedish monarchy to the Rolling Stones. The individually furnished rooms are understated, yet refined, and boast beautiful verandas overlooking the sea. A classy piano bar, a “Zen” Space, an Anti-Jet Lag Spa, and a romantic restaurant serving delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine make it difficult for you to venture beyond the hotel.