Rio de Janeiro is famous for its vibrant culture, sought after beaches and iconic landmarks. The Rio carnival brings in hoards of visitors during the sunny February months, and is considered to be the largest carnival in the world. The city pulsates with activity and there’s an overall atmosphere of absolute happiness washing over Rio! There’s a lot more to Rio than carnivals and parties. The city is home to the endless white beaches of Copacabana flanked by the famous towering Sugar Loaf mountain. Another popular beach region in Rio is the Ipanema beach and coastline, a place that draws in a hippie surfer crowd. The contrasting hilly region of Santa Teresa, a remote village defined by cobbled streets and magnificent views.
These are our top 4 uxury hotels in the most popular regions in Rio de Janeiro.
Belmond Copacabana Palace
This classic landmark of a hotel is steeped in history, and lords over it surrounds. Resting on the shores of Copacabana Beach, the Belmond Copacabana Palace is most certainly a timeless hotel. The 239 roomed hotel opened its doors in 1923 and has certainly aged gracefully. It’s a glamorous destination once frequented by the Hollywood elite of the 1950s. It’s still home to an elite crowd in Brazil and is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a caipirinha or two. This art deco masterpiece is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant and a massive swimming pool – two perfect places to unwind !
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
Fasano is vastly different to Copacabana Palace in that it’s a modern, designer hotel with designer brands and stylish finishings everywhere you turn. Ideally located on the exquisite Ipanema Beach, Hotel Fasana is nothing short of exceptional. Ipanema Beach sees scores of surfers, sun worshippers and beach-goers lapping up the pristine beach lifestyle.
This 89 roomed hotel is Philippe Starck’s first hotel in Brazil and is designed to reflect the 1950s and 60s era, where bossa nova was in its heyday. Not only is Hotel Fasano located in one of Rio’s most coveted addresses, but it’s also an absolute design masterpiece created with flair. Each room has a balcony with sweeping views of Ipanema and when guests aren’t taking in the vistas of Brazil, they can enjoy indulgent spa treatments.
Marina All Suites
This is a luxury boutique designer hotel located in the Leblon area of Rio. Rumoured to be a favourite of supermodel Gisele Bundchen, the Marina All Suites is certainly aesthetically pleasing so we’re not surprised that it attracts a wealth of interest. The restaurant is the place to be and the be seen, and you’ll be sure to find a number of acclaimed celebrities. The restaurant and bar area is rumoured to be the trendiest place in Rio !
The Marina all Suites is the brainchild of a group of mega-talented contemporary designers and architects, who revamped the hotel to a state of pure luxury. The views from the hotel are spectacular and even the in-house health club boast panoramic vistas of the famous Ipanema Beach. A tranquil place to kick back and relax is the small roof top pool, which also has exceptional views of the turquoise seas and bright white sand.
The tall building has 38 individually decorated suites, each with views of the beach.
Hotel Santa Teresa
This ancient hotel is set in the hilly area just outside of the beachfront areas in Rio. It’s an actually an urban retreat located on a coffee farm dating back to 1850. It’s a sophisticated and elegant hotel, with surround views of the city centre and coastline in the far distance. The town of Santa Teresa is charming village with cobbled streets, which makes the surrounding atmosphere one of absolute romance.
Of course, a stay at Hotel Teresa adds a unique dimension to a stay at your sublime stay in Rio. Hotel Santa Teresa is ideal for romantic couples who are encouraged to enjoy a few honeymoon cocktails around the outdoor swimming pool overlooking the Guanabara Bay.
There is a choice of superior rooms, deluxe rooms, junior suites and master suites. There is also the loft room which has panoramic views of the mountains of Santa Teresa.
A trendy, relaxed and luxurious hotel in an artistic village – what more could you ask for?
