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Last updated: 25 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

No hotel offers better views of the Sugarloaf and Guanabara Bay than this elegant, exquisitely decorated boutique in the hills of bohemian Santa Teresa.

The hotel is an intimate converted belle époque townhouse, set in tropical gardens, littered with art collected personally by the French owner – from indigenous woodcarvings to Jean Cocteau drawings.

Its seven rooms are decorated with a Brazilian or European theme (Amazon, Colette, Maria Callas) and include a self-contained apartment furnished with Bossa Nova era Brazilian furniture by famous names including Fasanello, Carlo Hauner, Martin Eisler. There are breathtaking views from most and from the swimming pool garden.

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Key facilities

Airport transfers*
Beach: < 10 mins walk
Creche
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Parking
: Nearby *
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Rio Carnival

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[1.7 miles]

The world’s biggest party – a stadium parade with fabulous floats, music and sequinned samba dancers, and dozens of street parties and balls.

Best for ages: 13+ | £10 | 5 days

Walk the Pista Claudio Coutinho

Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[4 miles]

A wonderful rainforest and beach walk that winds around Morro da Urca hill next to Sugar Loaf mountain, offering myriad beautiful mountain and ocean views.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 45 mins (one way)

Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

Brightly painted cobbled stairs in street
Experience

Selaron Steps

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[0.8 miles]

An Instagram favourite, these colourful mosaic steps were created by Chilean immigrant Jorge Selaron. Visit the bottom end in Lapa (off Rua Joaquim Silva) – the upper reaches in Santa Teresa lie close to a favela and are unsafe.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Pyramidal high-rise tower
Experience

Metropolitan Cathedral

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[1.2 miles]

Even if you’re not religious, this landmark cathedral is worth a stop to admire the building alone. A towering brutalist cone, its dark, cavernous interior is lit with long strips of iridescent modernist stained glass.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >
Large hall with yellow ceiling lights
Experience

Confeitaria Colombo

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[1.9 miles]

Glittering with mirrors, and with gorgeous art deco galleries illuminated by a vast ceiling skylight, this traditional Portuguese coffee house in the city centre is the perfect coffee spot, and a must for lovers of architecture.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >
Fiscal Island
Experience

Fiscal Island

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[2.2 miles]

This neo-Gothic Verdigris-covered fantasy palace, built during the days of the Empire of Brazil, is Rio’s former customs house. It’s now a small naval museum that you can visit. Tours depart from the nearby Navy Cultural Centre.

Best for ages: 18+ | £15

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Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

Rio de Janeiro

Southeastern Region, Brazil

Heaven for healthy hedonists – hang glide, surf or hike by day, relax on the beach and party all night. Then, of course, there’s that carnival…

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Overview >