The 11 Best Luxury Hotels in Brazil

Brazil is brimming with beautiful hotels that make the most of their spectacular settings. You’ll find these getaways at the heart of lively cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, dotting the idyllic shores of Trancoso and Itacaré, hidden deep within the wilderness of the Amazon and scattered across the rest of this enormous country. Our travel designers have selected a few of their favourite luxury hotels in Brazil to help inspire your next South American adventure.

1. UXUA Maré, Trancoso

UXUA has been one of the best boutique hotels in Brazil for years, but the recent addition of UXUA Maré has taken it to new heights. The property is located about a 15-minute drive from Trancoso amid the untouched beauty of Itapororoca Beach. Here Casa Azul and Casa Amarela are reconstructed farmhouses tucked into the foliage, promising unparalleled privacy and immersion in nature – as well as a firm commitment to protecting and revitalising the surrounding natural reserve.

• Uxua MaréTrancoso

2. Txai Resort, Itacaré

Txai Resort reflects an appreciation for simplicity – the idea that privacy, peace and communion with nature can be the cornerstones of genuine luxury. Set on the shores of Itacaré, a small town in the northeastern state of Bahia, it’s one of the most beautiful luxury resorts in Brazil. There are 38 wooden bungalows and spacious apartments to choose from, along with the exquisite Spa Shamash, an array of guided tours and trails, and a menu of modern Bahian cuisine.

3. Carmel Taíba, Fortaleza

Just over an hour’s drive from Fortaleza, you’ll find the beloved beach town of Taíba – home to one of the best five-star hotels in Brazil. Carmel Taíba is set on a palm-fringed promontory right next to the sea. Its three dozen villas offer swimming pools, lush gardens and unbeatable views. Start your day with a ‘floating breakfast’ served in your private pool, explore the coast on biking and sandboarding tours, and join a local fisherman for a fresh seafood dinner on the sand.

4. Fasano Rio, Rio de Janeiro

Fasano Rio is a haven of effortless elegance set right across from Ipanema Beach. The hotel has a unique vintage flair that pays tribute to the bossa nova era of the 1950s and 60s. It also boasts a front-row view of the sea and the iconic peaks of Dois Irmãos in the distance, which you can enjoy while floating in the infinity pool, relaxing on your private balcony or sipping a cocktail at the rooftop bar. Head to Gero Rio for some of the city’s most authentic Italian cuisine.

5. Hotel das Cataratas, Iguaçu Falls

There’s nothing on earth quite like Iguaçu Falls, and Hotel das Cataratas is the quintessential place to stay on the Brazilian side of this astonishing natural wonder. Its setting within Iguaçu National Park means you’ll have privileged access to the falls. Take full advantage of this incredible proximity with exclusive tours at sunrise, sunset or even after dark to see a rare lunar rainbow. The hotel itself offers serene suites, a phenomenal spa and live music at Bar Tarobá.

• Brazilian and Argentinian Adventure9 Day trip

6. Rosewood São Paulo, São Paulo

Rosewood São Paulo has managed to bring a bit of Brazil’s immense natural beauty right into the centre of its largest city. Located in São Paulo’s Cidade Matarazzo – a complex of beautifully renovated historic buildings – the hotel boasts vertical gardens, leafy courtyards, polished wood details and an extensive art collection highlighting natural motifs. It also features 181 sumptuous rooms and suites, six different dining options, an innovative spa and two tranquil outdoor pools.

7. Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro

The Copacabana Palace is one of our favourite historic hotels around the world and an icon of timeless glamour. Set just steps away from Rio’s legendary Copacabana Beach, it has more than 200 rooms and suites, Michelin-starred cuisine, a rooftop tennis court and an enviable location – plus 100 years of history as the city’s most celebrated hotel. Beyond exploring Brazil’s cultural capital, here you can also set out on whale watching expeditions and sunset boat trips.

8. Ponta Dos Ganchos, Florianópolis

Enjoy an indulgent escape at Ponta Dos Ganchos, a collection of villas on a private peninsula just north of Florianópolis. The largest one is called Villa Ponta dos Ganchos – a tribute to the hotel’s former name and the nearby beach – and has its own infinity pool, sauna and fitness centre. You can sample regional cuisine at the Veleza Grill and explore the pristine surroundings via motorboat, canoe, stand-up paddle board, hiking, snorkelling or scuba diving excursions.

9. Casa Caiman, The Pantanal

Sometimes the greatest luxury can be found in the most remote destinations, where daily worries simply fade away in the face of nature’s majesty. Casa Caiman is one of those places. Surrounded by the biodiverse wetlands of the Pantanal – among the best places to visit in Brazil – this traditional ranch has been transformed into an oasis of comfort and adventure. It’s part of our Positive Impact Collection thanks to its extensive work with local conservation organisations.

• Caiman LodgeThe Pantanal

10. Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, The Amazon

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge invites you to step off the beaten path and venture deep into the Amazon. When you arrive, you’ll find a riverside paradise perched between wooden stilts and thatched roofs. The lodge is enveloped by the verdant jungle, bathed in warm light and replete with thoughtful touches. Its cottages and bungalows feature cosy hammocks and floor-to-ceiling windows that blur the boundaries between you and the awe-inspiring environment around you.

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11. Cristalino Jungle Lodge, The Amazon

For a truly remote getaway, it’s hard to beat Cristalino Jungle Lodge. This award-winning sanctuary is set on its own vast private reserve and has just 18 rooms, suites and bungalows. Spend your days here exploring the wilderness on forest trails, canoe trips and nature tours led by highly experienced guides. Back at the lodge you can settle in for a candlelit dinner or sit back on the floating deck, a crackling fire beside you, and gaze up at the glittering stars.

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