4 Top Luxury Hotels in unparalleled Brazilian destinations
A serene environment amidst the valleys of the Serra da Mantiqueira. A conservation oasis of fauna, flora, and culture in the Pantanal. The incomparable energy of one of Rio de Janeiro's most elegant areas. The relaxed vibes of Trancoso.
Trancoso is one of the destinations in Brazil tourists can enjoy luxury stays
These are some of the unique experiences guests can enjoy when they stay in 4 top luxury hotels spread across Brazil. Showcasing the country’s diversity, sustainability efforts and breathtaking nature, as seen recently at the 2024 International Luxury Travel Market Cannes (ILTM), these hotels offer a range of activities which will leave tourists astonished.
“Brazil has unique destinations and hotels that are primed to welcome tourists at the highest level of service. The country has great potential in the luxury segment, providing authentic experiences that reflect our nation”, says Carolina Stolf, coordinator of markets at Embratur (Brazilian Tourism Board).
Here’s the list of the hotels and its attractions:
1 - Botanique Hotel & SPA
Botanique Hotel & SPA is situated at the confluence of three river valleys, in the heart of the Mantiqueira Mountains. There, guests enjoy days of endless sunshine, fostering an unparalleled connection with nature and living unique and unforgettable experiences. A world of possibilities awaits within our Villas, featuring private gardens that offer tranquillity and ample privacy.
At the SPA, exclusive signature treatments inspired by local culture promote moments of deep relaxation and reconnection. Leisure and adventure activities abound, from biking along our trails and mountain-top picnics to visits to the farm and organic gardens, or perhaps even paragliding. All within a property blessed with seven water springs and surrounded by abundant native vegetation.
Cuisine: Mina Restaurant offers a modern and contemporary Brazilian menu. Affectionately homemade and healthy, based on the "from field to table" concept, using organic products harvested from our gardens and local producers.
Sustainability Commitment: 0.5% of Botanique Hotel & Spa's operating income goes to a Sustainability Fund, supporting local foundations. The water comes from springs and is served in reusable glass bottles. Waste is treated and used as food for farm animals or composted, returning it to the garden.
Photo Credits: Simone Scorsat
LOCATION: SERRA DA MANTIQUEIRA, SÃO PAULO
Further information: SIXSENSES.COM/EN/RESORTS/BOTANIQUE
2 - Caiman
Caiman, established in 1987 as the first ecotourism operation in the Southern Pantanal, sits on a 53,000-hectare ranch, 36 km from Miranda, State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Founded by a nature-loving conservationist, Caiman is a true oasis committed to conserving fauna, flora, and Pantanal culture. Its operations revolve around three core activities: livestock, ecotourism, and conservation.
Between excursions, Caiman provides necessary infrastructure and comfort for travelers to rest and appreciate nature. Casa Caiman, the main lodge with 18 rooms, offers tranquility amid the vast refuge. Further away, two lodges, Baiazinha and Cordilheira, operate as private villas.
Ecotourism: Caiman was a pioneer in championing the benefits of ecotourism for the region. Its unique structure in the Pantanal offers cozy and comfortable accommodation, magical nature experiences led by knowledgeable experts, and delicious cuisine.
Cuisine: the gastronomy at Caiman invites visitors to immerse in Pantanal culture, offering the finest cuisine with ingredients sourced from local communities, projects, and their own agroforestry.
Conservation: In 2004, committed to perpetual preservation, Caiman founded the Private Reserve of Natural Heritage RPPN Dona Aracy, a 5,600-hectare area hosting over 500 animal species. Caiman is the base for pioneering conservation initiatives such as Onçafari, the Hyacinth Macaw Institute, and Blue Fronted Parrot Project, perfect for research and monitoring.
Livestock: The Caiman ranch currently manages around 15,000 head of cattle on natural pasture, aiming for harmonious integration with wildlife.
LOCATION: PANTANAL, MATO GROSSO DO SUL
Further information: CAIMAN.COM.BR
Photography credits: Caiman – Samuel Melim, Layla Motta, Felipe Castellari, Zapa, Sidney Bloch,
Helder Brandão, Fernanda Melo, Edu Fragoso, Fabio Paschoal.
3 - JANEIRO Hotel
JANEIRO, located in Leblon, a Rio de Janeiro neighborhood, offers a secure, residential, oceanfront setting. The hotel provides comfort and luxury in a simple, eco-friendly atmosphere. JANEIRO was carefully designed to evoke a homestay feeling, featuring 53 bedrooms with frontal or side ocean views, a BAR, Restaurant, and an incredible Rooftop offering unique Japanese tasting dinners.
The hotel is just two blocks away from the subway station, easily accessible to great restaurants, shops, and malls within walking distance.
Cuisine: Our values focus on the farm-to-table concept, using fresh food from local producers and seasonal ingredients. Specializing in seafood, we receive fresh fish daily.
Sustainability Commitment: Hotel JANEIRO is an architectural project maximizing sustainability through the ASAP (as sustainable as possible | as soon as possible) movement, calling for daily life attitudes toward sustainability. Emphasizing environmental and social impact, we aim for sustainable day-to-day processes.
LOCATION: RIO DE JANEIRO
Further information: JANEIROHOTEL.RIO
Photos Credits: Simone Scorsat
4 - Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa
UXUA's casas trace back centuries to the founding of Trancoso in tropical Bahia. Collaborating with local artisans, designer Wilbert Das employed traditional techniques and reclaimed materials. A rustic beach lounge, spa, and acclaimed restaurant blend harmoniously into the local scenery. Labelled Casa Hotel, it's an authentic part of historic Trancoso, with restored colonial homes on the Quadrado town square and other houses within an Atlantic rainforest garden.
Staying in the village center offers a glimpse into the past, a ten-minute walk through fisherman's trails to pristine beaches and UXUA's beach club. The UXUA's casas, ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms, are a testament to organic design, including the Uxua Casa décor collection launched recently.
Cuisine: Bahian cuisine, famous for its originality, blends West African, Native American, and colonial Portuguese influences. UXUA chef Ju Pedrosa interprets the spicy, flavorful Bahian dishes into modern, light compositions using fresh local seafood and organic produce.
Sustainability Commitment: Uxua's commitment to sustainability and community led to three-time nominations for Virtuoso's Sustainable Tourism Leadership Award. Designer Wilbert Das redirected his focus from global design to local collaborations in Trancoso, dedicating himself to this organic and sustainable experiment.
LOCATION: TRANCOSO, BAHIA
Further information: UXUA.COM
Photo Credits: Gabriele Francescato, Fernando Lombardi, Chris Caldicott.
About Embratur
The Brazilian Tourism Board (Embratur) is the driving force behind the implementation of the National Tourism Policy, specializing in the promotion, marketing, and support of Brazilian tourist destinations, services, and products in the international arena. Embratur's efforts are instrumental in fostering social and economic development for the nation by boosting the influx of international tourists to Brazil.
