Ilha do Pico

An iconic hotel for an iconic city, the Copacabana Palace is synonymous with Rio de Janeiro and is very much a destination in itself. The rooms, facilities and service here are truly first class and you will feel very special lounging in the beautiful pool area, which is one of the most elegant in all the city. The hotel is a short distance from the more fashionable districts (Copacabana no longer being the top of the pile) and you may find yourself making a short taxi ride to the best restaurants, bars and beaches. Service at the Copacabana Palace is the best in the city.

Far from being commonplace in the Brazilian interior, this elegantly restored colonial farmhouse set amongst the green undulating hills of the Ibitipoca State Park makes for a wonderfully unique stay. Aptly owned by a mining magnate in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais and only 270km from Rio de Janeiro, guests can delight in Reserva do Ibitipoca’s understated luxury and spa whilst enjoying assorted wildlife expeditions and bespoke excursions to waterfalls and white sandy river beaches. 4WD, horse riding, electric cars and bikes are also available for a small extra cost. The rooms are elegantly simple, maintaining the warm assurance of modernity that is brilliantly juxtaposed with an inspiring use of antiques and restored furniture. A colourful wall hanging or religious icon touches on the farmhouse’s once domestic story, remindful too of local artisanship, whilst an animal hide rug laid on the original polished wood floors illustrates a satisfying contrast of textures. There is a fenced veranda that wraps itself around one corner of the farmhouse bedecked with the odd rocking chair and inviting armchairs and sofas on which to relax, eat breakfast and take in the views of the surrounding hills and lake. Food here is a real highlight and guests will enjoy delicious home-cooked food made using fresh, seasonal ingredients. A short stroll across the lawn is the hotel’s large spa housed in a converted outbuilding. Another separate lodge within Comuna do Ibitipoca’s garden has a sauna and heated outdoor Jacuzzi. Ibitipoca’s service is exceptional and the staff’s knowledge of the parkland’s rich flora and fauna, which include red deer, jaguars, pumas and many native tree specimens, cannot fail to impress. Rates are based on a minimum two-night stay and include all meals, taxes, and tours into the Reserve with an English-speaking guide.

The Fasano Sao Paulo is simply a world class hotel, with an understated style, complete luxury and impeccable service throughout. Located in Jardims, just off of the famous shopping street of Oscar Freire, there’s much to do in the immediate vicinity (an important consideration in a city of this scale). The Fasano’s facilities are all top class, with a spa, a bar and two restaurants which are among the very best in the Sao Paulo (the Fasano family, built their reputation on their restaurants before moving into hotels). All the rooms in the Fasano have been decorated with a real eye for quality; every item, fixture and fitting has been carefully sourced and the rooms are extremely comfortable and spacious. All in all, the Fasano Sao Paulo is a class act throughout.

The location of the lodge is perfect, next to a nature reserve and UNESCO world heritage site which encompasses the world’s largest river archipelago and hundreds of islands, lakes and a flooded forest. Being positioned on the Rio Negro means that mosquitoes are much less prevalent than in other areas. The lodge is made up of just sixteen tastefully decorated wood-paneled rooms all with air conditioning and a private veranda. There is also a well-stocked reading room and a pool and deck to relax on between the tours and activities. Tours are well planned and the guides are local to the area.