Hotel Santa Teresa

Design chic is alive and well in Rio. And to prove it, may we present you with the Hotel Santa Teresa. Formerly known as the Guimarães Fazenda, this hotel recently underwent a three year restoration program. And it’s not only the name that’s changed. The end result is a fantastic mix of neo-colonial and avant-garde design, making it one of the new hot hotels of this incredible city. The new name actually reflects the district of Rio it is located in, known as the authentic, Bohemian part of the city.
What’s so special about it? It’s the mix of exotic design, sophistication and laid back atmosphere. The Brazilians are masters at the laid back bit, always have been, but now this hotel has added refined French sensibilities (the owners are French) in its eclectic design inspired by indigenous art and culture. The idea is to hold true to conservation of Brazil’s ethnic heritage and, notwithstanding the French connection, decor has been sourced from a number of important Brazilian designers, including Sergio Rodrigues, Zemog and Studio Vitty, and includes dark tropical woods, Portuguese tiles, banana tree fibres, burnt cement and other exotic materials, to keep the atmosphere in-house, so to speak.
Most of the 40 or so rooms (see below) come with balconies and fantastic views of Rio de Janeiro Bay, including the Statue of Christ. They are all pretty large, the smallest being approximately 30 square metres in size. The gardens and pool, which also has fantastic views of the area, help mitigate the fact that the nearest beach is some 15 minutes away by car (please note this is not a beachside hotel). But hey, one of the highlights here is surely sitting at the bar or by the pool with a drink in hand watching the sun go down over Rio. It is romantic, exotic and dazzling. Just like the Hotel Santa Teresa.
Rooms:
Superior Rooms: 27 sq metres: offer king or twin size beds, air conditioning, mini bar, LCD TV and wireless Internet connection. Design furniture by RockLane and Carassas. Tropical Ype wood floors, dark and green bathroom. City and Garden views. Deluxe Rooms: 35 sq metres: Offer king size or two twin beds, air conditioning, mini bar, LCD TV, wireless internet connection. Design furniture by RockLane and Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues armchairs. Burnt cement bathtubs. Some with vast outdoors verandas.
Junior Suites: 40 sq metres: Fabulous views over the mountains. Come with a living room, king size or two twin Canopy beds, air conditioning, mini bar, LCD TV, DVD player and wireless Internet connection. Separate sitting area. Best furniture by Rock Lane, Sergio Rodrigues, Carassas, arts by Zemog and Oficina de Agosto. Mobilier design de Sergio Rodrigues, Carassas et Zemog.
Master Suites: 60 sq metres: Great views over the mountains. Offer a living room, king size beds, Corian bath tub designed by Studio Vitty, air conditioning, mini bar, LCD TV, DVD player and wireless Internet. Floors with rare tropical Imbuia and Canela woods. Separate sitting area. Best furniture by Rock Lane, Sergio Rodrigues, Carassas, arts by Zemog and Oficina de Agosto.