Vila Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa, Rio, Brazil - Explore & Book

"Through the gates, past the palms, down the drive, to the last private estate in Rio, owned by the Monteiro de Carvalho family. From the modernist 1970s windows of this intimate haven (the most elevated of 4 homes on the estate) the eye sweeps across pool and emerald treetops to Rio, Sugarloaf Mountain and the bay beyond. The setting is breathtaking.Vila Santa Teresa may be one of the world’s most luxurious small hotels, but it feels like the house of a rather rich friend. The staff, who’ve been with the family for 20 years, treat each guest as an individual. Those who’ve stayed talk of exceptional service - impeccable yet personal, possible because there are only 7 rooms. Fancy a favourite wine to accompany your grilled escalope? There it is waiting, delightfully chilled. From the sink-into sofas to the gleaming glass tables to the massage under the mango tree, there’s perfection in every detail. Breakfast is served on the lawn or at the large table, and cocktails and canapés in the library or by the pool. Dinner - wherever you choose to have it - is divine. And if you don’t fancy negotiating the cobbled streets of Santa Teresa, a charming driver will appear as if by magic. Highs You’re treated as though the house is your ownImpeccable food, with a seasonally changing menuBeyond the Belle Epoque gates is the charming hillside quarter of Santa Teresa, all boho boutiques and barsDespite the fact you're in Rio, the vibe is more ‘luxurious country home’ than ‘luxurious urban hotel’Sublimely relaxing Lows Prices reflect the high levels of service and luxuryA 20-minute taxi ride from Rio's famous beachesNo under 16s: this is a romantic grown-up retreat (a high for most!)Only the Master Suite has a bathtub (walk-in showers in the other rooms)" - Handpicked by our hotel experts