Vila Santa Teresa

This. Place. Is. Spectacular. We traveled with our besties to Rio de Janeiro on January 3, 2026, and we stayed with another couple at Vila Santa Teresa for three nights. The property looks and feels like the next season of "White Lotus" could be filmed there; we're talking jaw-droppingly beautiful vistas of Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and the city at large. And the SERVICE--breakfast (included with stay) and the meals from the kitchen were simply next-level, and Wellington was a consummate professional, going to great lengths to make us comfortable. We were delighted by Wellington, and other notable teammates included Ellen, Thaynara, and a young (and adorable) gentleman who is identifiable by braces and a small tattoo on his neck whose name I did not capture, sadly--these folks provided service worthy of a five-star hotel and experience. We had debated whether to use Hilton points to stay for free at Hilton Copacabana or splurge on this treat. I am so, so glad we stayed at Vila Santa Teresa as it was the icing on the cake of a lovely experience in Rio. It was worth the splurge one hundred times over.

This wonderful vila, in the middle of a huge estate, has for sure one of the best views that an accommodation can offer you in Rio de Janeiro. The villa is decorated with very good taste and the service was amazing: from check in untill check out everyone was very friendly and helpful. The restaurant offers delicious food. Even though it is open also for other customers than the ones that stay in the villa, the restaurant didn’t get overcrowded. Having only a few rooms, it gives a sense of coziness unparalleled by any other big hotel. The only disadvantage of this hotel, which is also probably the strongest advantage, is the location. It is a bit far from everything, but it offers stunning views. So all in all, I would definitely recommend this hotel to someone visiting Rio, but a few days at the beginning or at the end of the stay in Rio de Janeiro.

Highly over rated. Visited for dinner. The “restaurant” was a single table facing out to the pool area. Food was average to poor. Service was awful. It took 2 1/2 hours to get thru dinner with huge waits between courses. Zero atmosphere and not a single enquiry about our experience from the rather aloof/ disinterested staff. This place needs to get over itself!

If this is not the best place its one of the best places Ive stayed and experienced in my life!! It’s worth going! Its beautiful!! The best view in Rio and their service is truly 5stars and beyond! I would recommend to everyone to experience this retreat!!!

The Vila is a very special place, from the moment that you enter the property in every room and throughout the grounds you experience first class service and genuine hospitality. Yasmin is the essence of warmth and professionalism and the whole team makes the experience of staying at the Vila very special. We had stayed on Copacabana for the first part of our trip so this was another flavour of this wonderful city. Do yourself a favour and ask the hotel to arrange the car pick up and drop off at the airport it saves trying to find an uber or taxi and its handled perfectly.

Amazing hotel with an amazing view! All the staff were super friendly, helpful and supportive, they made sure we had a great time and were always happy. All of them speak English so it was easy to communicate. The rooms have enough space and that bed is super comfortable, I wanted to take it with me. We did not have the pleasure to meet the chef, but the food was delicious. If we come back we would definitely stay here again. P.S. book a massage appointment totally worth it!

This place is a secret gem. Located on the top of a hill in the historical part of town in Santa Teresa, this old private property has been transformed into a small luxurious Oasis with the most stunning views over Rio that I have ever seen. The old private villa with a 70s charm has 8 suites with unbelievable views of the city, Bahia da Guanabara and the sugar loaf. Service is impecable, the villa has a very private feel. With a cigar room, a large living room and a small restaurant area which is also open to non-resident guests, however quite empty during our stay. The villa seems to be used for weddings given its location, great choice for this as well. We opted for a sunrise breakfast in the vast garden overlooking the city and Corcovado. The food is good, but lags behing the amazing hotel and location. This place is not cheap, but even for one or two nights, it is well worth the spent. Great location for special occasion.

This hotel was more of an experience than just somewhere to stay! Just a handful of rooms - with an extraordinary situation right on top of one of the stunning hills overlooking Rio. Because of this incredible location, it's a bumpy and quite long taxi ride from the airport / centre - but it's well worth the bumpy ride to reach the peace and serenity of Vila Santa Teresa. We loved it. The staff were wonderful and could not do enough to help us. Yasmin and Veneesus in particular were so helpful and really went out of their way to make our stay an amazing experience! We thoroughly recommend this hotel for anyone who wants a peaceful haven from Rio's craziness, with lovely staff and the best view of Rio and Sugarloaf Mountain, I'm sure, of any hotel! The food was amazing too!