By Leo Byrne, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Sitting near the top of one of Rio de Janeiro’s most charming and relaxed neighborhoods surrounded by lush forest with sweeping views of the city and bay, guests of the Hotel Santa Teresa might not realize that they are near the Cidade Maravilhosa’s bustling Centro business district.
Yet the famously quaint Santa Teresa is close to the economic center of Rio, while still just a fifteen minute ride to the beaches of Zona Sul (South Zone). It also is just minutes away from Lapa, where Rio’s best samba and live music venues are concentrated.
The Hotel Santa Teresa opened in 2008, the renovated former coffee plantation strikes the perfect balance between luxury and character. It is one of only three hotels in Brazil to be made part of the exclusive Relais & Châteaux organization, whose strict criteria for admittance revolve around their demanding “five C” motto: Caractère, Courtoisie, Calme, Charme et Cuisine.
In April 2012 the Hotel Santa Teresa welcomed a new general manager, Mônica Paixão, with 25 years of experience. “The most exciting thing about working in Santa Teresa Hotel [is] the opportunity to escape from the beaten tourist circuit Copacabana/Ipanema/Leblon, and work in a world-known luxury hotel [company] in a much more historical area. To develop new ways to increase the personal touch in the hotel operation in such a manner as to mark the standard of excellence,” Mônica shared.
Hotel Santa Teresa offers 42 richly decorated rooms, adorned in dark woods and work from local artists, sculptors and photographers. Every room exudes a Brazilian feel, with floor to ceiling windows often giving way to balconies with beautiful views over the city.
“Surrounded by a tropical landscape, it’s a different experience and an opportunity to stay close to nature. It’s the perfect place for those seeking to relax and needing to get out of stressful daily routines,” Sales representative Sylvia Uchôa told The Rio Times.
It is little wonder then that at the hotel, guests can enjoy an intimate and individual experience not found elsewhere in Rio. “We offer a personal service. We are closer our guests because it’s a small hotel so we know the specific needs of everyone who stays here,” Sylvia added.
This service extends to making sure that every want is catered for. Guests can dine in the hotel’s five star restaurant Tereze, or enjoy a Brazilian cocktail in the Lounge Dos Descasados, both of which blend perfectly with the hotel’s tranquil aesthetic.
Guests can also relax by the hotel’s swimming pool, situated on a terrace with incredible views over downtown Rio facing a welcoming cool breeze. A light menu and poolside service is of course tastefully offered.
There is also the fully equipped spa that offers massages and beauty treatments using products sourced from the Amazon Rainforest.
Hotel Santa Teresa’s calm atmosphere belies the fact that it also offers executive facilities for guests on a more work focused trip to Rio. “It’s a strategic place for corporate events because is close to the big economic center of Rio de Janeiro,” Sylvia told The Rio Times.
More business orientated guests will find a host of useful amenities at their disposal, from translation and secretarial services, to an executive meeting room with a private balcony where guests can enjoy coffee breaks while taking in views of Christ the Redeemer.
Although Santa Teresa is one of Rio’s safest neighborhoods, the hotel also boasts a permanent private security team, twenty-four hour surveillance and is just a stone’s throw from municipal and military police outposts.
As far as what to look forward to at Hotel Santa Teresa in 2013, Mônica says, “For 2013 we are eager to continue spreading the Santa Teresa Hotel name as one of the finest hotels in Brazil, and strengthen the bond with our regular guests.”
The Santa Teresa hotel can be found at number 660 on the Rua Almirante Alexandrino. Those wishing for more information can visit the hotel’s website and take a virtual tour of all its facilities. Reservations can be made via the website or by calling +55 (21) 3380-0200.
This is an advertorial for the Hotel Santa Teresa.