Best Luxury Hotels in Sao Paulo State

This hip design hotel rises upward on the city horizon and while the interiors may be minimalist, they reflect the area’s tropicality. Guests can take a dip in hot tubs secreted in a pretty Japanese garden, admire the suspended orchid garden, recline in barside spaghetti-like rope chairs and nibble on caviar in the sophisticated restaurant. The Japanese theme extends to the calming bedrooms; notably, the toilets which are equipped with high tech jets, dryers and heated seats, as well as contemporary Japanese style wall screens. Expect excellent service throughout the Emiliano and in its spa.

Another example of modernist architecture, Hotel Emiliano is the work of native designer Arthur Casas. The decor pays homage to Rio’s mid-century heyday, with neutral tones and a minimal approach. A restaurant, Emilie, serves forward-thinking Brazilian-French fusion cuisine and features a huge tropical living wall. On the rooftop, a long, narrow infinity pool overlooks Copacabana Beach. Treatments at the Santapele Spa are all about rebalancing the body and are based on the three pillars of relaxation, revitalisation and detoxification. Crisp white linens and tan leather armchairs are found in the bedrooms, along with Santapele toiletries (Emiliano’s own brand).

Set on Enseada beach and backed by tropical gardens, the Casa Grande is part colonial mansion, part palm-fringed resort. A large freeform pool leads down to the ocean, plus there are tennis courts, an area for billiards, ping pong tables, a fitness centre and mini golf to stay active. Guests have plenty of space to spread out in the suites, apartments and private chalets — the latter suiting families well. Kids have their own activities, pool, play area and menus, while adults can take advantage of the peace afforded by the spa. Casa Grande has six restaurants and bars.

Previously the Sofitel, this five-star Accor hotel is a few minutes walk from the Shopping Jequití, the island’s golf club and Mar Casado Beach. It has a full-service spa and a casino. But three appears to be the key number in terms of amenities; Hotel Jequitimar Guarujá Resort & SPA has three outdoor swimming pools, three tennis courts, three bars (including one by the pool) and three restaurants serving international, French and family-friendly fare. 301 bedrooms feature Egyptian cotton bedding and private balconies and some of the suites provide hot tubs on the balcony. And a flashy lobby overlooks a pillared indoor pool.