Best Resorts Brazil: Hidden Luxury You Didn’t Know Existed

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✈️ By Luisa Machowski

When I think of going on vacation, I think it’s imperative to be comfortable every step of the way. If it is an international trip, that becomes even more of a necessity, don’t you agree?  So if you are planning on coming over and want to know what’s in the category ‘best resorts Brazil’, you’ve arrived at the right article!

Also, if you want to learn more about traveling in Brazil, later you can read our guide here of places to visit in Brazil. Now, let’s get back into it. 

Before we get into it, let’s figure out what kind of trip you’re having. Is it a solo vacay? Are you coming to Brazil for romantic days with your partner? Or maybe it’ll be your dream family trip after lots of planning.

With that in mind, think of what is needed from your hotel. The best resorts have everything: an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and sometimes they’re a straight-up all-inclusive resort.

Recently, lesser-known Brazilian resorts have been getting spotlighted for their unique luxury offerings—think private bungalows in the Amazon or cliffside infinity pools in Ceará. If you’re after exclusivity without the crowd, this is where to look.

From Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro to Porto de Galinhas and Angra dos Reis; let’s walk through Brazil together and find our best resorts.

Best Resorts Brazil

1. Iberostar Hotels and Resorts (Bahia and Amazonas)

With Iberostar, Brazil’s North and Northeast will be yours for the taking. With a unit deep in the Amazon Forest, plus two in Bahia’s Praia do Forte, you can have the most authentic Brazilian experience without giving up comfort.

Staying in these completely inclusive resorts takes a load off your shoulders, you won’t have to worry about figuring out where to eat, for example. Each one has on-site restaurants to choose from! Praia do Forte is a great choice for family vacations, it even has a complete fitness centre and golf course for you to enjoy.

2. Mabu Thermas Grand Resort (Foz do Iguaçu)

We’re going down south for this next stop on our article! The Mabu Thermas, located close to the Iguazu Falls, is built right over the world’s greatest thermal water source: the Guarani Aquifer. That means you can get into a hot tub with constantly renewing waters. My favorite thing about staying here is how close to town it is.

You will be twelve kilometers, about seven and a half miles, from one of the seven wonders of the new world: the Iguazu Falls. Just as it is in all the best luxury hotels, you can count on a helpful front desk to tell you a trustworthy company for tours in the area.

Best Resorts Brazil

3. Club Med Trancoso (Bahia)

Bahia is such a popular destination, almost as much as Rio de Janeiro, hence why there are so many of our best hotels here. Club Med is an inclusive resort with its own private path to Bahia’s trendy Praia, with colorful coral reefs for you to explore. It is always safer to stay in a place like if you are planning culture trips, they’ll give you full support to plan the best activities. You can also take a short drive to explore Porto Seguro too!

But I bet you will never want to leave! You can look over one of the best beaches in South America from their golf course. In your place, I’d spend most of my days by the outdoor pool with a drink in hand. Your days will never be boring in a place that has activities ready and included in room rates. The only extra charges may be some spa treatments, which are totally worth it.

4. Porto Preguiças Resort (Maranhão)

On the banks of Preguiças River, lies a luxury resort different from anything else in the region. The massive beach hotel, granted it’s a sweet water beach, has everything for your comfort including free private parking with watchmen around the clock. Their immense complex counts with golf courses up to regulation and tennis courts.

Not only you be able to practice water sports amidst the tropical forest, but the outdoor pool is a perfect location to relax while people-watching. But I highly suggest you take some time to get out and spend some time in Porto Preguiças’ pottery studio. Can you imagine going back home with a souvenir you made yourself?

Best Resorts Brazil

5. Carneiros Beach Resort (Pernambuco)

Still far away from Rio de Janeiro, Carneiros Beach Resort stands between the Cerrado and palm trees on one of the best beaches in Brazil. There’s an outdoor pool by each apartment block, both squash and tennis courts, a spa complete with a hot tub for treatments, and a fitness centre which guests can access for no extra charge whenever they want.

There are plenty of dining options as well, even a swim-up bar. You may think there’s no way this resort gets better but just wait! Carneiros Beach Resort goes as far as having a water park in the property for everyone to enjoy. I really love coming to places where there’s no need to keep going outside for things, it makes me feel a lot safer in foreign countries.

6. L’Hotel Porto Bay (São Paulo)

If you want to have a more one direction culture trip, then consider coming to L’Hotel Porto Bay. Planted in the heart of the largest city in South America, this 5- star resort is a perfect home base for an urban adventure. São Paulo is one of my favorite cities in the world because there’s always fun to be had, especially on Augusta Street. That’s where you can find bars, food trucks, and interesting people.

But not to worry, you won’t be deprived of any amenities by staying in a city-based resort. In this building, you’ll be able to swim in a climatized indoor pool, enjoy a Japanese-style hot tub, get spa treatments, and even complimentary sparkling wine upon arrival. While it may seem daunting to explore such a huge city, your in-house concierge will be happy to help you plan an itinerary for your time.

Best Resorts Brazil

7. Laghetto Stilo Vita

Going down south to Rio Grande do Sul, a state far away from Rio de Janeiro and its tropical weather, we arrive at darling Gramado. While it doesn’t have natural pools or tennis courts, Laghetto will offer you the best location with the most comfort. Staying here puts you at a short distance from the city’s main spots like Coberta Street.

I’d recommend staying here for those who want to have modern rooms at an affordable price with free wifi but don’t want to give up on comfort. Gramado is the best place for travelers who want to experience a new corner of the country, one that has gorgeous mountains and wineries instead of spectacular beaches. A little slice of Europe in our countryside.

8. Hotel Fasano Salvador

Fasano Hotels are a new height of luxury and hospitality wherever they arrive. In Salvador, a Unesco world heritage site, this traditional hotel is ready to welcome you. You’ll be able to pick from many spacious rooms that rise from a gorgeous shared lounge on the ground floor. And from the bottom left corner of All Saints’ Bay, you can go anywhere!

Praia do MAM is within walking distance for travelers hoping to have some sand under their feet. Should you prefer to go down a more traditional route, your hotel is also a short walk away from the Pelourinho, another of my favorite places on Earth. I recommend you try as much traditional food as you can, just be mindful of food safety and avoid sketchy-looking carts and vendors.

No matter which destination you end up going to, it’s important to make sure you’ve got everything in order before traveling. So double-check your documents, including travel insurance. If you plan to venture further than an outdoor swimming pool, get a plan with heftier coverage. And pack your bags according to whichever season you’re coming in.

Planning a trip is always fun and I hope this list of Brazil’s best hotels helps you figure out a few things. Even if these destinations weren’t on your radar yet, take some time to explore them beforehand! And once you’ve decided, come back here to let me know.

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