The Best Boutique Hotels in Rio de Janeiro for Your Honeymoon

Toile-covered furniture and wallpaper feature throughout the exquisite L’homme de Rio Boutique Hotel, bringing a touch of historic France to this modern Brazilian haven. Nestled between the two iconic neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana, you won’t be short of white sand and blue waters here. If you’d prefer to bask in the coastal views from above, head to the Pikok Rooftop, which is surrounded by poolside cabanas and sun loungers. The suites blend pared-back luxury with pops of Carioca color and art, complementing the palmy seaside vistas.

Set in the vibrant and artistic Bairro da Lapa, Vila Galé has both something old and something new. Its 292 rooms are divided across two wings: the Collection Wing, a restored 19th-century palace with historic suites; and the Lapa Towers Wing, offering a more contemporary touch. The romantic, pink-and-white facade leads through to the glimmering pool and courtyard, complete with luxurious loungers. Toast your newlywed life over a signature Rio on the Beach cocktail from one of the two bars, or indulge in a romantic Italian-inspired dinner at Massa Fina restaurant.

The award-winning Janeiro Hotel is set on the swanky beach of Leblon. Each of the 51 apartment suites boasts a framed view of the ocean, to be enjoyed while lying in bed. The furnishings are made from sustainable Freijo wood, and the white sheets and walls ensure that the light from the beach floods in. The two restaurants, Cedilha and Janeiro, honor the proximity of Rio to the sea and mountains by serving fresh and seasonal produce. To take your honeymoon to the next level, head up to the rooftop for panoramic views and a dip in the pool, ideally with a caipirinha cocktail in hand.

With its nods to nature and artisanal craft, Vila Santa Teresa is the perfect spot to start your married life. Built as a private hilltop family residence, the property’s been reimagined as a detail-oriented hotel that maintains the intimacy of a family home. The seven spacious suites let the natural light and far-reaching views speak for themselves, and you can enjoy breakfast on the pool deck overlooking the city or from the comfort of your room. For some post-wedding pampering, head to the serene spa for a soothing massage using natural and ethically sourced products.

Palm fronds and a stone-framed pool overlooking the city await you at Le Chateaux Joá. Its five spacious suites are surrounded by views of the mountains, city or beach and include immaculate Egyptian cotton sheets and L’Occitane or Bulgari toiletries for the ultimate post-nuptial elegance. Start your day with fresh fruit and a coffee while lounging in your suite or taking in the views from the deck, before ambling down the hill and heading to the glistening shores of nearby Joatinga beach.

A grand mansion with 19th-century colonial architecture in the heart of Santa Teresa, the boutique Mama Ruisa hotel manages to blend the romance of timeless style with the cool of the modern, making it an ideal setting for a honeymoon retreat. Displayed throughout are a number of drawings by Jean Cocteau, as well as religious sculptures collected from around Brazil. Inside the hotel, elegant furnishings sit within spacious rooms, all with views looking out onto the Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain.

A converted mansion in the hills of Santa Teresa, the Santa Teresa Hotel is surprisingly large, yet its rustic architecture and contemporary style give the impression of both a relaxed and luxurious guesthouse, creating a more memorable setting for a honeymoon than a multistory hotel. The hotel is surrounded by a tranquil garden with colorful flowers, plenty of palms, and a swimming pool complete with a cocktail bar and sun loungers. Enjoy cozy evenings taking in the panoramic view from the garden, or relax for pampering sessions at the fully-equipped spa.

Hotel Fasano is one of the only five-star hotels in Ipanema and goes above and beyond to make each guest feel special – perfect for honeymooning couples who are looking to be pampered. The rooms come complete with Egyptian cotton pajamas for extra comfort, as well as indoor flip-flops and bathrobes for padding around the hotel. Spend a love-filled afternoon on the rooftop while sipping cocktails from a pristine infinity pool before watching the best sunset in Rio de Janeiro across the ocean.

Despite rising competition from other luxurious and more modern hotels, Copacabana Palace remains the most iconic hotel in Rio de Janeiro. It has maintained its classic style with polished marble floors that run throughout the hotel, Brazilian wood finishings, and black-and-white photos of famous legends (and past guests) hanging up on the wall. The elegant rooms and round-the-clock room service provide a romantic setting for honeymooning couples, who can also enjoy sunny days at the glamorous swimming pool or on the slice of Copacabana Beach reserved exclusively for guests.

For honeymoon couples who want to escape from the tourist traps of Rio, La Suite by Dussol provides a secluded haven in the jungle-covered hills of Joá. Boasting several A-list celebrities as past guests, the total privacy and the infinity pool with ocean views make it easy to see why it’s popular among those looking for peace and exclusivity. The contemporary interior design is softened with a collection of antiques, which have been the inspiration for several fashion shoots. Service that finds the fine balance between being attentive and discreet will make couples feel they have paradise to themselves.

The Emiliano Hotel in Copacabana – the same brand as the Emiliano in São Paulo – oozes exclusivity and excellence, and its striking panel facade brings a modern edge to the otherwise traditional neighborhood. The sophisticated marble decor with wooden furnishings and the living wall of the restaurant are wonderful touches and provide a pleasant setting to relax in for your honeymoon. On the rooftop, a central swimming pool, well-stocked bar, comfy sun loungers and attentive staff will cater to your every need, ensuring you and your partner feel well and truly spoiled.