Luxury Travel Magazine interviews Juan Sander, General Manager of the new Relais & Chateaux property, Hotel Santa Teresa in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

What is unique about your hotel's location?

Santa Teresa is the most charming neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. Is the only historical area of the city preserved from the incessant construction of towers and high buildings raised in the last 50 years at Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon.

What authentic local experiences will guests have access to?

At the hotel they will really enjoy our delicious and healthy breakfast with Açai juice (an Amazonian fruit juice that all the surfers drink every morning in Rio) and others Brazilian tropical fruits and products. Our restaurant Térèze and our Bar dos Descasados awarded as the most romantic place in Rio by Veja magazine are highly frequented by local people. At Santa Teresa neighborhood they will experience the best of the Brazilian Gastronomy in a wide variety of bars and restaurants located at walking distance from the Hotel. Some of them are really famous like Aprazível or Espirito Santa. Santa Teresa is an area with a big number of ateliers of artists and artisans. At Lapa, another historical area located at 3 minutes by taxi they will enjoy the best of the Rio de Janeiro's nightlife.



What are some amazing things that your Concierge can arrange?

An helicopter flight over Sugar Loaf and Christ Redeemer, a hang gliding flight over São Conrado beach, or a one day trip in a private luxury yacht to a private island at the paradisiacal Angra dos Reis.

Does your hotel have a philosophy?

We are a Green hotel with a strong focus in enhancing the best the Brazilian culture and arts. Most of all our furniture and decorations are made of demolition woods by Rock Lane, Sergio Rodrigues, and others very famous Brazilian designers. All our operational procedures focus on preserving water and all other natural resources.

What makes your hotel memorable and unforgettable?

Our biggest differential is that we undoubtedly deliver the most personalizes service for each customer. For example at Santa Teresa Hotel we do not have a high counter that always separate the front desk staff from the client, but we have comfortable sofas where guests will be welcomed by a person trained to never say no sitting beside him. This is the essence of our hotel.

What will guests rave about to their friends and family?

They will rave about our staff, they will show unbelievable pictures of the sunset views from the pool or probably a handcraft of Zemog the most famous artist at Santa Teresa.



What is the atmosphere of your hotel? What types of guests does it attract?

It is a really calm atmosphere without being boring. Our guests will chill out at the famous Bar dos Descasados Lounge where they can encounter the most cool and charming “Cariocas”.
We attract business people and tourists looking for the real Rio de Janeiro with the best of the Brazilian Arts, Music and people in the most beautiful and refined environment.

What makes your hotel a destination within itself?

The building of the hotel was a coffee plantation in 1850.
So this is an exceptionally restored and historical building decorated with the best of the Brazilian artwork with breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro.

What is the signature dish in your hotel's restaurant?

Damien Montecer our Executive Chef was awarded as Best New Chef in Rio by Veja Magazine in 2009 (the most famous Brazilian publication). All of his creations are fantastic; I would like to suggest his Grilled Rock Lobster with black bean sauce with seaweed won tons.

What is the best way for guests to "arrive in style" to your hotel?

We can privately book the historical tram of Santa Teresa original from 1895 coming from downtown until the main entrance of the hotel.



Do you provide any welcoming or parting amenities to guests?

At the front desk we welcome all our guests with small fresh towels, mineral water and Caipirinha. As amenities the famous Havaianas flip flops and the products of Natura the most renowned Brazilian Cosmethics.

Can you recommend other destinations/hotels nearby (within 300 miles) that your guests should consider combining into a trip?

I highly recommend Insólito Hotel in Buzios -- the amazing beach 120 miles from Rio.

Hotel Profile: Hotel Santa Teresa