Vila Santa Teresa

in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Vila Santa Teresa is located on an elevated hill away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with views of the city, ocean and mountains that are unparalleled.

Camille, Marketing Manager
Vila Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Vila Santa Teresa

  • Location: City
    Copacabana and Ipanema beaches: 10km (20 mins by car or taxi)
    Cristo Redentor: 5km (10 mins by car or taxi)
    Sugarloaf Mountain: 12km (35 mins by car or taxi)
  • Rio de Janeiro Intl. Airport (GIG): 19km (25 mins by car or taxi)
    Rio de Janeiro Natl. Airport (SUD): 6km (15 mins by car or taxi)
    Airport transfer available on request
    Car recommended
    Free parking
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An introduction to Vila Santa Teresa

How would you describe Vila Santa Teresa Hotel in a nutshell?

Vila Santa Teresa Hotel & Spa is a newly renovated 1970s modernist villa with seven opulent bedrooms. This adult-only property (16 and up) combines the luxury of a beautiful private villa with the features of a boutique hotel, right in the heart of the bohemian district of Rio de Janeiro.

What makes Vila Santa Teresa a special place to you?

The Vila is a place for personalized experiences, with private drivers, reservations at the best restaurants, and specialized tours of the city. One of our very strong points is the level of service that our guests receive on the property. Some of our staff has been here for over 20 years, so they really know those of our guests who come back to see us. For us it is all part of the personalized experience that we like to offer to those coming to stay with us.

How would you describe the atmosphere inside the villa?

The property of Vila Santa Teresa was originally built in the 1920s as a private estate for a famous family in Brazil, the Monteiro de Carvalho family. Due to its history, there is a lot of artwork across the entire estate and the mango trees in the garden have been owned by the same family for almost a century.

Since it’s a private villa, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and set onto an elevated hill, the views of the city and ocean and mountains are unparalleled. Because of such a privileged position, the property has the atmosphere of an urban oasis. It is very silent here and the only thing that can break that silence is the wind or birds singing. We’ve also made sure that the surrounding lush greenery and flowering plants are well maintained. In its entirety you’ll find that Vila Santa Teresa has a very luxurious, yet casual atmosphere where guests are treated like friends of the family.

Vila Santa Teresa — Pool and view over Rio Vila Santa Teresa — Vila Santa Teresa pool area Vila Santa Teresa — Living space Vila Santa Teresa — Upstairs living room Vila Santa Teresa — Lounge area Vila Santa Teresa — Master Suite Vila Santa Teresa — Master bathroom Vila Santa Teresa — Premier Suite Vila Santa Teresa — Premier Suite bathroom Vila Santa Teresa — Vila Santa Teresa Spa
Pool and view over Rio
Vila Santa Teresa pool area
Living space
Upstairs living room
Lounge area
Master Suite
Master bathroom
Premier Suite
Premier Suite bathroom
Vila Santa Teresa Spa

Vila Santa Teresa rooms & rates

Eucalyptus trees and views of Rio’s famous Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay surround Vila Santa Teresa. It’s a peaceful haven on top of a hill in the middle of Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, the tour of the ground floor will take you through our lobby area, dining room, living room, library, an event space, on to the pool and the outside deck. The seven bedrooms are on the upper floor, each room with an en-suite bathroom.

Our guests can choose from three room categories, the Deluxe Suites, Premier Suites, and Master Suites. The four Deluxe rooms overlook the lush gardens. The two Premier rooms are a bit larger. One of them has a separate bedroom and living room where a third bed could be added at no additional charge. The other Premier Suite has a balcony with incredible views over the city and the ocean. Our Master Suite also has a balcony with views of the city, the ocean and the mountains. The master bathroom has a bathtub as well as a walk-in shower.

  • Deluxe Suite Leticia for 2 people / 30 m²
    1000 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Shower room (ensuite)
    • Air conditioning

    Endlessly airy and filled with natural light, 30m² Deluxe Suites are refined spaces with views over the garden and century-old mango tree. Each bedroom is designed to reflect unique aspects of Carioca culture.

    This bedroom features views over the garden, convertible king size or two twin size beds, writing desk, seating area, air conditioning, safe, high-speed WiFi Internet, 32” TV with cable, Granado amenities, walk-in shower and bathrobes. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

  • Deluxe Suite Sergio for 2 people / 30 m²
    1000 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Shower room (ensuite)
    • Air conditioning

    Endlessly airy and filled with natural light, 30m² Deluxe Suites are refined spaces with views over the garden and century-old mango tree. Each bedroom is designed to reflect unique aspects of Carioca culture.

    This bedroom features views over the garden, convertible king size or two twin size beds, writing desk, seating area, air conditioning, safe, high-speed WiFi Internet, 32” TV with cable, Granado amenities, walk-in shower and bathrobes. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

  • Deluxe Suite Sucena for 2 people / 30 m²
    1000 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Shower room (ensuite)
    • Air conditioning

    Endlessly airy and filled with natural light, 30m² Deluxe Suites are refined spaces with views over the garden and century-old mango tree. Each bedroom is designed to reflect unique aspects of Carioca culture.

    This bedroom features views over the garden, convertible king size or two twin size beds, writing desk, seating area, air conditioning, safe, high-speed WiFi Internet, 32” TV with cable, Granado amenities, walk-in shower and bathrobes. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

  • Premier Suite Joaquim for 2 people / 40 m²
    1300 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Shower room (ensuite)
    • 1 Living room
    • 2 Extra beds (on req.)
    • Balcony
    • Air conditioning

    The main bedroom sits on a corner, with two windows overlooking the forest and the swimming pool. There is a king-sized bed, sofa and writing desk, while the bathroom, features a single sink and walk-in shower.

  • Premier Suite Astrid for 2 people / 40 m²
    1300 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Shower room (ensuite)
    • 1 Living room
    • Balcony
    • Air conditioning

    Astrid is a beautiful, spacious room with a private balcony overlooking the pool and city. Additional features include a sofa and writing desk. The bathroom features a single sink and walk-in shower.

    This bedroom features views over the city, convertible king size or two twin size beds, writing desk, seating area, air conditioning, safe, high-speed WiFi Internet, 32” TV with cable, Granado amenities, walk-in shower and bathrobes. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

  • Premier Suite Eva for 2 people / 40 m²
    1300 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Bathroom (ensuite)
    • 1 Living room
    • Balcony
    • Air conditioning

    Astrid is a beautiful, spacious room with a private balcony overlooking the pool and city. Additional features include a sofa and writing desk. The bathroom features a single sink and walk-in shower.

    This bedroom features views over the city, convertible king size or two twin size beds, writing desk, seating area, air conditioning, safe, high-speed WiFi Internet, 32” TV with cable, Granado amenities, walk-in shower and bathrobes. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

  • Master Suite for 2 people / 50 m²
    1750 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Bathroom (ensuite)
    • Balcony
    • Air conditioning

    Our spacious 50m² Master Suite offers floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a balcony with panoramic views of the dramatic Sugarloaf Mountain and city below. To epitomize indulgence, this is the only bedroom on the property with an irresistible bathtub big enough for two, set in a Carrara marble bathroom.

    This bedroom features views over Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay, a balcony, convertible king size or two twin size beds, writing desk, seating area, air conditioning, safe, high-speed WiFi Internet, 32” TV with cable, Granado amenities, walk-in shower, bathtub and bathrobes. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

Included in the rates
Rates include a delicious breakfast, WiFi, room upgrade (subject to availability), use of spa and sports facilities and a welcome drink.
Optional extras
Spa treatments, executive transfers, dry-cleaning and laundry service, yoga classes, personal trainer and tennis sessions.
Extra charges
An additional 5% tax ISS is charged to the guest at the property.
Children & Extra beds
Only children from 16+ years are welcome. There is no space for extra beds.
Minimum stay
1 nights
Check in time
after 15:00
Check out time
before 12:00
Discounts/Special offers
20% off for bookings of more than 5 nights
5% off for bookings booked more than 14 days in advance

Facilities & services

  • Maid service
  • Swimming pool
  • WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • Terrace
  • Concierge service
  • Washing machine
  • TV
  • Restaurant
  • Garden
  • Room service
  • Music system
  • Central heating
  • Honesty bar/Minibar
  • Business / Remote work facilities
  • Not suitable for children
  • Iron & Board
  • Safe box
  • Laundry service
  • Steam room/Hamam
  • Hair dryer
  • Spa

Breakfast at the hotel can be served in our dining room, in the garden cabana, or in the room. For lunch and dinner we have set menus that need to be reserved beforehand. During the day guests can choose from our pool menu, which includes snacks and cocktails. Massages and different treatments can be booked at the spa. Other activities such as yoga, kickboxing or personal fitness can be arranged and there is also a tennis court and the pool.

It is very important to us that our guests have the best experience of the city, which is why we put together 10 to 12 tours for them to choose from. One of our favourites is the ‘artists tour’, during which they will be able to meet local artists and witness their creative process. It is experiences like this one that can really help in understanding Brazilian fashion, architecture and design.

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

  • Art / Culture
  • Shopping / Markets
  • Night life
  • Massages / Treatments
  • Yoga classes
  • Tennis
  • Hiking
  • Sailing / Kayaking
  • Boat trips

Since the property is so large, many guests actually enjoy hiking the hotel grounds. For those of our guests who are even more athletic and are looking for something to do in nature, we recommend going on hiking trips outside of the city. There are over 100 trails around the city but a highlight is the hike up Pedra Bonita (Beautiful Rock). From there you’ll have an amazing view over Rio de Janeiro, the ocean and the mountains. That’s something I really enjoy doing.

The neighbourhood of Santa Teresa is home to lots of artist workshops and galleries and is a great place to shop for artwork, clothing, and even furniture. Another experience that we highly recommend is our bar scene. It is such a unique experience as the bars are casual and very laid back. All around the city, the tables are sprawled across the street, which makes for a very lively atmosphere. We can recommend specific areas to our hotel guests, if they want.

The location of Vila Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is Rio’s more bohemian neighbourhood, famous for its colonial mansions, cobbled streets, scenic parks, and cultural institutions. Surrounded by Tijuca forest, it is a more secluded location for those looking for an experience away from the hustle of Rio de Janeiro. Yet it is only a 20-minute taxi ride from the famous beaches of Ipanema or Copacabana.

Since we are on the top of a hill, it would be difficult to walk to town. Just walking from the villa to the security gate will take about 20 mins. Therefore we recommend that our guests make use of our executive transfers or taxis. Once you get down to the more touristic areas of the city, everything is very walkable. We recommend trying out several restaurants, as the restaurant scene is one of the best around.

When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

Basically there are two peak seasons in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is very famous for its New Year’s celebration where hundreds of thousands of people gather on the beach, all dressed in white, to watch the 30-minute show of fireworks. That’s a very special time and also great because that’s when it is the warmest. Two months later is Carnival season, which is also a peak season and a very special time for anyone in Brazil. Vila Santa Teresa offers a Carnival package with tickets to see the parades and costumes.

Besides that, spring and autumn are when it is the most quiet. If guests want to stay away from the big tourist crowds, those times would be best for a trip to Rio de Janeiro. During winter the weather is still pretty tropical, with about 60 degrees. It is rather lively during those months as it is also vacation time for lots of families with kids.