La Suite by Dussol

Set in Joatinga, ‘Rio’s Beverly Hills’, this out-of-town, cliff side retreat may be a 15-minute taxi ride from the beach action of Ipanema, but it offers some of the world’s most spectacular views. Its important to note that the hotel does not accept credit cards and there are no televisions in the rooms, although the latter only adds to the tranquility, with tropical birds and ocean views as replacement. The seven light and spacious suites are individually themed using a mixture of modern and classical furniture and colour coding, some with a terrace looking out over the Atlantic and the Forest of Tijuca. Our favorites are the Black and Purple suites, while the Pink suite is ideal for a couple with a child. The infinity pool is stunning, surrounded by green palms and modern sculptures and there’s a private beach within walking distance. Parisian chef Pascal Joly is responsible for the Brazilian/international fusion gastronomy, which can be served either on the terrace, poolside or in the hip seventies style dining room. A stunningly decorated retreat.