JANEIRO HOTEL: A NOD TO THE DAZZLING VIBRANCY OF RIO

words NATALIE GAL

By the side of sunlit Leblon Beach lies Janeiro Hotel, a place that captures the same beautiful energy we see on retro postcards of Rio. That carefree happiness, the simplicity of being human and one with nature.

This energy is often called the carioca lifestyle, the way of life of Rio’s passionate locals. There is an Italian saying, dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing. It’s similar, but not quite the same. Carioca life adds loud samba music, the madness of carnival, and the cheers of football fans. It is, above all, the sweetness of enjoying life.

Janeiro Hotel celebrates this to the fullest. Take Rio on the Janeiro Varanda, where the hotel screens iconic works of Brazilian cinema, or their sailing gastronomic experience out on the open seas.

The story began in 2018, when the hotel opened its doors. Since then, it has won numerous international awards. With just 51 rooms, all with ocean views, the hotel combines closeness to nature with subtle nods to Brazilian craftsmanship. A true design highlight is the custom-made woodwork and handcrafted light fixtures, details that add a warm, welcoming atmosphere we here call gezellig.

There is also a lovely mini-spa, offering oriental technique massages or special treatments to close a long day at the beach, if we somehow didn’t relax enough already. Dining is another highlight with Janeiro Restaurant, a nod to local cuisine, celebrating fresh Brazilian ingredients. While Cedilha Restaurant & Bar is inspired by tavern culture, welcoming guests into a wide, elegant space with reimagined classic dishes.

A true favorite in the dazzling city of Rio, Janeiro Hotel is an honest, magnetic nod to the local culture, one that draws us in again and again.