Leblon is without doubt Rio’s most prestigious neighbourhood: chic, affluent, and beloved of people who work in the arts and media. Adjoining Ipanema, and backing onto the city’s attractive tree-lined lagoon, the beachfront and adjacent streets are lined with relatively low-rise apartment blocks, designer boutiques, innovative restaurants, trendy piano bars and nightclubs. It is here that you’ll find the award-winning designer hotel Janeiro, the style of which blends well with the creative style of the district.
It’s quite small – 53 rooms – conforming to the scale of the surrounding streets, and minimalist, but no expense has been spared in the furnishings and fabrics which feature muted Atlantic Oceanside colours. All guest rooms have at least a partial ocean view, even from the bathrooms. Works of art and photography are sprinkled throughout the property and the rooftop area sports a pool, bar and terrace with views down over the beach.