Large beds or windows overlooking the sea are not enough. To attract couples in love, hotels and inns have taken great pains to create experiences that transform the most prosaic of weekends into a movie scene.
It can be a candlelit dinner in a paradise setting, a toast in the whirlpool at sunset, a horseback ride along the beach under the moonlight, or a relaxing massage session for two.
The following script brings 18 hotels and inns, in various parts of Brazil, that inspire the novel. It has something for every taste and budget, from the most luxurious establishments to the rustic ones full of charm. Urban hotels were not left out, for those who want to get away without facing the road or airport.
A word of caution: Romantic experiences are generally not included in lodging rates and must be booked in advance.
SAO PAULO
Rosewood Sao Paulo
Anchor of the Cidade Matarazzo complex, the luxury hotel was designed by architect Jean Nouvel, with interiors designed by Philippe Starck. There are 160 suites, from 43 m² to 95 m². On Valentine’s Day, those who opt for the Romance Getaway at Rosewood package (from R$4,025 to R$8,250 per couple, depending on the standard of accommodation) will be received in their room with champagne and flowers. Turndown with petals and candles and breakfast in bed complete the experience.
rosewoodhotels.com/en/sao-paulo
JW Marriott Sao Paulo
The imposing building, where the Four Seasons São Paulo once operated, has changed hands and, since the beginning of May 2022, houses the first luxury hotel of the chain in the city. There are 258 rooms and suites. Two romantic experiences are offered to guests. Celebration (R$ 1,655 per couple), in a premium room, includes breakfast, sparkling wine, flowers, fruit basket and check out at 18:00. More complete, the Celebration Griffin (R$4,353 per couple), in the Griffin suite, also includes red fruits, chocolate and aromatherapy massage.
marriott.com.br/hotels/travel/saojw-jw-marriott-hotel-sao-paulo/
Toque Island Toque Boutique Hotel & Spa
On Toque Toque Grande beach, on the north coast of São Paulo, it occupies the top of an elevation, surrounded by forest, overlooking the sea. The 14 suites, exclusively for couples, have a hot tub or private pool — the Privé, Master and Exclusive suites are also equipped with a sauna. Massage sessions for two take place at the L’Occitane spa, while special dinners can be arranged in a reserved space beside the pool, decorated for the occasion. Rates for couples from R$ 666, with breakfast, afternoon tea and beach service included.
Ilhadetoquetoque.com.br
Hiu Hotel Juquehy
Opened in September 2021, it is 150 meters from the beach, on the north coast of the state, and has 17 suites exclusively for couples — all with a queen-size bed, pillow menu and minibar included in the rate. With 74 m², the Royale is the jewel in the crown, with a living room, office, double shower, bathtub and balcony overlooking the private garden (R$ 2000 per day for the couple, with breakfast). Swimming pool with bar service, L’Occitane spa and beach service are available to guests, who can schedule trips by Hawaiian canoe or speedboat along the beaches in the region.
hiuhotel.com.br
Grand Hotel Senac
In Campos do Jordão, 175 km from the capital, it occupies an imposing building from 1944, completely restored, where the charm of the golden years was maintained. Although the program for families is intense, the 400,000 m² area provides peaceful experiences for couples, such as trails along viewpoints and picnics inside the vineyard. It is possible to order fruit baskets when you wake up or toast with sparkling wine and strawberries in the evening. Double rates from R$ 1,475, on weekends, with full board and a minimum stay of two nights.
grandehotelsenac.com.br
Lake Vilas Charm Hotel and SPA
It is located in Amparo, 1h30 from the capital. Eight villas spread across 145 hectares of gardens and share space with a meditation house, beach tennis court, spa, restaurant, 12 lakes, waterfalls and natural pools. With 230 m², king size bed, terrace and jacuzzi, the Valley View villas are at an altitude of 1,070 m and offer views of the hills. Double rates from R$4,985, with breakfast in nine stages.
lakevilas.com.br
Cedar Inn
Located in Santo Antônio do Pinhal, in Serra da Mantiqueira, it has just opened a deck with a stove, where moon parties will be held on full moon nights — a new telescope is part of the experience and is being installed in the restaurant’s lounge. The 10 lofts, from 40 to 60 m², have a balcony with views of the mountains — and nine of them have a private hot tub. Six therapies are part of the spa’s menu, and there are free yoga classes on Saturdays. In the Italian cuisine restaurant, the ingredients come from their own garden or from neighboring producers. Rates for couples, with breakfast, from R$ 1,460.
pousadadocedro.com.br
RIO DE JANEIRO
Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
The only one in the city with direct access to the beach, it has three categories of suites —Presidential, Petrópolis and Tropical— with sea views. Starting at R$1,020 a couple, the Romantic Package includes welcome sparkling wine with chocolate or fruit, access to the gym and sauna, 25% discount at the spa, breakfast in the room and check out at 4 pm. Perched on the 26th floor, the L’Etoile restaurant is the setting for romantic dinners with a special ambiance and menu. For R$ 900, or R$ 1,340 with harmonized drinks, they include a seven-time menu, two glasses of sparkling wine, a bouquet of flowers and a personalized cake.
marriott.com.br/hotels/travel/riosi-sheraton-grand-rio-hotel-and-resort
Marambaia House
In Corrêas, district of Petrópolis, the boutique hotel occupies a mansion from the 1940s surrounded by gardens by Burle Marx. There are only eight rooms. Spa with heated pool, dry and steam saunas, chromotherapy shower and massage rooms, one for couples, make up the menu of attractions — it is also possible to transfer the session to an open-air tent by the river. In the Marambaia suite, with fireplace and bathtub, double rates, with breakfast, cost between R$2,188 (weekdays) and R$3,450 (weekends).
casamarambaia.com.br
Fasano Angra dos Reis
Facing the Costa Verde, the hotel has 60 rooms with private pools, all with views of the sea or the countryside, a beachfront restaurant and a 2,000 m² spa. Couples can book the Moonlight Dinner (from R$3,970 for two), with a three-course menu served by the sea, by candlelight. Complementing the romantic atmosphere is the Ritual Ondas (R$ 1,288, for two), created by the holistic therapist Fabrícia Nogueira, which includes a foot bath and massage with aphrodisiac oils. Double rates from R$2,500, with breakfast.
fasano.com.br/hoteis/fasano-angra-dos-reis
BAHIA
Pousada Mangabeiras
A member of the Roteiros de Charme Association, it is located on Boca da Barra beach, on the island of Boipeba, on top of a hill overlooking the sea. The 11 bungalows have a super king bed, a balcony with a hammock and a whirlpool — in the most beautiful of them, the Master bungalow, the daily rate starts at R$ 1,100. Couples can have breakfast in their room until 11 am, dine by the pool, have a massage for two, go kayaking at sunset or paddle at night, when the bioluminescence phenomenon makes the mangroves glow.
pousadamangabeiras.com.br
Pousada Casa de Maria
It is located in Prado, in the south of Bahia, a city with 84 km of beaches that is popular with the LGBTQIA+ community. 250 m from Novo Prado beach and 600 m from the city center, with its preserved 19th-century houses, the pet friendly inn has 24 air-conditioned apartments — a double daily rate in the Premium room, with a king size bed, costs from R$ 294 (with breakfast). Trips to the Timbebas reef and the Abrolhos Archipelago can be booked, for whale watching and diving.
pousadacasademaria.com.br
Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa
The complex is made up of 13 houses in the Historic Square — some are centuries old and have been restored by designer Wilbert Das, in partnership with local artisans. With 139 m², the romantic Casa da Árvore is surrounded by greenery and has a double shower, hot tub on the outside deck and rustic lounge with swing. Couples can have a massage for two at Uxua Vida Spa, ride along the beach in the moonlight and schedule candlelight dinners in private spaces. Rates for couples, with breakfast, from R$ 1,580.
uxua.com/pt
Campo Bahia Hotel Villas Spa
A member of the Brazilian Luxury Travel Association, it is located in the Santo André cove, in Santa Cruz Cabrália, 27 km from Porto Seguro airport. The 13 villas surrounded by greenery are served by the Flor de Caju restaurant and the Campo Bahia Spa by L’Occitane — guests can also use the beach lounge, gym and yoga space. Romantic experiences include a private boat tour with onboard service and a candlelit dinner by the sea. Rates for couples, with breakfast, from R$ 1,190.
campobahia.com
MINAS GERAIS
Solar da Ponte
Located in the historic center of Tiradentes, the hotel is a member of the Roteiros de Charme Association and occupies a beautiful colonial mansion surrounded by greenery. Guests of 18 apartments have a swimming pool, gardens, sauna and can discover the city on foot. Double rates include breakfast and afternoon tea, in Minas Gerais style — R$990 in the standard suite and R$1,108 in the superior suite.
CEARÁ
house
Famous for the winds that stimulate the practice of kitesurfing, Preá beach is the setting for the hotel, with seven bungalows surrounded by 10,000 m² of gardens. The Master suite, with 100 m², has a private infinity pool, king size bed, hammocks on the balcony and outdoor jacuzzi — the double rate, with full board, starts at R$ 6,950 until June 30th.
casana.com/pt
LARGE NORTHERN RIVER
Daughter of the Moon Eco Lodge
Located on Praia das Minas, in Pipa, between the sea and the dunes, the 17 bungalows on stilts are inspired by Balinese architecture and have views of the sea, the garden or the pools. Ayurvedic massages can be booked at the spa. Kitesurfing lessons, paragliding flights, buggy rides, bike tours and horseback riding are part of the activities menu. At the restaurant, all dishes are made with organic products, gluten or lactose free — on moonlit nights, dinner can be enjoyed outdoors. Daily rates in the Deluxe Bungalow from R$ 1,700, with breakfast.
www.filhadalua.com
RIO GRANDE DO SUL
Hotel Parador
The Cambará do Sul property, close to the largest canyons in Brazil, adopts the concept of glamping, that is, the beauty of camping with touches of glamour. There are several types of accommodation, from cocoon tents, with fireplace and whirlpool on the deck, to conventional suites, including rustic bungalows. The restaurant has a gaucho soul —on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it even has a rural barbecue. Among the most popular experiences are the mushroom hunt, the sunset picnic ride and the sunrise hot air balloon ride. Rates from R$ 1,130.00, with breakfast and afternoon tea. Apart from that, it is possible to hire romantic scenarios: Gralha Azul includes decoration of the suite with flowers and candles, portraits of the couple, sparkling wine or wine and snacks (R$ 505).
paradorcasahoteis.com.br
Pousada do Engenho
In São Francisco de Paula, on the quieter part of the Serra Gaúcha, there are 15 cabins surrounded by forest. All are equipped with a retractable roof, heating, fireplace, whirlpool and goose-down pillows —#15 also has a sauna, private garden and home theater. Restaurant, game room, lounge with fireplace and spa complete the structure for guests. Candlelit dinner can be served in a tree-top hut. Rates for couples, with breakfast, from R$ 1,190.
pousadadoengenho.com.br
SANTA CATARINA
Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort
Overlooking the Costa Smeralda, north of Santa Catarina, it has 25 bungalows in an area of 80 thousand m². Guests have access to a fitness center, beach tennis court, the Pátio Casqueiro restaurant and the Spa by Sisley, with tents facing the sea. So sought after for marriage proposals, the island in front of the resort, where private romantic dinners take place at dusk, has earned the nickname “Island of the Sim”. It is also possible to schedule a picnic at sunset or a boat trip with oysters and sparkling wine on board. Rates for couples, with breakfast, from R$ 2,600.
