The Santa Teresa district is one of Rio's most desirable neighbourhoods, but it isn't beachside, it is high up on a hillside. The area is full of colonial mansions and artists -at-work. This 44 room boutique hotel is Colonial-meets-chic at its best.  The hotel is full of iconic art and design from the likes of Brazilian modernist Sergio Rodgrigues. The lounge of Bar Dos Descasados, was designed by the Carioca artist Zemog, and, incidentally, offers a selection of the best Brazilian rums, under the one-hundred-year-old arches of the former senzala slave quarters of the mansion...The design of the hotel incorporates Brazilian hardwood floors, local stone and  natural fabrics and fibre. TLTB readers will love the  Loft Suite with spectacular 180* view of the Guanabara Bay, the Christ Statue and the lanes of Santa Teresa, No surprise that the Loft Suite was voted `The Best Hotel Suite Design of the World` by Wallpaper Magazine in 2010.