What it is

A 187-room blush pink icon built deep in the rainforest in the 1950s, adjacent to Brazil’s rushing Iguassu Falls—a.k.a. the largest waterfall on the planet.

What it isn't

Rustic. Sure, there are howler monkeys living up to their name outside your window, but you’re still ensconced in Colonial-inspired luxury.

What we think

Some people drift to sleep with the help of a sleep sound machine, toggling buttons until they arrive on “rainforest waterfall.” Here, you live it in real life. Outside your plush, oversized room (the starter category is a massive 258-square-feet), white-necked puffbirds and veined tree frogs sing. Interiors are equally chillaxing, with hand-painted azulejos tiles, buttoned-up turned wood headboards and botanical paintings by regional artist Ludmilla de Montes. The pampering hits full tilt in the hotel spa, where treatments utilize sustainably harvested fruits of the (rain)forest, whether you opt for a warm basalt stone massage or emollient-rich scrub. Would you expect anything else from the luxury travel brand Belmond?

You're here because

They’ve perfected the on-site activities, which include guided rainforest walks at dawn with loaner Leica 8x42 HD binoculars and 10-minute helicopter rides that whirr you over the rushing waterfall.

The Moment

You have to admit, you feel a bit like a silver screen siren when you stroll into throwback Bar Taroba, where the glimmering wood-lined bar evokes Old Hollywood sip by sip. Since dusk is falling, you decide to take a seat on the balcony. The only thing that could make this sunset better? The aptly named Blue Falls cocktail. And then, because you’ve promised yourself a true Brazilian experience, a caipirinha that has been aged in a jequitiba-wood barrel for eight years.

Restaurants & Bars

- Ipê Grill: ‘gaucho’ style Brazilian barbecue

- Itaipu Restaurant: a blend of Brazilian-international fusion dishes

- Bar Tarobá: a cosy, sociable veranda for cocktails and drinks

Location

Close enough to Iguassu Falls to feel mist on your skin—yet just a nine mile drive from Foz do Iguassu International Airport.