A 136-room boutique hotel a few steps from Ipanema Beach, with a rooftop pool, sauna and gym overlooking Rio's Garota de Ipanema Park.
Location: Whilst plenty of hotels claim an Ipanema address, Arena Ipanema is genuinely a few metres from the sand, on Francisco Otaviano Street beside the Arpoador headland, with rooms looking over Garota de Ipanema Square, the park that gave the neighbourhood's bossa nova song its name.
Rooms: There are 136 rooms across eight categories, from Standard doubles with city views up to Premium Park View rooms overlooking Garota de Ipanema. Every room has a Nespresso machine, a smart TV and blackout curtains to shut out the beachfront buzz.
Amenities: Up on the roof there's a pool open from nine until eight in the evening, plus a sauna and a gym that runs until half past ten. Otaviano Restaurant serves Spanish cooking by the pool, with spectacular sea views thrown in, and the hotel keeps its reception open around the clock.
Activities: Arpoador rock, right next door, is one of the best-known spots in Rio to watch the sun go down over the Atlantic, and Ipanema Beach itself is only a short walk away for football, volleyball and footvolley. Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer are both a short taxi ride away, so a day on the beach can easily turn into an evening of proper sightseeing.
Sustainability: Arena Hotels runs its properties, Arena Ipanema included, on I-REC certified renewable electricity, and describes the whole chain as carbon neutral. The hotel also holds Green Key certification and follows the group's zero waste approach to sorting and recycling.
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Best places to stay in Rio de Janeiro
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When to visit Brazil
Find out the best time to visit Brazil with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a fantastic month to visit Brazil as it marks the peak of the summer season. The weather is hot and sunny, perfect for enjoying the stunning beaches and vibrant coastal cities like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. It is also a great time to experience the famous Carnival, with its colourful parades, lively music, and exuberant street parties.
February
February is still a popular month to visit Brazil due to the continuation of the summer season. The weather remains warm, and you can indulge in various outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and exploring the Amazon rainforest. Additionally, February offers the opportunity to witness smaller-scale Carnival celebrations in different regions of the country, showcasing unique local traditions and customs.
March
March signals the end of summer in Brazil, but the pleasant weather lingers, making it an ideal time to explore the country. The temperatures start to cool down slightly, making it more comfortable for outdoor adventures. March also brings festivals like Lollapalooza Brazil, attracting music enthusiasts from around the world. It's a great month to visit popular destinations like São Paulo, Brasília, and the stunning Iguazu Falls.
April
April in Brazil offers a delightful transition between summer and autumn. The weather remains pleasant, with mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it an excellent time for outdoor exploration. It's an ideal month to visit the Pantanal wetlands, where you can observe diverse wildlife, including jaguars and caimans. April also marks the beginning of the surfing season in northeastern Brazil, with destinations like Florianopolis and Itacaré attracting surfers from around the globe.
May
In May, Brazil experiences autumn, bringing cooler weather and a decrease in tourist numbers. This creates an ideal opportunity to discover vibrant cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro without overwhelming crowds. It is also a fantastic month for ecotourism, with options such as exploring the breathtaking Chapada Diamantina National Park or embarking on a river cruise along the Amazon. These adventures allow visitors to immerse themselves in the lush landscapes and experience the country's incredible biodiversity. May in Brazil offers a perfect blend of milder temperatures, serene environments, and remarkable natural wonders.
June
June in Brazil is a month filled with festivities and cultural celebrations. The most prominent event is the Festa Junina, a traditional festival that honours Saint John. During this time, you can immerse yourself in lively street parties, traditional dances, and delicious local delicacies. June is also an excellent month for nature enthusiasts to visit the Pantanal, as the dry season begins, making wildlife sightings more abundant.
July
In July, Brazil reaches the peak of winter, providing a pleasant climate across the country. This makes it an ideal month for exploring the historic towns of Minas Gerais, known for their charming colonial architecture and vibrant cultural heritage. Additionally, July is a fantastic time to visit the stunning beaches of Northeast Brazil, including popular destinations like Jericoacoara and Fernando de Noronha. Here, you can bask in warm waters, soak up the sun, and be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes that these coastal paradises have to offer.
August
August is an ideal month to explore popular tourist spots in Brazil, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Cities like Salvador and Recife are known for their lively music scenes and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture, offering numerous chances to indulge in local rhythms. Additionally, this month provides a fantastic opportunity to discover the breathtaking wonders of the Amazon rainforest. The comfortable weather during August allows for enjoyable trekking and wildlife observation, creating an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.
September
September welcomes the arrival of spring, transforming the country with blooming flowers and rejuvenated landscapes. As the weather becomes warmer, it's the perfect time to visit the stunning beaches of Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis, where you can soak up the sun, surf the waves, and embrace the vibrant coastal culture.
October
October in Brazil brings pleasant temperatures and a decrease in tourist crowds, making it an ideal month for outdoor activities. One must-visit destination during this time is the iconic Iguazu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The water levels are typically high, allowing visitors to witness the falls in their full splendour, with the thundering cascades creating a breathtaking spectacle.
November
As November arrives in Brazil, it brings the beginning of summer, with rising temperatures and ample sunshine. This makes it an excellent time to visit the renowned beaches of Brazil. Whether you're looking to indulge in exciting water sports, sunbathe on golden sands, or simply unwind amidst the coastal beauty, these beach destinations offer an idyllic retreat.
December
Moreover, December presents excellent opportunities for diving and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago renowned for its stunning marine life and pristine beaches. Alternatively, nature lovers can explore the landscapes of the Pantanal, a vast wetland ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife, before the onset of the rainy season.
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Amanda
Brazil Expert
