Detailed Review
Relais Solar is a most enchanting turn of the century Colonial Villa in Rio de Janeiro. This handmade design hotel is situated in a tropical haven of quietude and beauty.
Relais Solar is a new and cozy guesthouse that cares for those seeking an inspirational touch of local colour, excellence and comfort - a destination leading you to the charms and joys off the beaten track in Brazil.
For those in need of a creative escape, stop by to see how we can customize original tours and services to meet your special interests.
We are located in Santa Teresa, a novel place to stay, and Rio’s most culturally “picturesque” neighborhood, known as the “Montmartre Carioca”, a landmark of traditional architecture, with a mirador of breathtaking panoramic views.
Press Quotes
“It's a colonial vision in scarlet tiles, whitewash and doors of blue - delightfully downhome, and almost Native American in feel, with scattered vivid blankets and rough, unpolished floors.” Sunday Times 07
Independent Reviews
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"A bright maison d'hote of five bedrooms and gorgeous tropical gardens in the pretty bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa."
Opened December 2005, a charming colonial turn-of-the-century villa with tropical gardens filled with monkeys, birds and butterflies. A nice retreat from Rio's wild partying and mean streets.
Relais Solar
By The TI Review Team
Santa Teresa is the old colonial part of Rio, unknown to most tourists. Here, set high on a hill, lies the magnificent, eclectic, artistic, romantic mansion that is Relais Solar. I hesitate to categorise this as a hotel or guesthouse or posada because it achieves what it sets out be a home from home. It is totally different to anything else Rio has to offer.
Relais Solar is owned and managed by Gwenael and Beatriz Allan. He is a member of the team that launched Cirque du Soleil on the world but he has redeemed himself by restoring this lovely old colonial mansion and creating a fantastic place from which to experience Rio. There are just five rooms, all individually and stylishly decorated, themed around the birds that nest in the trees adorning the large, jungle-esque garden. And what trees; some must be hundreds of years old.
Four of the five rooms are in the main house, while a gorgeous loft style bungalow with double height ceilings and a bath the size of a small swimming pool is perched above the mansion. All are comfortable with air conditioning, ceiling fans and wifi access, but not all have private bathrooms.
They serve great breakfasts with wonderful fruits, breads and pastries. During the day, you can get pastas, local dishes, club sandwiches and similar fare from a bar menu or participate in one of the regular tastings (wine, coffees, regional delicacies). Facilities include a 24 hour tv/dvd room and fully stocked "honesty" bar with instructions on how to make your own caipirinha. For the business-minded, theres also an internet room, a Mac G5 editing suite (yes, really!), and a dining room that converts into a fully functional multi-media conference room, which will sit 12 comfortably and 20 at a squeeze.
All the furniture, lights and shades, pictures and fabrics are made by local craftsmen, many from the neighbouring favelas and artisan ateliers from all around Brazil, and can be purchased. Indeed, the owners have developed strong ties with the local favela community via another project that places volunteer workers within the favelas to teach essential skills.
The staff I counted nine for five rooms go out of their way to make your stay more enjoyable with helpful recommendations, making reservations, organising tours and airport transfers. They will also organize to have your goods shipped back to you.
The peaceful quiet of the location means kids under 5 are not encouraged, and the steep mountainside location means not practical for the elderly or infirm. However, for all others, I highly recommend this home away from home. Rent a room or the whole mansion. Both are possible. You wont regret it.
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