Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025: Celebrating Brazil

O Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence is a prestigious international award that currently recognizes the best lodging establishments worldwide. Created by Condé Nast Johansens, a leading global authority on luxury hotel guides and travel experiences, the award seeks to recognize quality, innovation, and a commitment to comfort and exclusivity offered by hotels, inns, and resorts.

Currently, winners are chosen through a rigorous analysis by the Condé Nast team, along with reader votes, making it a valuable recognition for the award-winning destinations. Furthermore, in the 2025 edition of Awards for Excellence brought a diverse selection of Latin American hotels and resorts.

Among them are some Brazilian gems that stood out in different categories. So, get to know the national winners below, as well as what makes each of them a true hospitality icon on the global stage.

What is the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence?

O Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence is an award that, since its inception, has sought to recognize the best hospitality establishments based on rigorous quality criteria. Established by the renowned publisher, part of the Condé Nast group. Responsible for prominent publications such as Vogue, GQ It is Vanity Fair —the award honors venues that offer high-quality experiences across various categories. Each establishment is evaluated based on its service, ambiance, originality, and excellence in delivering memorable guest experiences.

The Brazilian Winners at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025

This year's Brazilian selection represents the richness and diversity of the country's hospitality options, ranging from beachfront hotels to sustainable retreats. Discover the standout establishments and the details that make them special.

Readers' Award: Casa dos Arandis, Maraú, Bahia

Located on the idyllic Maraú Peninsula in Bahia, Casa dos Arandis won the Readers' Choice Award. This exclusive retreat is immersed in an environmentally protected area with unique biodiversity, including semi-desert beaches, lagoons, forests, and mangroves. With stunning views of the tropical ocean, the boutique hotel was designed by couple Nanana and Cacau, who transformed their passion for the place into a dream come true in 2011.

Casa dos Arandis offers a rustic yet sophisticated experience, with accommodations spread across bungalows and villas featuring sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood. The ambiance is harmonious and welcoming, allowing guests to experience direct contact with nature. Personalized service is reflected in every detail, from the welcome with refreshing lemongrass towels to the tasting of tropical fruit drinks.

Best Beachfront Hotel: Pousada Estrela D'Água, Trancoso, Bahia

Pousada Estrela D'Água, located on the iconic Praia dos Nativos in Trancoso, offers a "feet-in-the-sand" concept in a lush Atlantic Forest setting. With 28 suites and bungalows spread across 23,000 m² of preserved gardens, this retreat stands out for its design. Emphasizing the culture and colors of Bahia and Brazil, it creates a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere.

The accommodations are designed to ensure privacy and comfort, and many offer private pools and jacuzzis. Inspired by the region's charm, the simple interior design, with a touch of the landscapes described by Jorge Amado and the songs of Caetano Veloso, invites visitors to relax and experience the true essence of Bahia.

Best for Meetings and Events: Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana

The Fairmont Rio de Janeiro, located in Copacabana, offers a luxurious urban experience with sea view and the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. This upscale hotel offers modern and elegant accommodations, ideal for executives and corporate events. With 13 conference rooms equipped to host sophisticated events, the Fairmont caters to the needs of those seeking a refined environment with a touch of vibrant Rio de Janeiro culture.

In addition to conference rooms, the Fairmont offers a fine-dining restaurant, a tapas bar, and an infinity pool, providing a complete guest experience. High-quality service and comfortable accommodations sea view make Fairmont one of the best destinations for business and leisure.

Best Breakfast: Santa Vitória Farm, Queluz, São Paulo

At Fazenda Santa Vitória, located in the Paraíba Valley, the lodging experience is complemented by an incomparable breakfast. This setting immerses guests in nature and local culture. Guests are invited to experience an authentic rural routine, including tasting fresh produce, such as artisanal cheeses and garden produce.

Furthermore, the accommodations' architecture was designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable stay. Furthermore, the staff, made up of local residents, guarantees warm and personalized service, aiming to offer genuine contact with the region's culture and hospitality.

Best for Green Practices and Sustainability: Ibiti Project, Minas Gerais

The Ibiti Project, located near Ibitipoca State Park, is an example of sustainable hospitality. Covering 6,000 hectares dedicated to the conservation of the Atlantic Forest, the project offers accommodations in three distinct formats: Engenho, Village, and Remote. Each provides a unique immersion, whether in local culture or pristine nature.

In addition to sustainable practices such as organic production and environmental education programs, Ibiti offers trails, waterfalls, and regional gastronomic experiences. The initiative aims to create conscious tourism that values the environment and promotes interaction with the local community.

Best Urban Hotel: Hotel Santa Teresa MGallery, Rio de Janeiro

Located in the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood, the Hotel Santa Teresa MGallery combines luxury with the cultural charm of Rio de Janeiro. With 44 rooms, the hotel features a design that reflects Brazilian identity, utilizing natural materials such as tropical woods and organic fibers.

This boutique hotel is known for its welcoming atmosphere and panoramic views of the gardens and neighborhood. In other words, every detail has been designed to provide an authentic and peaceful experience in the heart of the city. This hotel is located on a site that was once a coffee farm in the 19th century.

Best Gastronomic Experience: Toca da Coruja, Pipa Beach, Rio Grande do Norte

Toca da Coruja, located on beautiful Pipa Beach, is renowned for its high-end dining experiences. It's also located in a private Atlantic Forest reserve, offering guests the opportunity to reconnect with nature in a sophisticated setting.

With restaurants that promote local cuisine and the slow-food movement, Toca da Coruja offers menus that celebrate fresh ingredients and the preservation of Northeastern gastronomic culture. The charming atmosphere and proximity to nature make Toca da Coruja a unique destination for food lovers.

Finally, the awards received by Brazilian establishments in Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025 highlight the quality and diversity of the country's lodging experiences. In other words, they are eclectic and varied, catering to even the most experiential tastes. These include everything from eco-friendly retreats to sophisticated urban and beachfront options.