Cultured owner Francois-Xavier is a former bigwig at the Paris Bourse who regularly holidayed in Rio – France’s relationship with Brazil is almost as old as Portugal’s, and much more like a mutual admiration society.
Eventually Francois found the lure of the city impossible to resist. He has created a stunningly situated cliff-hugging haven beneath São Conrado, the vertiginous birthplace of hang-gliding in Brazil.
All rooms overlook the Atlantic Ocean, and blend baroque influences, sumptuous white oak panelling and luxurious Granado toiletries with modern touches such as pre-programmed iPods. Blissfully there are no televisions…