Mama Shelter, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Mama Shelter group of hotels has now expanded to Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian capital of sun, surf and samba. Set across three historic houses, the playful 50-room property is located in the hilltop neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, where picturesque winding streets are sprinkled with artfully crumbling Portuguese colonial houses slotted among boutiques, cafés and art galleries, while widespread vistas look out over the city’s celebrated landmarks, from Christ the Redeemer to Sugarloaf Mountain and the glistening waters of Guanabara Bay.

Formerly the residences of a community of artists, the property has been designed by São Paulo-based Jalil Amor, who has overseen the interiors of several Mama Shelter properties with Philippe Starck. This iteration is a cheerful, homely and  leafy abode that’s a mix of urban chic and bohemian cool.

Signature touches include grey and white hues, chalk-style wall lettering and trademark printed carpets in the guest rooms, however the roomy bar and restaurant has been painted in vibrant colours that echo the city’s buoyant spirit and bucolic surroundings. Meanwhile, the exceptionally pure Rio sunlight flooding through the large windows as well as the exotic courtyards, gives this Mama Shelter a genuine sense of place.