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The Only Brazilian Hotel in the Global Forbes List, Hotel das Cataratas in Foz do Iguaçu, Combines Luxury and Nature in Exclusive Experiences Like the Rare Lunar Rainbow, Authorial Dinners, and Safaris Through the Tropical Forest.
Forbes Travel Guide has included the Hotel das Cataratas, in Iguaçu National Park, among the 20 most innovative accommodations in the Edge List 2025.
The only representative from Brazil, the hotel was highlighted for offering privileged access to the waterfalls outside visiting hours, immersive nature experiences — like the rare lunar rainbow — and activities ranging from forest safaris to dinners with authorial menus.
The selection prioritizes projects that unite remote locations, creative proposals, sustainability, and high service standards.
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A total of 15 countries appear in the survey, indicating a shift in luxury tourism: fewer metropolises and more low-density destinations, with personalized experiences and greater contact with local cultures.
What is the Edge List 2025
Created by Forbes Travel Guide, the list brings together hotels, resorts, and cruises that transcend the traditional concept of accommodation.
The focus is not only on comfort; it values memorable experiences, respect for the environment, and consistent hospitality operations even in challenging regions.
Alongside addresses in Indonesia, Kenya, Canada, and Antarctica, Brazil features an icon located within a national park.
Hotel das Cataratas: Exclusive Access to the Waterfalls
Located in Foz do Iguaçu (PR) and managed by Belmond since 2007, Hotel das Cataratas is the only accommodation within the Brazilian park.
Therefore, guests can circulate on the walkways during reserved hours, before opening and after closing to the general public.
This differentiator is a central point in Forbes’ selection.
In addition to the proximity to the world’s largest waterfalls, the hotel organizes guided walks under the full moon — an occasion when, on clear nights with good river flow, the lunar rainbow forms — and offers activities in the Atlantic Forest that include wildlife observation, interpretive routes, and 4×4 vehicle tours.
Nature and Adventure Experiences
The program includes the Macuco Safari, which takes visitors through stretches of forest and along the Iguaçu River in high-maneuverability boats, and visits to the bird park in the region, focusing on native species.
There are also trails, photography outings, and tastings of local products such as Brazilian wines and artisanal cachaças, creating an itinerary that prioritizes regional identity.
Structure, Accommodations, and Services
Inaugurated in 1958, the hotel boasts architecture inspired by Portuguese colonial style and underwent structural renovations after Belmond took over.
The current inventory includes 184 accommodations distributed across various categories.
The entry-level options cater to those seeking practicality, while larger suites feature a separate living area and privileged views of the waterfall landscape.
The Suite das Cataratas is the largest unit in the collection and has social areas, multiple bedrooms, and balconies overlooking the river.
Common areas include swimming pools, gardens with tropical species, a spa, and dining spaces.
The service meets luxury hotel standards, with a leisure team, concierge specialized in experiences in the park, and support for itineraries in the tri-border region.
Gastronomy with Brazilian Identity
The culinary offering combines a casual poolside restaurant with another focused on a contemporary Brazilian cuisine menu.
Starters and main dishes highlight ingredients from the country, such as manioc, cupuaçu, and açaí.
On weekends, the service often includes feijoada and preparations reminiscent of the Southern barbecue, along with fish dishes and classic desserts.
Luxury Trend: Simplicity, Nature, and Authenticity
The global trend highlighted by the list shows that the top of the market has begun to connect exclusivity to sophisticated simplicity.
Instead of busy agendas in urban centers, there is a growing search for stays that offer silence, open landscapes, and genuine cultural experiences.
Common to the selected projects are the adoption of sustainability practices, involvement of local communities, and adjustments of comfort to the conditions of each biome.
The 20 Selected by Forbes in 2025, from Brazil to Indonesia
The list features a variety of destinations, from remote islands to polar expedition ships.
In Indonesia, NIHI Sumba stands out for integrating native horses into the resort’s life, offering beach rides and well-being practices.
Still in Southeast Asia, Phulay Bay, Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Mandapa, Ritz-Carlton Reserve focus on sunrise yoga experiences, diving, and Balinese rituals.
In Kenya, Solio Lodge concentrates rhinoceros safaris in a reserve with a high density of the species, while Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is connected to a Rothschild giraffe sanctuary that roams the property’s gardens.
In Rwanda, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest serves as a base for controlled treks in the volcanic mountains, with a structure focused on responsible gorilla encounters.
Thailand features Elephant Hills, promoting ethical interactions with elephants in jungle tents and floating bungalows.
In the Red Sea, Nujuma, Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers solar-powered villas and diving in preserved reefs.
In French Polynesia, The Brando operates on a private island with an ecological focus and offers whale watching during migration season.
Australia appears with Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, where cliff landscapes host wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, and sea lions.
In Peru, Tambo del Inka connects the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu via its own train station, blending architecture inspired by Inca culture and live Andean music.
In Canada, there are two addresses: Fogo Island Inn, built on granite rocks with a strong community bond in Newfoundland, and Wickaninnish Inn on Vancouver Island, which invites travelers to witness the “storm season,” when Atlantic waves reach great heights.
In Belize, Turneffe Island Resort serves as a base for diving near the Blue Hole and for sport fishing in a high biodiversity area.
Brazil is represented by the Hotel das Cataratas, the only hotel within the Iguaçu national park, recognized for its exclusive access to the walkways and for the full moon walk.
In Turkey, Argos in Cappadocia occupies ancient rock-hewn environments and offers rooms with indoor pools and caves spa.
Among cruises, Four Seasons Explorer in Palau is a catamaran aimed at divers, with access to dozens of spots in crystal-clear waters.
In the Galápagos Islands (Ecuador), Silver Origin sails with low-impact practices, such as onboard water purification and eliminating disposable plastics.
Meanwhile, Ponant Le Commandant Charcot operates in the Arctic and Antarctic regions with hybrid technology in icebreaker hulls, offering kayaking among icebergs and programs that include polar activities led by specialists.
In the United States, Cloud Camp occupies a plateau in the Pike National Forest, accessible by horse, trail, or 4×4 vehicle, and proposes nights around a campfire under a notoriously starry sky.
Finally, in Indonesia, in addition to Bali and Sumba, the mentioned resorts showcase how the archipelago maintains its prominence among nature destinations with high-standard infrastructure.
Why the Only Brazilian Made It to the Top
The combination of location within a national park, controlled access to the walkways, an activity schedule aligned with the cycles of nature, and high-quality service sustain the presence of the Hotel das Cataratas on the list.
Additionally, there is constant updating of the structure and integration with attractions in the surroundings, which meets the criteria for authentic experiences in remote settings without compromising comfort.
In light of this movement of sustainable luxury and rare experiences, what nature experience would you place at the top of your dream itinerary?
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