Rustic clifftop pousada
The inn perches high above Armação Bay, where days drift between hillside pools and sunset cocktails on the deck.
What it’s good at
Notable
Antique furnishings and rustic Brazilian timber give each clifftop suite seaside character.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The accommodations are subtly stylish, obviously assembled with a designer’s eye, but without much in the way of designer furniture — most of the pieces are rustic.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
A steep stone staircase leads down the cliff to the Orla Bardot promenade and Armação Bay.
1 of 5
The rooms
Collected antiques and rustic Brazilian timber furnish the rooms. Classic suites occupy the property's converted stables.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
An upper infinity pool overlooks Armação Bay, and the lower snail-shaped pool connects directly to a steam sauna.
The spa
Dedicated treatment rooms host massages for couples, and wooden deck loungers face the bay at sunset.
At the table
Altto serves Mediterranean seafood under exposed white rafters. Mornings begin with fresh fruit and pastries set against the brick wall.
How it began
Argentine hotelier Angelo Ronchi bought the rural casarão in the late 1970s as a gift for his daughter.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.