NEWS
Four Seasons to debut luxury beachfront hotel in Rio de Janeiro’s Leblon
Four Seasons will return to Brazil in 2029 with the opening of Four Seasons Hotel Rio de Janeiro at Leblon, a new luxury beachfront hotel on one of the city’s most coveted stretches of sand. Developed in partnership with Catuaí Asset, the property will rise from the former Hotel Marina Palace, which is set to undergo a full transformation. The hotel will feature around 120 rooms and suites in the tallest building in Leblon, all oriented toward panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Positioned steps from Rio’s cultural landmarks and framed by iconic beaches and tropical landscapes, the project aims to set a new benchmark for high-end hospitality on the city’s south shore.
Planned as a flagship opening for the brand in South America, Four Seasons Hotel Rio de Janeiro at Leblon will combine a prime seaside address with a complete reimagining of a well-known local landmark. The existing tower, long recognised on the Leblon skyline as Hotel Marina Palace, will be fully renovated inside and out, with its vintage façade and interiors replaced by a design language that balances timeless architectural character with elevated contemporary luxury. As the tallest building in the neighbourhood, the property is poised to become a new reference point on the beachfront, giving guests unobstructed vistas over the Atlantic and toward Rio’s sculpted coastline.
The location connects future guests to both the city and its natural setting. Set along Leblon beach, the hotel will sit within easy reach of Rio’s museums, theatres, nightlife and open-air attractions, from beachfront promenades and neighborhood squares to the city’s surrounding hills. The wider destination offers a mix of architectural and cultural highlights, including recognition as UNESCO’s World Capital of Architecture and the presence of Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. With new investments underway in the Leblon area, the arrival of Four Seasons adds further momentum to the neighbourhood’s evolution as a hub for lifestyle, leisure and high-end hospitality.
Within the hotel, design will focus on making the most of the building’s height and setting. Guestrooms and suites are envisaged as light-filled retreats that frame the ocean and city from multiple angles, with materials and finishes chosen to reflect Rio’s coastal atmosphere in a refined way. Public areas will be oriented around views as well, from a rooftop bar and pool that look directly over the Atlantic to a signature restaurant that celebrates locally inspired cuisine alongside international classics. The aim is to create spaces that feel both contemporary and enduring, preserving a sense of the site’s history while clearly expressing Four Seasons’ modern luxury standards.
Wellness and leisure will play a central role in the guest experience. Plans call for award calibre spa and fitness amenities, along with a curated program of beachfront activities that invite guests to engage with Leblon’s sand and sea. Whether starting the day with oceanfront exercise, unwinding by the rooftop pool at sunset, or exploring Rio’s shoreline on foot, visitors will be able to move fluidly between calm, restorative moments and the city’s vibrant energy. The hotel’s position about 30 minutes by car from Galeão International Airport will make it accessible for international and domestic travellers looking to combine short urban breaks with longer beach-led stays.
From a portfolio perspective, Four Seasons Hotel Rio de Janeiro at Leblon continues the company’s deliberate expansion in South America. The property will join existing regional hotels such as Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires, Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá and Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá, as well as Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena, which is slated to open in 2026. For Catuaí Asset, the project aligns with its strategy of investing in high-profile real estate with long-term value, transforming a historic beachfront building into a new-generation luxury address. Together, the partners are positioning the hotel as a legacy project for Rio, designed to endure as a landmark for decades to come.
Source: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
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