72 Hours at Fasano Angra dos Reis
After an opulent wedding celebration in the heart of Paraguay, Sebastian and I craved a serene interlude before continuing our South American route to Rio de Janeiro. Our next stop: the Fasano Hotel Angra dos Reis — a much-discussed coastal retreat that promised understated elegance and the quiet luxury synonymous with the Fasano brand. Our expectations were naturally high, especially after having explored numerous high-end resorts across the globe this year. A three-night stay in October seemed the perfect choice for unwinding, and Angra dos Reis, with its tropical fjords and lush mountainous coastlines, did not disappoint — at least in terms of nature.
The Fasano Group has always been a benchmark in Latin American hospitality. Their Rio de Janeiro property has become a contemporary classic, and the São Paulo flagship remains iconic. Hence, we were curious: could the Angra dos Reis location match the sophistication and cosmopolitan energy of its urban siblings — or does it offer something else entirely?
Let’s be clear: Fasano Angra dos Reis is not aiming to be a city hotel in a resort setting. It speaks a different language — one that whispers rather than shouts. And yet, some of its silences were a bit too quiet.
Arrival & First Impressions
Located about 2.5 hours from Rio by car, the drive to the property can be as enjoyable as the destination itself. Towering greenery, glimpses of the Atlantic, and the gradual peeling away of urban noise mark the transition from metropolitan Brazil to coastal seclusion.
As we passed through the gated entrance of the Porto Frade development, where Fasano is nestled among luxury residences, golf greens, and a small marina, we were struck by how planned and pristine everything looked. Some might call it artificial — others might say it’s perfectly manicured. That will depend on your taste.
The hotel itself is discreet. A low-rise structure facing a calm bay, with sleek tropical architecture, crisp white façades, and plenty of local wood and stone. If you’ve been to Fasano Trancoso or the villas of Bahia Vik in Uruguay, you'll feel a familiar aesthetic pulse — contemporary, warm, and resolutely Brazilian.
Check-in was smooth and polite. Perhaps a bit too formal for a resort of this nature, but efficient. That said, despite low occupancy, no mention was made of any gesture — not even a minor upgrade. We had booked an entry-level room, and that’s exactly what we received. For a hotel group that trades so strongly on subtle elegance, such omissions feel glaring.
Our Room
Our entry-level “Superior Garden View” room was generously sized and cleverly designed. A warm, neutral color palette with soft beige tones, natural textiles, and subtle nautical references framed our three-night retreat. The king bed was supremely comfortable, the linens crisp and cool, and the balcony offered a filtered sea view through tall coconut palms. The bathroom was spacious, featuring a walk-in shower, double vanity, and excellent lighting for grooming — always a plus in resort settings.
The room had an effortless sense of place. It wasn’t trying too hard — no splashy branding, no overdone tropical kitsch. And yet, it lacked a certain “wow” factor that some of Fasano’s other properties so naturally convey. The minibar was solid but uninspired, the welcome note generic. These aren’t major issues — and yet, they matter when you’re paying rates that suggest quiet perfection.
Dining
The culinary experience was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our stay. Fasano’s gastronomic identity is rooted in Italian cuisine with a contemporary Brazilian twist, and here, that tradition is beautifully continued.
The main restaurant, designed with a semi-open layout and views onto the marina and bay, served elegant yet accessible dishes. We particularly enjoyed the seafood risotto and a burrata starter with locally sourced tomatoes and basil that had incredible depth of flavor. Breakfasts served upstairs in the café were generous, with à la carte egg dishes, tropical fruit, and some of the best pão de queijo we’ve had in Brazil. The buffet component was compact but well-curated — no excess, but thoughtful quality.
Service was warm and consistent, with staff addressing us by name from day two. A small detail, but a welcome one.
What we missed, however, was a secondary dining outlet for variety. At a resort with over 60 rooms and a growing residential clientele, a casual beachfront bar or a chef-driven bistro would have added much-needed dimension, especially for guests staying more than a couple of nights. Normally the beach restaurant is open for dinner as well however due to low season the only option was Fasano restaurant for our dinners which come included when booking a room at Fasano Angra dos Reis.
The Pool & Public Spaces
The Fasano Angra dos Reis pool area is undeniably chic. With sleek lines, pale stone, and dark parasols, it feels more Côte d’Azur than Copacabana. The pool itself is long enough for laps, but most guests were lounging rather than swimming, basking in the late October sun.
There’s an adults-only vibe throughout the hotel — not enforced, but subtly felt. Children are welcome, but the tone of the property leans sophisticated and serene. For us, this was ideal. The loungers are generously spaced, the background music well-curated, and the pool service attentive without being overbearing.
The beach, while not a traditional long sandy stretch, has its own charm. Sheltered and peaceful, with stand-up paddle boards available for guests, it’s more about calm reflection than vigorous beach sports.
The spa, located in a separate building, is expansive and beautifully designed. We enjoyed a 60-minute relaxation massage that was expertly delivered, though not groundbreaking. The hydrotherapy areas were spotlessly clean, and the relaxation lounge post-treatment was a highlight, with herbal teas and uninterrupted views of the Atlantic rainforest.
The Atmosphere
One of the unique things about Fasano Angra dos Reis is its rhythm. It’s slow, refined, and very much dictated by nature. There’s no hard sell on activities, no constant push to consume or be entertained. For some guests, this will be a dream. For others — especially those expecting a bit more energy — it might feel too subdued.
Sebastian and I found ourselves falling into this tranquil cadence. Mornings by the pool, late lunches, long walks, and quiet evenings. In many ways, it was exactly what we needed after the celebrations in Paraguay. But by day three, we were ready for a change of scene — and perhaps, a bit more interaction or experience design.
The Setback: An Unwanted Alarm Clock
Unfortunately, our final morning was disrupted by significant noise coming from the garden area just beneath our room. Landscaping staff, it appeared, had begun early work — and while we understand the necessity of maintenance, the timing and volume were unacceptable.
When brought to the attention of the front desk at check-out, we were met with polite apologies but no follow-up. No room credit, no gesture, not even a complimentary late check-out. It felt... robotic. And that, perhaps, was the most disappointing moment of our stay. The Fasano brand is built on nuance, on knowing when and how to elevate a guest’s experience. In this case, that intuition was clearly absent.
The Verdict
Fasano Angra dos Reis is a beautifully designed, well-executed resort in one of Brazil’s most naturally stunning regions. It delivers on the basics with excellence: design, dining, and ambiance. The architecture is refined, the interiors warm and tactile, and the F&B offerings, while limited in variety, are consistently high in quality. And yet, there were gaps. The lack of upgrade — even in a period of low occupancy — felt tone-deaf. The noise issue, poorly handled. And while the resort excels at serenity, it sometimes crosses into inertia.
Would we return? Possibly — but for a shorter stay, and with more managed expectations. As a prelude to our vibrant stay at Fasano Rio de Janeiro, it served its purpose. It allowed us to rest, reflect, and reset. For those seeking a low-key luxury escape with impeccable design and peaceful surroundings, Fasano Angra dos Reis ticks the boxes. Just don’t expect it to surprise you — and if you need attention to detail, be prepared to ask for it.
Would We Recommend It? Yes — with caveats. Come here to disconnect, preferably during shoulder season. And book a higher category room if design and view are priorities. Just don’t arrive expecting the warm intuition of Aman or the precision of a Four Seasons.
Disclaimer: We paid for this hotel stay and the property was unaware of our presence. As usual, this review has not been influenced and represents the author’s opinion.
