BLTA presents its members' international awards granted in 2024 by renowned publications in the luxury tourism segment

For the Brazilian Luxury Travel Association, 2024 was a year marked by great successes in the luxury tourism segment in Brazil. This is attested by the significant number of national and international awards compiled in a survey by the association, committed, since its creation in 2008, to the promotion – inside and outside the country – of excellent Brazilian hospitality.

Based on information collected by BLTA from its members up until the end of January this year, the entity compiled the most relevant awards, certifications and seals won by its members – 61 hotels and 8 operators. As a highlight, the research highlights the recognition granted to Brazilian enterprises by the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, an annual vote by the independent guide that, for over 40 years, has been a reference for travelers and recognizes the best hotels, spas and resorts in the world.

Seven BLTA members were highlighted in several categories of the guide: Casa dos Arandis, in the Maraú Peninsula/BA (Readers' Award), Pousada Estrela D'Água, in Trancoso/BA (Best Beachfront Hotel), Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, in Rio de Janeiro/RJ (Best for Meetings and Events), Fazenda Santa Vitória, in Queluz/SP (Best Breakfast), Ibiti Projeto, in Lima Duarte/MG (Best for Green Practices and Sustainability), Hotel Santa Teresa Rio MGallery, in Rio de Janeiro/RJ (Best Urban Hotel) and Toca da Coruja, in Praia da Pipa/RN (Best Gastronomic Experience).

Located in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul for over 35 years, since conservationist and entrepreneur Roberto Klabin (President of the BLTA Board) transformed part of his family's farm into a luxury accommodation, Caiman was honored, in December 2024, with an exclusive honor: it was the only Brazilian hotel recognized among the Best Hotels and Resorts in Mexico, Central America and South America, integrating the prestigious The Gold List 2025, a vote that brings together global editors of Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

For BLTA CEO Camilla Barretto, the number of awards reflects not only the excellence and warm dedication that symbolize Brazilian hospitality, but also the uniqueness and exuberance of the country’s distinguished tourist destinations. “The awards and recognition that our members have been receiving through relevant publications, such as the Condé Nast Johansens guide, which guides the choices of a very demanding, informed and qualified public, attest to the fact that Brazil and our partners have products and services that are on par with the best in the world. We have an immense coastline, mountains, rich biodiversity, the impressive nature of our biomes – not to mention the wealth of our cultural expressions. Therefore, we must be truly proud of our Brazil so that this powerhouse gains increasing visibility in the world”, argues Camilla.

Certifications

The list of most symbolic recognitions compiled by BLTA also reveals important certifications, such as the Virtuoso Preferred Partner, a seal from the global Virtuoso network that recognizes the excellence of the best luxury travel operators and granted the title to the operator Very Latin. Amid its 25th anniversary celebrations, the operator Auroraeco was honored with the 1st Grand Serandipians DMC Champion Gold 2025 seal, granted by the prestigious Serandipians & Takumians by Traveller Made network, which was also awarded to the operator Passion Collection. An award that highlights the two companies as leaders among the best DMCs (Destination Management Companies) in the luxury travel sector, reaffirming their commitment to providing exceptional experiences and promoting Brazil as a destination of excellence. Among the associated hotels that make up the BLTA portfolio, the Txai Resort & SPA Itacaré received the 1st Grand Serandipians Hotel Champion 2025 seal.

Other members also stood out in other rankings: World Travel Awards, Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice Awards, Forbes Travel Guide, The Gold List 2025 and 50 Best Hotels in Brazil, by Exame magazine, which placed Pedras do Patacho Hotel Boutique (Porto de Pedras/AL) in 25th place. Champion of honors, Belmond Copacabana Palace also stood out in the Michelin Guide. In the same year, the Readers' Choice Awards 2024 ranking, by Condé Nast Traveler, awarded, in the TOP 20 Hotels in South America category, the following associates: Fasano group (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Angra dos Reis/RJ and Boa Vista, the latter located in Porto Feliz/SP), Emiliano (São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro), Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (Foz do Iguaçu/PR), Belmond Copacabana Palace (Rio de Janeiro/RJ) and Botanique Hotel Experience (Campos do Jordão/SP).

In another category, TOP 15 Resorts in South America and Antarctica, also from Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards 2024, the following were awarded: Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort (Governador Celso Ramos/SC), Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa (Trancoso/BA), Txai Resort & SPA Itacaré (in Itacaré/BA) and Kenoa Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort (Barra de São Miguel/AL), the latter also featured in a Business Insider report for receiving the 2024 Global Recognition Award for Pioneering Sustainable Luxury Hospitality, recognizing its commitment to offering luxury hospitality aligned with sustainable practices.

In another Condé Nast Traveler ranking, Best Places to Go in Central and South America 2025, the Barracuda hotels (Barracuda Hotel & Villas and Barracuda Boutique) and Txai Resorts, all in Itacaré (BA), were highlighted. The properties represent the excellence of Brazilian hospitality by providing experiences that combine luxury, connection with nature and immersion in local culture.

Given these different awards, Camilla Barretto says that this year promises much more. “Embratur has just launched a campaign aimed at the international public with the slogan 'There is no place like Brazil'. The statement is very true, and several advertisements are already starting to be aired in Europe. Specific actions like this should attract more and more attention to our country. Therefore, I bet that the recognitions granted to our associates throughout 2024 are just the beginning. In 2025, we expect to close the year with many more awards and achievements”, she concludes.

Source: BLTA.