Wellness Travel In Brazil: How To Get The Most Out Of Your Stay

And after getting your fill in the vibrant urban setting, be sure to sneak away to the breathtaking surroundings—whether that's to retreat to a wellness spa and hotel on the city's outskirts, hiking through the Atlantic coast rain forest, lounging at a nearby beach town, or making your way to an archipelago island.

São Paulo has plenty of opulent options to pick from. We also included a wellness oasis and coastal getaway that are both a short drive away. And for good measure, we added Rio's most breathtaking hot spots. 

The hotel describes itself as an "urban oasis in the heart of São Paulo," which is really the only way to describe this palatial estate located in the middle of Parque Burle Marx. The must-do during your stay is to book a table at the restaurant, helmed by multi-Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. It's his first restaurant in South America and infuses his signature style with Brazilian ingredients.

If you head one to two hours east, you'll find yourself at Guarujá, a beach town outside of São Paulo (right alongside the other seaside escapes of Santos and Praia Grande). Here, you'll get to experience the white sandy beaches that make the Brazilian coastline famous. And the top hotel to stay in the area is this 5-star seafront hideaway by Sofitel. While in the area, be sure to check out the many beaches—including the local favorite, Eden's Beach.

For some serious R&R, this is the trendiest wellness spa outside São Paulo at the moment. Located in the countryside just west of the city, this escape provides all the relaxing amenities (and views) you might need after your stay in the city. It's particularly fitting for any equestrian lover: It has a horse stable and small working ranch on the estate that guests have access to. "Fasano Boa Vista was designed by Isay Weinfeld in the best “Fasano” fashion: stunning architecture that is seamlessly integrated with its natural environment, with distinctive, subdued elegance, and very welcoming at the same time," notes Jessica Esteves, Fasano Marketing Director.

São Paulo is a bustling cosmopolitan city, full of life and culture. But while there, be sure to venture out to the surrounding natural wonders:

A sprawling urban park, Ibirapuera is a must-visit while in the city—especially if you're craving some greenery amid the skyscrapers. It's home to sculptures, museums, fountains, trails, and more. A few of our favorite highlights: The Ibirapuera Auditorium (designed by the famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer), the Oca do Ibirapuera (an art museum also designed by Niemeyer), and the Afro-Brazil Museum.

For ecotourists, it'd be a shame to visit Brazil without getting a sense of the country's biodiversity. To experience the lush, expansive nature of Brazil, this state park will make for an awe-inspiring day trip out of the city. It is home to the Serra do Mar mountain range, stretches of beaches, and the Atlantic Forest (in fact, it counts itself as the largest remaining continuous region of the rain forest). It's a very large state park, so for those coming in from the city, there are several visitor centers to start your adventure. We recommend finding guided tours and hiking groups.

You simply cannot visit Brazil without experiencing beach life through the eyes of the locals. When in São Paulo, that means making your way to Guarujá, Santos, and Praia Grande. These coastal cities are all right next to one another, and all offer golden beaches to spend your days in the sun. For a real getaway, head to the archipelago island of Ilha de São Sebastião. It's between the São Paulo and Rio but literally known as "the beautiful island," so you can imagine why people are tempted to make the pilgrimage.

Beauty culture is thriving in Brazil. For many Brazilians, regular salon and spa appointments aren't thought of as a nicety but a necessity. "Brazilians treat lymphatic drainage massage appointments like Americans treat their nails; you get one every week—sometimes twice a week," says Josie Rushing, founder of Brazilicious Beauty Spa, noting that she got her first massage at the age of 12 while joining her mother's appointment. Beauty appointments are seen as a form of important self-care. People also create strong bonds with the pros they see and build community around their beautifying rituals.

Brazilian cuisine is mouthwatering—and these São Paulo standouts add a fresh new flair.

Serving a variety of local favorites in a modern, airy setting, this is a sure bet for a good time. It's run by a husband and wife duo—the wife runs the kitchen, and the husband serves the front of the house—and they certainly make it feel like home. Don't miss out on one of their special Caipirinhas (Brazil's national cocktail that contains the liquor cachaça, along with sugar and lime), which add unique touches to the classic cocktail.

Dimly lit, sprinkled with string lights, adorned with greenery, and oh-so intimate, Chou is worthy of one of your São Paulo evenings. The menu includes several shared plates for a happy group feeling peckish, options cooked on their charcoal firewood grill for those wanting to sample the famous Brazilian steaks (they also have veggies on the grill), hearty dishes from the kitchen, and several mouthwatering desserts. 

Largely considered one of the best restaurants in the world, this is a must-do for any foodies visiting the city. The dream of chef Alex Atala, this restaurant uses authentic Brazilian ingredients as the centerpiece of every dish created. The tasting menu is experimental but always serves D.O.M.'s higher purpose of showcasing the rich and bold flavors of the country. The feast is a feat. A word of warning: It takes months to get a table–plan early.

Have fun with your attire in Brazil.

There's much to explore in São Paulo and its surrounding areas. The city itself is bustling with life, but if you venture out to nearby beach towns and the countryside, you'll be met with tranquility and ease.