This particular bend on Santa Teresa's long and winding main road (and former route of the now-defunct tram) can now boast not only the neighbourhood's best restaurant, Espírito Santa, but also one of the better boutique pousadas thanks to the arrival of Quinta Azul. The layout is unusual, tiered down the hill below and thus affording the one 'Deluxe' room a terrace complete with (cold water only) jacuzzi, and the furniture is largely rustic and unusual in a style that befits the local area. The 'Premium' rooms are small but well-equipped, and, being a bit further downhill than most of Santa's lodgings, Centro is but a ten-minute taxi ride away.

• Featured in Time Out Rio's 15 Coolest Places to Stay