Nature is powerful, awe-striking…and humbling. Coming face-to-face with the Iguassu Falls is certain to make one realise the extent of nature’s prowess. Unlike any other waterfall on earth, the Iguassu Falls are one of the most magnificent natural sights that I’ve ever seen. The breath-taking series of 275 cascading waterfalls span almost 3 kilometres along the Brazil - Argentina border, and attract over a million visitors a year. It is no surprise that they were declared one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Sunset at the Falls
The falls are located in the Iguassu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the tropical Atlantic Rainforest. The lush forest teems with wildlife and birdlife including jaguars, pumas, tapirs, and toucans. Within these incredible natural surroundings, boasting one of the most enviable locations in the world, stands the Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas . I got to experience this tropical haven with my family.
Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas
The pastel pink Portuguese colonial-style building first opened as a hotel in the 1958. It is the only hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls and the most exclusive place to stay when visiting the falls. Previous guests include Princess Diana, Paul McCartney, and Sean Connery.
Hotel Minibus
Set within sprawling grounds with manicured lawns, the hotel overlooks the falls. In the evenings when the Park’s day visitors have left and before they arrive in the mornings, guests at the hotel have the falls all to themselves. We took full advantage of this privilege. It was pure bliss to be able to walk on the secluded trails, and immerse ourselves in the unobstructed views of the falls at sunset and sunrise, with only the resident wildlife for company. We got to see the falls in the morning when they were shrouded in mist like the mythical Shangri-La and as the mist dissipated, and the sun’s rays begin to illuminate the falls, we were there to witness that too.
The falls in the early morning
The hotel has 193 rooms and 15 suites. We had two inter-leading bedrooms, a junior suite overlooking the falls for us and a twin bedroom for the kids. The rooms were spacious and oozed old-world elegance and charm. Pastel coloured walls, dark wooden floors and furnishings, and floral fabrics and artworks added to the colonial grandeur. A writing desk stood in the living area of the suite. Both rooms had fully-stocked minibars, coffee machines, LCD televisions and complimentary wi-fi.
Main bedroom
Kids' bedroom
Hand-written cards welcomed us to the hotel along with a tray of chocolate truffles for the adults, and milk, cookies and candy for the kids. The kids loved their sweet treats and proclaimed the cookies to be the best they’ve ever eaten. We were given other thoughtful gifts like little bottles of Iguassu water to take homes as mementoes, and journals to document our travels. The service, of course, was top-notch.
Milk and cookies for the kids
The marble bathrooms had double vanity basins, and inviting showers and bathtubs. The bathroom amenities by Granado smelt sumptuous and included soaps from Phebo, Brazil’s first luxury perfumery brand. Plush bathrobes and complimentary Havaianas, to use and take home, were provided. I couldn’t resist indulging myself. After a long walk through the forest, and a striking sunset at the falls, I got into a bubble bath and relaxed for a long while. Then I sank into the comfortable beds with crisp Egyptian linen and fell into a deep sleep.
Bathroom
In the morning, we climbed the hotel’s bell tower, the highest point in the park, to enjoy the spectacular views it offered. There is a huge swimming pool within the expansive gardens which is heated during the winter months and a small pool for the kids. I saw a lot of guests enjoying themselves there. Other facilities included a spa, a tennis court, outdoor chess boards, a gym, and a shopping area. Bicycles are available for guests to use. The Concierge can also arrange other activities in and out of the park, like helicopter flights over the falls, boat rides under the falls or treks through the South American jungle.
View from the bell tower
Buffet and a-la-carte meal options are available. We had breakfast at the poolside Ipê Grill and were spoilt for choice. Aside from the usual offerings, there were doughnuts filled with dulce de leche, chocolate croissants, and cheese buns - a delectable local delicacy. Drinks included sugarcane, watermelon, and pineapple juices.
Breakfast at Ipe Grill
The hotel is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the waterfalls, including families. There are inter-leading rooms for families with bigger kids. Baby cots and roll-away beds are available for smaller kids. The kids also get their own bathrobes and flipflops. If they get bored, they have access to Playstations, DVDs and toys, as well as the kids’ club, swimming pool and tennis courts. The restaurant has a kids’ menu too. Babysitting can also be arranged. My kids loved the hotel. My husband and I would go back in a heartbeat too.
Swimming Pool
An experience like this is hard to beat. Every traveller’s bucket list should feature the Iguassu Falls and the Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas is the best place to enjoy these wonders of nature from. I would recommend staying at least two nights so that you can enjoy rainforest spa treatments and lazy siestas under the palm trees, in between marvelling at the falls.
Central Lounge Area
For more information, visit Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas or book here.
Click here for more things to do in Foz Do Iguacu .
See more about the hotel here:
My kids loved this ad, which was playing on the TV screen in our room, and we still talk about it, when we fondly remember our stay at Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas.
Disclosure: 7
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
Nice post. I love waterfalls and visited many waterfalls. But this Iguassu falls is really amazing. Thanks for sharing such a amazing pics.
Wow, it looks amazing! I can't get over your images of Iguassu Falls. It looks stunning. It must have been incredible to be staying at accommodation so close to the falls. I also love the milk and cookies made by your hotel. I may not be a kid anymore but I would love a hotel to leave me some milk and cookies, haha 😉
A great place to be for a while, for sure.
275 falls in a 3 kilometer radius!! That sounds amazing.. So much of water in such a small area. Wow.. All the photographs seem so very beautiful. I am sure I would love this more than Niagara falls and would probably name it Rich Niagara.:P The hotel rooms are amazing too and the best part is the view from the top. Thanks for sharing this with me. I love waterfalls and I am sure this will stay in my favorite list from now on.
I'm obsessed with waterfalls so I'd chase them anywhere - even if I had to stay in a hotel that wasn't so great. But to get to stay at this super chic-adorable hotels when visiting the falls...bonus! It's so well appointed and the bell tower with that view can't be beat!
Wow what a hotel and view from top. Cascading waterfalls of Iguassu on the borders of Brazil and Argentina are amazing, specially during sunrise. Hotel room are also very Havaian styled with colorful decor and your kids must be dancing when they were treated specially with those colorful candies, cookies and milk. I would surely book this kind of hotel which is so friendly and surrounded by beautiful view.
I agree that Iguazu Falls is an amazing sight and experience. The Belmond hotel looks like it was an amazing stay. Great photos and it sounds like you had the best time.
What a special place to stay! I would never leave the room if I had a view of those falls. And I love the milk and cookies for the kids - what a thoughtful and delicious touch!
The Iguassu falls is amazing but staying at Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas doesn't sound that bad either! To have access to the falls for yourself in the morning is priceless! The rooms looks very cute and the staff are very thoughtful to leave a welcome gift for the family. I would definitely stay at Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas if I ever get the chance!
I think its a dream to be able to have the waterfalls all to yourself when the tourists aren't there! I'd love to have a room with a view of the falls, reminds me of our stay at Nigara Fallsview Room in Canada. I would sit by the window with a cup of coffee and just..well..LOOK!
The Iguassu Falls are absolutely stunning, and I've never heard of them before. The Belmond is really stunning, and I can see why you'd return in a heartbeat! The views from the hotel and the interiors are gorgeous, and very stylish too!
I have this waterfall/national park on my wishlist too! It is so beautiful and awe-inspiring. It is a bucket list item for me, for sure, as I love any kind of waterfalls. The hotel looks dreamy too! Love that massive pool!