Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

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HOTEL HISTORY
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ACCOMMODATIONS
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ROOMS
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RESTAURANTS AND BAR
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LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT
RATES AND PACKAGES
OTHER SERVICES
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ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
IGUASSU NATIONAL PARK
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HOTEL HISTORY
The only hotel complex inside the Iguassu National Park in Foz do Iguassu, the Hotel das Cataratas provides visitors
with one of the richest experiences in the world: the stunning view of the waterfalls, allied to Belmond sophistication.
Part of the company since 2007, Hotel das Cataratas has been thoroughly refurbished. Its facilities have been
upgraded to new quality standards, modernizing the elegant Portuguese Colonial style building.
Opened more than 50 years ago, Hotel das Cataratas was finally ready in September 2010, having had R$ 60
million invested in it, which has gone into refurbishing the 193 rooms and common areas,
such as pools, restaurants, gardens and a new spa.
The project was created by French designer Michel Jouannet, the man who also coordinated the refurbishment of the
Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, another Belmond hotel in Brazil. Besides the main building, which contains
the reception, lobby, Tarobá bar, Itaipu restaurant, spa, fireplace-heated lounges and reading rooms, there are two
wings, built after the original opening, in 1971 and 1982, which have also been modernized. They have been
renamed the Garden Wing and Forest Wing.
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The hotel, which is just 15 miles from the airport and 25 miles from the city center, covers 161,000 square feet and
is one of the most impressive locations in South America. Overlooking the Iguassu Falls, the property is surrounded
by 185,000 hectares of tropical forest and amazing species of fauna and flora from the national park, which is the
most visited park in Brazil and has been declared by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage site. The Iguassu Falls
were identified by the New 7 Wonders Foundation, as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Besides investing in refurbishment of the complex, the Belmond group is putting R$ 9 million into the national park.
This is being used to install the electricity supply underground, as part of the project Carnívoros (see Environmental
Responsibility), refurbishing the old entrance, including the electronic gate, the installation of CCTV, and the building
of a 6 mile cycle path from the park entrance to the hotel.
Hotel das Cataratas has put Foz do Iguassu on the national and international tourist map, promoting the image of the
hotel and the country as a whole in the leading Brazilian and international markets.
In 2011, the Iguassu Falls finally reached another level in international visibility. It was chosen, by popular vote, of
the new seven natural wonders. The contest, in dispute since 2007, had 440 attractions of 220 countries, ended in
November and the victory confirmed three months later. The Swiss Foundation New 7 Wonders, responsible for
competition, also pointed the Christ the Redeemer, in Rio, one of the seven wonders of the world built by man.
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STRUCTURES & ACCOMMODATION
The initial architectural plan considered the total transformation of the rooms and common areas. The flooring,
finishing, wiring, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems were completely replaced. All the 193 rooms were
refurbished and are available for guests.
The new and modern accommodation carries on the Portuguese colonial style of the facade. Paintings by Ludmila
Demonte decorate the rooms. The bathrooms were designed exclusively, completely refurbished and finished in
white marble. The corridor carpets were also specially designed for the hotel.
The furniture stays true to the global trend towards environmental conservation, being made of certified softwood.
The curtains are decorated with motifs based on local flora and the beds are box sprung with pillow tops and include
300 or 600 thread count Egyptian cotton linen by Trussardi (the latter available in the suites). The amenities are
supplied by Granado and add to the Brazilian essence. The rooms are divided into seven categories: Superior
rooms, Deluxe rooms, Waterfalls deluxe rooms, Junior suite, Noble suite, Tower suite and Cataratas suite.
The hotel also has two large conferences rooms with a total capacity for over 200 people. The hotel offers guests
and visitors free WI-FI throughout the hotel areas.
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ROOMS
Superior rooms, Deluxe rooms, Waterfalls deluxe rooms
These include a king size double bed or two single beds measuring 2m x 1m. They have views of the gardens, the
pool or the forest. Some with partial view of the Falls. They have a digital safe with an internal socket to recharge
devices and handsets, a 32” LCD TV, clock radio, central heating and air conditioning, mini bar, hairdryer,
magnifying mirror and 300 thread count Trussardi linen. The rooms combine the extreme comfort with a softwood
floor. The bathrooms are equipped with large baths and shower, ideal to relax after walking in the National Park.
Junior Suite
The junior Suites are located in the forest wing building, with view to the gardens or to the forest – these last ones
with partial view to the falls. These comfortable deluxe rooms include a king size double bed or two single beds
measuring 2m x 1m. They have 32’’ LCD TV, DVD player, ipod docking station and goose down comforter with
duvet, besides a digital safe with an internal socket to recharge devices and handsets, clock radio, central heating
and air conditioning, mini bar, hairdryer, magnifying mirror.
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Noble Suite
These accommodations offer beautiful views of the gardens and forest and are located in the Garden Wing of the
main building. They are equipped with a king bed or two single beds measuring 2m x 1m, 32 "LCD TV, DVD player,
ipod docking station and goose down comforter with duvet, plus digital safe with internal plug to recharge electronic
devices, clock radio, central heating and cooling, fridge, hairdryer and magnifying mirror.
Tower Suite
Only a room on this standard, has a welfare atmosphere combined to an amazing view of the falls and a king size
bed. They have 600 thread count goose down Trussardi duvet and linen, 32” LCD TV, DVD player, iPod docking
station, a digital safe with an internal socket to recharge devices and handsets, clock radio, central heating and air
conditioning, mini bar, hairdryer, magnifying mirror.
Cataratas Suite
These suites have two bedrooms, one totally facing the falls and the other the front of the hotel. They are on the
second floor of the main building. These suites have a living room and both bedrooms have 95m2. They are
equipped with hot tub and can accommodate 4 people. They have 600 thread count goose down Trussardi duvet
and linen, 32” LCD TV, DVD player, iPod docking station, a digital safe with an internal socket to recharge devices
and handsets, clock radio, central heating and air conditioning, mini bar, hairdryer, magnifying mirror.
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RESTAURANTS & BARS
The eating and entertainment facilities at Hotel das Cataratas comprise two restaurants – Ipê Grill, next to the pool,
and Itaipu, with a pleasant open-air terrace – and the Tarobá and Pool Bar. The food is international with a Brazilian
twist.
Ipê Grill
Ipê, which has a more informal feel, is poolside and has been completely rebuilt, getting an air-conditioned room and
new furniture. It has space for 150 people inside, and 60 outside, near the barbecue grill. Next to the southern-style
barbecue there is a buffet with salad, hot dishes, cheese, fruit and desserts. The buffet breakfast is served here,
including fresh fruit, ten types of bread made at the hotel, natural yoghurt, cereals, cold-cuts, smoked salmon and
sparkling wine. Hot meal options can be order from the a la carte menu. There is also fresh fruit juice, coffee, tea,
milk, chocolate and more. Guests who are using the pool can also find bites to eat here.
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Itaipu
This is on the ground floor of the main building and has a veranda with a view of the waterfalls. It has been
completely reequipped. The exclusive lampshades made by artisans from Tiradentes (Minas Gerais State) and the
paintings by Dominique Jardi grab onlookers’ attention. Decorative touches are added in Portuguese style porcelain.
German crystal and WMF silverware completes the tables. The chef’s a la carte menu by the executive chef Fabio
Delantonio mixes local ingredients and international influences.
Bar Tarobá
The best cocktails and aperitifs, including the tropical and traditional to the personalized, with music from the piano
bar including popular Brazilian music, bossa nova and American standards. The location makes it the perfect place to
take in the sunset.
Pool Bar
This offers a highly varied drinks list. It is also the center for the pool service, offering guests cool moist towels to
freshen up, towels, sunscreen, tropical drinks, fruit and fruit-flavored water to stay hydrated. If guests prefer to relax
in the comfort of their rooms, they can also opt for a range of food and beverages through room service.
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LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Hotel das Cataratas offers varied leisure options in its surroundings. In addition, Iguassu National Park is a fantastic
place, with countless opportunities for adventure sports. There are boat ride close to the falls, boat trips to the
contemplation of the Iguaçu River, full moon walk, the black well trail, and more. The Bird Park, located near the
entrance gate of the park, is worth a visit. The helicopter flight is another indication of the hotel, by unveiling stunning
aerial views. Only the guests can enjoy the morning walking tour though the trails of the falls, a walk accompanied by
an eco guide. The experience takes place before the opening hours of the park or after its closes, when there are no
tourists.
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Cataratas Spa
Designed to provide guests with a natural holistic concept, the spa at the Hotel das Cataratas was opened in 2010.
With 282m² and investments of R$ 515 thousand, the complex of well-being in the main building was constructed so
that the relaxation area would overlook the lush gardens. On the menu the visitor will find about 20 rituals, including
relaxing, refreshing and invigorating. There are six treatment rooms, including one for couples, with bath; one special
for facials; body scrubs and even manicure and pedicure. There are two steam rooms, for men and women.
The menu consists of options that last from 30 to 120 minutes. The waterfalls soothes the mind and relaxes the
body; the Essence of the Amazon brings exotic essential oils for deep recovery; and Scrub Forest combines
exfoliation, massage, softening and moisturizing the skin and a refreshing bath. Following the concept of the spa, all
products used are made of natural ingredients such as lemongrass, passion fruit, green clay or organic sugar.
To prolong the experience, the sound environment is varied and always relaxing, climate favoring integration with
nature. The guest, however, can plug your iPod in treatment rooms.
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Pool
The Hotel das Cataratas has two pools at its center. The largest, original pool has been refurbished and now
measures 3337 square feet, with an infinity border. In winter, the heating system maintains the water temperature at
27ºC. A new pool, round pool, has been built for kids.
Gardens
The hotel is surrounded by tropical gardens where rare orchids and bromeliads grow. The area sis lush with tropical
vegetation because of the humidity created by the waterfalls.
Sports & fitness
There is a tennis court for guests and a fitness center in front of the pool. It is equipped with four cardiovascular
training machines and a multi-station weight machines.
Golf
There is an 18-hole course, near the park, which the hotel has a partnership with.
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Tours and trails around the Iguassu Falls
The Brazilian side of the Iguassu Falls has a great advantage as far as the panoramic view is concerned. Guests at
the Hotel das Cataratas, above all, can enjoy the most exclusive comfort: enjoy the park even before opening or after
closing hours. Therefore, only they have the chance to explore the place without other visitors, which makes the
experience even more unique.
In the four days of the full moon, only guests have another gem to their disposal. It is a tour organized by the hotel,
also accompanied by eco guide and park rangers, the trails to the falls observation of the phenomenon of the lunar
rainbow. The light of the full moon illuminates the spray of water forming numerous rainbows. The vision is unique
and is only available to those who are staying at the Hotel das Cataratas.
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Park tours
The hotel has a travel agency, Iguassu Experiences, which has been especially set up to schedule guest activities.
Options vary from walks and bike rides to going down the Iguassu River on a boat, as well as bird watching and a
helicopter trip over the falls.
The most famous trip is the Macuco Safari Tour. This 90 minute trip takes guests right up to the falls, from another
approach. From the Iguassu River, going against the current, the boat passes in front of the falls until it stops at what
is called The Three Musketeers. This thrilling experience ends with the traditional waterfall shower, as the boat gets
as close as possible to the falls.
Another suggestions is to take the Poço Preto trail, which is 5.5 miles long, and can be done on foot, bike or by
jeep. There are stops along the way to take in the local fauna and flora, and to climb to the top of a 50 foot
observation tower offering a view over the tree canopy. The trip, which lasts three hours, continues in a boat to the
island of Taquara, from where guests can take an inflatable kayak down the river, or go on to the end of the tour,
with the Banana Tree Trail.
Guests – and only guests – can take a trail inside the park before it opens. An eco guide accompanies the group,
offering an on the spot class along the way. He identifies orchids, palm trees, bromeliads and ancient trees. Visitors
are commonly surprised by small wild animals crossing the path. The options offered by the agency also include a
visit to the Itaipu power station, taking in a visit to the vantage point, command room, turbines and parts above and
below the dam, and a nighttime trip, when the moon is full. This trip includes a walk to observe the lunar rainbow, a
unique natural spectacle.
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PACKAGES & RATES
Besides the specials for holidays and vacations, Hotel das Cataratas has five package options, made to measure for
the guest profile and the reason for the trip.
Wedding night
This includes one night, breakfast in the restaurant or the room. The room is decorated with fruit, flowers and
sparkling wine. The newlyweds get a late check-out, up to 6pm.
Celebration
At least two nights, this package includes sparkling wine, flowers and fruit in the room, airport - hotel transfer, one
dinner per person (not including beverages) and Brazilian breakfast in a buffet style served in the restaurant.
Explore Cataratas
At least three nights, this includes Brazilian breakfast in a buffet style served in the restaurant, airport-hotel transfer,
the Macuco Safari and Poço Preto trail.
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Eco-Adventure
This package includes the Macuco Safari and one a la carte dinner per person (not including beverages) on one of
the two nights’ (minimum) stay.
Refúgio em Cataratas
It features four nights with breakfast buffet style and lunch a la carte or buffet-style dinner, for two people. Among the
rooms, there are options with a view both to the forest and the pool and even a 95m2 suite, with bathtub and a
dazzling view of the falls. Valid throughout the year, except on national holidays, such as Carnival and New Year, the
package also includes the round trip from the airport in Foz do Iguacu and gives 20% on any spa treatment.
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OTHER SERVICES
Stores
Guests can find jewelry and local products and exclusive items at Hotel das Cataratas. The hotel houses the
Signature Boutique, owned by the group, selling clothes and accessories; and the renowned H. Stern jewelers.
Travel agency
Inside the hotel, Iguassu Experiences is responsible for serving guests. Exclusive and private tours can be booked,
and it should be remembered that it is the only agency that provides guests with experiences inside the park before
opening times.
Internet room
A room with five computers for guest use.
Bank
There is a 24-hours HSBC ATM in the hotel, also serving clients of other banks.
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ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
As a sign of its commitment to environmental conservation, Hotel das Cataratas has just obtained ISO 14001
(environmental management) and SA 8000 (social responsibility) certifications, in 2011. They are rewards for the
constant concern for nature, with employees and guests.
Throughout the hotel’s installations, trash is collected selectively for recycling, there are electrical energy controls and
an effluent treatment station. Staff is continuously and specifically trained to take the best care of their surroundings.
The hotel has other initiatives, and through the team training program it is constantly striving to reduce the
environmental impact on this beautiful natural landscape.
One of the programs underway is “Iguassu Carnivores”, the result of an unprecedented partnership between the
Iguassu National Park, the National Conservation of Natural Predator Research Center (CENAP/ICMBio) and
Orient-Express. Initially planned to last eight years and costing R$ 1.5 million, the project will evaluate the local
carnivore population, focused on jaguars and pumas in the park and identifying the main threats. Measures will be
implemented to guarantee the survival of these two species throughout the High Paraná River Biodiversity Corridor,
as well as contributing to management of the national park.
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IGUASSU NATIONAL PARK
The Iguassu National Park, the home of the Iguassu Falls, covers 185,000 hectares of forestry reserve. Situated in
the far West of the State of Paraná, in the Iguassu River Basin, it is the last remaining extensive area of the Atlantic
Forest in the South of Brazil. The national park was created in order to preserve the area for future generations. In
1986 an important step was taken for the region when UNESCO listed it as a Natural Heritage Site.
The largest Prata Basin Park and the habitat for hundreds of species of fauna and flora, this is a conservation area in
which only 0.3% of the total extension of land is open to visitors. It also stretches into the Misiones region of
Argentina, having the Iguassu River as a natural border between the two countries. Foz do Iguaçu is now the second
largest destination of international tourists traveling to Brazil, just after Rio de Janeiro. In 2010, there were 1.3 million
foreign visitors in the park, a 37% increase over 2006. Last year, the city received more than 2.5 million tourists.
This growth prompted the arrival of other services. Airlines, for example, were responsible for tripling the supply of
flights to and from airports in Brazil and abroad. The hotel chain also was renewed. There was an investing,
according to the magazine "Veja", $ 200 million renovation of the nearly 140 lodging facilities, which employ 3500
employees today.
Iguassu Falls
The Iguassu Falls are a spectacular collection of 275 falls that stretch for 3 miles in an enormous canyon on the
Iguassu River. There are 19 large falls. The largest is the Devil’s Throat, which is 295 feet high. Only three of these
falls are on the Brazilian side: Floriano, Deodoro and Benjamin Constant. The others are on the Argentina side and
face Brazil, creating the best view from the Brazilian side.
Springing from the Serra do Mar mountains, the Iguassu Rover covers 820 miles before getting to the Iguassu Falls.
On tumbling down, the water makes a deafening noise. 19,375 square feet of water, totaling about 2.64 million
gallons, fall every second. The spray causes an enormous rainbow. Vantage points are spread around the paths
near the falls, thanks to which visitors can enjoy the tours and paths alongside the water.
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Flora and fauna
The Iguassu National Park contains amazing biodiversity and is the home to 257 species of butterfly, 18 species of
fish, 12 species of amphibian, 41 species of snake, 8 species of lizard and 45 species of mammal. In the middle of
all this nature we find the cougar, tapir and deer, as well as countless species that are threatened with extinction,
such as the leopard, otter, giant anteater and alligator. The coati, the symbol of Iguassu Falls, is a protected species
that is occasionally found in the region.
So far, 348 species of birds have been identified in the area. Besides toucans, hummingbirds and parrots, there are
also a lot of very rare species, including the black fronted piping guan, vinaceous parrot and harpy eagle. Large
swifts can be seen around the falls, as they love water and make their nests there. The region is also home to rare
and threatened species of flora. The spray produced contributes to the lush vegetation.
The flora can be divided into two main groups: seasonal semi-deciduous forest and Araucaria forest, which is
dominated by pine trees. Some tree species reach heights of 100 feet. Delicate orchids and bromeliads are found on
the forest floor.
Foz do Iguaçu – The city
Located in the triple border, Paraquai, Brazil and Argentina, is characterized by cultural diversity. The city has
280,000 inhabitants. The big influence is by Italian and German immigrants, as well as Arabic and Chinese,
because of the trade in Paraguay.
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Sobre a Belmond
Belmond Ltd. is a global collection of exceptional hotel and luxury travel adventures in some of the world’s
most inspiring and enriching destinations. Established almost 40 years ago with the acquisition of Belmond
Hotel Cipriani in Venice, the Company owns and operates 45 unique and distinctive hotel, rail and river
cruise experiences in many of the world’s most celebrated destinations. From city landmarks to intimate
resorts, the collection includes Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg; Belmond Copacabana Palace,
Rio de Janeiro; Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya; and Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara.
Belmond also encompasses safaris, six luxury tourist trains including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express,
three river cruises and ‘21’, one of New York’s most storied restaurants. Orient-Express is a trademark of
SNCF.
www.belmond.com
MORE INFORMATION - HOTEL DAS CATARATAS
WWW.HOTELDASCATARATAS.COM
RODOVIA BR 469, KM 32, FOZ DO IGUAÇU, PARANÁ. RESERVATIONS: + 55 (45) 2102-7000.
PR AGENCY - FSB COMUNICAÇÕES:
Manoela Gentil
55 21 3206-5080
55 21 9 8181-9699
[email protected]
Nina Mansur
55 21 3206-5050
55 21 9 9604-5381
[email protected]
Mariana Pinheiro
55 21 3206-5057
55 21 9 8121-7175
[email protected]
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