Amanresorts Heads to Brazil with Amanoca

Attention Amanjunkies. We have more details about Amanoca, the first Brazilian hotel for Amanresorts. For a long time the rumor mill suggested a 2012 opening date for this oceanfront resort, but hold onto your hats, Amanoca won’t be showing her pretty face until early 2014. The setting is nothing short of spectacular: a lush peninsula bordering a nature reserve just an hour's drive from Rio de Janeiro. The resort itself will be perched high above sea level- offering dramatic views of the white sand beach from its multiple swimming pools.

Along with the 23-suite resort, 19 residential villas will have access to this coveted piece of real estate. (Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International Architects, the furnished villas start at $6.5 million.) The resort will limit car traffic on its 70 acres; golf cart paths will link it. As far as the facilities are concerned, expect a destination Beach Club with water sports, private yachts fully staffed with crews, restaurants, a private library and a multi-media theater.