Two extraordinary Brazilian destinations have made it onto TIME magazine’s prestigious list of the World’s Greatest Places of 2025, highlighting the country’s unparalleled blend of culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty. This year, the spotlight falls on Roxy Dinner Show in Rio de Janeiro and Uxua Maré in Trancoso, both praised for their immersive experiences and commitment to authenticity.
In her feature, journalist Rosalind Cummings-Yeates celebrates the revival of an Art Deco treasure in Rio: “The iconic sign of Rio de Janeiro’s Roxy Theater beckons patrons back to a time when bedazzled showgirls and Art Deco elegance were the norm.” Originally built in 1938, the legendary venue has been reimagined as Roxy Dinner Show, a dazzling four-hour journey through Brazil’s diverse culture. Guests are treated to a sensory feast—traditional flavors of fish and cassava, the rhythms of bossa nova and samba, and the electrifying spectacle “Aquele Abraço,” directed by Abel Gomes, a key creative force behind the 2016 Rio Olympics ceremonies. According to TIME, the show “thrums with the sort of contagious energy and joy-filled displays that made Brazil, and this neighborhood’s nightlife scene in particular, so famous.”
Further north, Uxua Maré in Trancoso, Bahia, earned its place on the list through a masterful fusion of sustainability and luxury. In her piece, Julia Buckley recounts how Dutch designer Wilbert Das, famed for transforming Trancoso into a sought-after destination, has expanded his vision with a new beachfront retreat: “Here on remote, white-sanded Itapororoca beach, within Brazil’s Mata Atlântica, the world’s largest biosphere reserve, jungle-swaddled casas sprawl across 15 acres.” With a deep commitment to the environment, Uxua Maré features reforested lands, solar-powered homes, and indigenous Pataxó craftsmanship. TIME describes it as “a boho shack with Das-designed furniture and woodwork from indigenous Pataxó artisans,” where the only soundtrack is “parrots, monkeys, and ocean waves.”
Brazil’s presence on TIME‘s list reaffirms its standing as a dream destination, blending history, innovation, and natural wonder. Whether it’s the dazzling energy of Rio or the tranquil paradise of Bahia, these two spots invite travelers to experience the country in unforgettable ways.
