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Welcome to the jewel of Brazil!
At once both a cinematic cityscape and a grimy urban front line, Rio de Janeiro, known as the cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city), is nothing if not exhilarating. Flanked by gorgeous mountains, white-sand beaches and verdant rainforests fronting deep blue sea, Rio occupies one of the most spectacular settings of any metropolis in the world. Aside from the dramatic view from Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) atop Corcovado Mountain, and famous Carnival celebrations, Rio is also a city of stunning architecture, abundant museums, and marvelous food. On your next vacation, not only fall in love with the stunning woman, but also with this little piece of Brazilian jewel.
Begin your visit by checking in at Hotel Fasano at Rio de Janeiro. With stylish rooms, a great location and a much-touted seafood restaurant and bar, this is the top destination for the style set and celebutantes. Each room comes with a relaxing view overlooking the Ipanema beach; rooms without a view simply don't justify the price. But remember to book early, since this gorgeous hotel has a limited amount of rooms. Enjoy signature poolside cocktails in their lovely rooftop infinity pool, which is truly breathtaking. The Fasano is Philippe Starck’s splashy contribution to Ipanema’s waterfront.
Feeling hungry? The Fasano hotel has it own high-class restaurants that with its breezy interior, sheds a flattering light on the glamour within. But if you wish to dine out and explore the city, head down to gourmet alley. Where the peacocks of Rio flock to the Leblon area for dinner, specifically Rua Dias Ferreira. On a one-block stretch, you can choose from the always-busy Sushi Leblon, with its sometimes-exotic sushi offerings, and Quadrucci, with its Italian takes like shrimp risotto with mango, mascarpone and arugula, their delicious food will have you licking your fingers. If the weather allows it, ask the hostess for an outside table and admire some of the Brazilian culture with your meal.
After dinner explore the city and its nightlife. This city parties late, so join the tourists, bohemians, yuppies and just-plain locals reveling in the streets of Lapa. This historic, charmingly shabby neighborhood in central Rio goes late into the night with a lively down-to-earth crowd. Duck into popular samba clubs like Rio Scenarium and the intimate Carioca de Gema. Or for a gay mega-party, cross the street to Week, a São Paulo import for the muscle-boy and D.J. groupie crowd. Otherwise, take a taxi to the Urca area and Zozô. Dramatically situated by the beach, adjacent to the Sugar Loaf cable car station, this restaurant turns into a weekend after-dinner lounge and dance club where a posh crowd of 30-something Brazilians do what they do best: look good.
As your trip comes to an end, don’t forget to relax in Rio’s world-famous beaches, Copacabana and Ipanema. These beaches give foreign visitors a sense of life in Rio. Displaying a cross-section of different lifestyles, chic boutiques and eateries and luxurious apartment buildings, they are a MUST when visiting Rio.
So on your next vacation to paradise visit Rio de Janeiro. This little Brazilian jewel has enchanted visitors for century. Rio will make you think twice before leaving!
July 31, 2023
