RIO DE JANEIRO: FESTIVE | VIBRANT | PROVOCATIVE
 SEE & DO: CHRIST THE REDEEMERThis iconic monument on Mount Corcovado peak stands at 125 feet (38 meters) tall and is the second largest statue of Christ in the world. It was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. |  SEE & DO: CARNIVALRio de Janeiro has long been regarded as the Carnival capital of the world. Around 500,000 foreign visitors descend upon this city every year for the wild 5-day celebration, 40 days before Easter. It is a euphoric event of samba dancing, singing, and partying in elaborate handmade costumes. |  STAY: BELMOND COPACANANA PALACERio de Janeiro’s most famous and luxurious hotel has a long established reputation for exceptional service. Exuding 1920s glamour in every detail, the penthouse rooms have use of a private pool, wet bar, and butler service. It is the first choice for celebrities, royalty, and savvy travelers alike. |
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 STAY: MIRAMAR HOTELJust steps from the famed Copacabana Beach, this property shines with contemporary crystal, rich Brazilian woods, and classic influences. From the captivating guestrooms to the rooftop infinity pool, this hotel exudes elegance and luxury. |  STAY: LA SUITE BY DUSSOLExclusive and discreet, this modern seaside escape is dramatically set on a cliff-side with panoramic views of Rio's spectacular coastline. Lounge at one of the hotel’s two outdoor pools or its private beach, just a short saunter away. |  STAY: HOTEL FASANOThis exclusive hotel pays homage to the heyday of the Bossa Nova era in the 50’s and 60’s, when Ipanema blossomed into the city’s most charming neighborhood. Spend your days lounging by the rooftop heated marble infinity pool or sunbathing on the private strip on Ipanema Beach. |
 STAY: HOTEL SANTA TERESAIn a vibrant city like Rio de Janerio, a refuge of peace and elegance is truly a luxury. Situated in the artistic hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa, this property is a restored mansion with each apartment and suite enjoying a panoramic view of the city below. |  SPA: FASANOThis spa is dedicated to holistic wellness. Among their specialties are the jet-lag-relieving treatments and their Vichy shower room for exclusive hydro-treatments. |  SPA: COPACABANASophisticated and elegant, the services at this spa are comparable to what you’ll find at other establishments in the city. However, the use of Brazilian ingredients such as açaà and guaraná fruits, white clay from the Amazon, and essential oils is a nice touch. |
 SPA: LE SPAThe services at this luxurious and tropical spa are centered around providing deep relaxation. Their anti-stress massages are designed to not only relax your body, but also your soul. |  EAT: LE PRÉ CATELANExperience exotic flavors from the Amazonia prepared with the refinement of French cuisine in one of the most awarded restaurants in the city. |  EAT: OLYMPEMixing the old world with the new in dishes like duck with passion fruit, the chef carefully selects the use of Brazilian ingredients in his recipes to both delight and satiate discerning restaurant guests. |
 DRINKS: ¡VENGA!Known for their Spanish tapas, this restaurant is located on Rua Dias Ferreira which is the best strip for dining in Rio de Janeiro. Nibble on the jamón ibérico and sip on a glass of Rioja as you watch the locals stroll by. |  DRINKS: CAIPIRINHAConsidered to be the national drink of Brazil, the Caipirinha is made with cachaça, sugar and lime juice. Light and refreshing, enjoy this uniquely Brazilian cocktail garnished with a lime wedge. |  DRINKS: CACHAÇAOriginating in the early 1500s, cachaça is the national liquor of Brazil. Although it is similar to rum, it is distilled from sugar cane juice rather than molasses. The traditional way to enjoy cachaça is straight up. The locals will sip it in a small glass and let the drink linger in their mouths to take in the whole flavor of the drink. |
 SEE: IPANEMA BEACHJust past Copacabana in a more upscale neighborhood is Ipanema Beach. This is where you'll want to see and be seen. Regarded as one of the sexiest beaches in the world, drink in the gorgeous view and beautiful people. Stick around for the sunset and applaud along with the rest of the beachgoers. |  SEE: COPACABANA BEACHThe iconic 2 1/2-mile stretch of sand along the city of Rio de Janerio, is one of the most famous beaches in the world. Its popularity makes it the perfect location for people-watching and making friends with the locals. |  SEE: SAMBASamba is recognized around the world as a symbol of Brazilian national identity. Throughout the year, the samba schools of Rio de Janeiro have various events that begin months before Carnival. If you’re not able to be there for Carnival, visit one of the schools to get a taste of this sexy dance. |
 SEE: SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAINTake a three minute cable-car ride up to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain to witness some of the most breathtaking panoramic views on the city. More than a million tourists visit Sugarloaf every year. |  EAT: ROBERTA SUDBRACKWhile the eight-course tasting menu is beyond compare, make sure to leave room for the highly acclaimed dessert offering which revolves around Brazilian fruits. Of special note is the famous banana ice which is made only with fruit at the very peak of its ripeness. |  EAT: MEEProviding an innovative menu of specialties prepared by chefs who have learned Asian culinary techniques in Bangkok. Be prepared to take a gastronomic journey through Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Vietnam, China, and Japan. A sake stewardess helps pair each dish with over 25 varieties. |
 EAT: LASAIThe Brazilian-focused menu at this popular restaurant is written each day based on what’s available from local producers. Only two menus are offered – one which allows you to select from a small list of delectable dishes or the second which puts the entire experience in the kitchen’s hands. The choice is yours. |  SHOP: CACHACACachaça is the national liquor of Brazil. One of the newest brands, Novo Fogo, is from a boutique distillery based in the mountains of Southern Brazil. |  SHOP: COFFEEBrazil produces 30 to 35 percent of the world’s coffee but the kind that should take up space in your luggage is Santos. Stop by Armazém do Café to pick some up as souvenirs. |
 SHOP: HAVAIANASBrazil is the birthplace of Havaianas. Created in 1962, these fun and colorful flip-flops have become a way of life for most Brazilians. |
Descend upon this vibrant city to experience the world’s largest Carnival, the gorgeous soft white sand of Ipanema Beach, and the lively beat of the samba. Presiding over Copacabana Beach is the renowned Christ the Redeemer monument which beckons visitors to the majestic Corcovado Mountain. A fabulous day usually begins with a refreshing cup of fresh fruit juice, a little capoeira at the beach, churrascaria for lunch, followed by cachaça-fueled caipirinhas as the sun sets. With its stunning beaches, dramatic mountains, and colorful art deco architecture, it's easy to fall in love with Rio de Janeiro.
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BEFORE YOU GO
GETTING AROUND
The best way to get around Rio is by foot or taxi. Taxis are plentiful, relatively inexpensive, and easy to hail on the city's main streets. For reliable service though, ask your concierge to arrange a taxi for you.
For transfer service to and from Rio de Janeiro International Airport, it’s best to make arrangements ahead of time. Renting a car isn’t the best mode of transportation, as Rio has some of the world’s most congested traffic.
STAY
Hotels in Rio de Janeiro capture the glamour of the 1920s as well as the relaxed ambience of the Bossa Nova era without sacrificing a truly exceptional experience. Most properties are mere steps from Copacabana Beach, but there are a few tucked discreetly away from all of the activity.
EAT
Brazilian cuisine reflects the melting pot of people, languages, and customs of the different regions. Many of the top restaurants in the city however, don’t shy away from offering an innovative take on their country’s cuisine from the Amazonia.
Lasai - Michelin Starred
Le Pré Catelan - Michelin Starred
MEE - Michelin Starred
Olympe - Michelin Starred
Roberta Sudbrack - Michelin Starred
DRINKS
Nightlife in Rio de Janeiro starts early and continues late. Very late. The key is to learn to pace yourself. While many revelers enjoy the raucous energy of street parties, a host of sleek and chic lounges and upmarket gastro-bars are welcome alternatives.
Rio Scenarium-Pavilhão da Cultura
SEE & DO
Soaring mountains, cerulean waters, and sexy samba captivate all who visit this dazzling city. One of the Seven Wonders of the World looks out over the jaw-dropping scenery and once a year, the streets fill with music and ornately costumed Carnival dancers. So much to do. So little time.
Armação dos Búzios - Day Trip
Christ the Redeemer - UNESCO
Ilha Grande - Day Trip
Paraty - Day Trip
SPA
Spas in Rio de Janeiro are not as plentiful as one might expect but there are a select few which cater to the wellbeing of the heart, body and soul. Pampering yourself here won’t be a problem.
SHOP
Brazil produces 30 to 35 percent of the world’s coffee but the kind that should take up space in your luggage is Santos. Stop by Armazém do Café to pick some up as souvenirs.
Brazil is the birthplace of Havaianas. Created in 1962, these fun and colorful flip-flops have become a way of life for most Brazilians.
Cachaça 51 is the most popular brand of cachaça in Brazil with about 30% of the market share. It should be simple to find and is considered to be of the best quality among its competitors.
For a fun cachaça gift, look into Cachaça Germana. It is an artisanal cachaça sold in a premium bottle wrapped in sugarcane leaves. One of the newest brands, Novo Fogo, is from a boutique distillery based in the mountains of Southern Brazil.