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Next to Pele’s house in Rio’s far south, this neo-rococo boutique with stunning views could be Gianni Versace’s Rio fantasy home.
Rooms are colour-themed (with bathrooms in natural marbles to match, including one in an astonishing shade of fuschia). They come with balconies perched over the ocean, with breath-taking and views of Dois Irmaos mountain and the wild Atlantic.
The twin pools and al-fresco breakfast terrace have been used for fashion shoots, and the Asian-European fusion food by an Alain Ducasse-trained chef is sumptuous. That’s a good thing, because alternative eateries, bars and the famous beaches are a 20-minute cab ride away.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[3 miles]
Hang-gliding heaven from atop a giant rock monolith, and out over rainforest, bays and beaches. One of the world’s greatest hang-glides.
Best for ages: 14+ | £120 | 3 hours
Rio de Janeiro , Southwestern Region, Brazil[4.8 miles]
Get a deeper understanding of Rio life with an insider tour of its famous favelas.
Best for ages: 13+ | £25
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[8.2 miles]
Rio’s lush urban rainforest climbs over the mountains that surround the Christ statue and Atlantic beaches, affording some of the world’s most beautiful urban views. Excellent for hiking, biking and wildlife-spotting.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[10.1 miles]
Breathy and breathtaking rainforest hike to the highest peak in Rio de Janeiro’s urban mountain range, stopping at Tijuca National Park’s waterfalls on the way.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 4 hours
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[1.7 miles]
This half-day hike through a wildlife- and waterfall-filled rainforest ends with a scary summit scramble. It rewards, though, with the best views in Rio. Guided rock climbs are also on offer.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 6-8 hours
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[8.2 miles]
Once the Emperor’s private retreat, these gardens brim with rare plants and are a haven for birds and butterflies
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[8.2 miles]
Rio’s prettiest, chicest ocean beach, is watched over by the impressive Dois Irmaos mountain that sits behind. The water is cleaner, and the crowd more exclusive the further south you go, where Ipanema Beach merges into the more upscale Leblon Beach.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[8.8 miles]
Pelé da Praia has been teaching locals and tourists Brazilian football tricks on Ipanema beach for more than a decade. One-to-one tuition and group classes available. Contact him at peledapraia1@hotmail.com.
Best for ages: 8+ | £15 | 1-2 hours
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Southeastern Region, Brazil
Heaven for healthy hedonists – hang glide, surf or hike by day, relax on the beach and party all night. Then, of course, there’s that carnival…
