It started with Oscar Niemeyer. The Niterói Contemporary Art Museum, a futuristic disk hovering above the sea, was my first stop in Rio de Janeiro. With its sweeping views and architectural genius, it felt like stepping into another dimension. I sipped a caipirinha at the museum café, letting the ocean breeze mix with the citrus.
Then, I checked into Chez Georges, my Santa Teresa hideaway. Perched on a hill, the boutique hotel felt like a secret retreat. I could hear the hum of the city below while lounging in the open-air spaces, taking in the artwork that seemed to blend seamlessly with the tropical surroundings.
The next morning, adventure called. A helicopter ride with Rio2Fly—doors off, wind rushing, Rio’s coastline unfurling beneath me like a golden ribbon. Christ the Redeemer stood tall, arms wide, welcoming me into this city of contrast and vibrancy.
Back on the ground, Santa Teresa was alive. Cobblestone streets, bursts of graffiti art, and bars tucked into unassuming corners. I stopped in at Armazém São Thiago, a classic that’s been around for over a century, its dim lighting and wooden interiors the perfect respite for an afternoon of people-watching and cachaça-sipping.
Dinner at Lasai was an omakase-style dream, where every bite felt like a love letter to Brazilian cuisine. Locally sourced, artistically plated, utterly unforgettable.
Then, it was time to shift gears—to Janeiro Hotel in Ipanema. Modern, sleek, and effortlessly cool, it sat right along the beach. Through the hotel, I set up a private tour of Rio’s greatest hits—Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Selarón Steps, and Parque Lage, each a piece of the city’s heartbeat.
And then, the beaches. Copacabana, Ipanema, and for a quieter escape, Leblon. Sun-drenched days rolled into breezy nights, the rhythm of bossa nova drifting from nearby bars.
Rio wasn’t just a trip. It was a fever dream, a whirlwind of art, adventure, indulgence, and moments that felt too perfect to be real. But they were. And I’ll be chasing that feeling until I find myself back here again.
