Elite Traveler March-April 2015

152 elite traveler MAR/APR 2015 ISSUE 2

Flight of fancy

Picnic under Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

Even atheists claim their first view from Christ the Redeemer – Rio’s Art Deco Wonder of the World – is akin to a spiritual experience. Not for nothing is the breathtaking sight of Jesus with his arms spread, atop the Brazilian city’s Corcovado mountain one of the most liked and shared images on the Instagram-Pinterest feeds of the social media generation. But true bragging rights come from going a step further than the grinning selfie – by having it all to yourself, at least for an hour or two. The Belmond Copacabana Palace – the iconic hotel that has hosted A-listers from Elizabeth Taylor to Luciano Pavarotti – now offers exclusive picnics for its guests, who can breakfast in the statue’s shadow before it opens to the public. This ultimate morning feast, for which you’ll have to rise at 5am, includes pastries, coffee, fresh juices of every type and freshly baked bread, all eaten as the city wakes up and the morning mist clears to reveal the bustling streets and buzzing beaches far below. Available to Belmond Copacabana guests from $1,009 per couple . Prices at Belmond Copacabana Palace start from $450 per room , per night based on a stay in a Superior City View Room which includes breakfast. To book or for more information visit belmond.com or call Bruno Caiado, chief concierge, +55 21 2548 7070

Words: Emily Mathieson. Illustration: Lucinda Rogers