Elite Traveler March-April 2016

EXPLORE RIO DE JANEIRO

STAY

ULTIMATE SUITE Hotel Fasano, Deluxe Ocean Front Suite Since inaugurating its flagship São Paulo hotel in 2003, Fasano has come to define all that is cool and contemporary in Brazil – with the added benefit of gastronomic heft. (The family has been in the restaurant and accommodation business for a century.) Fasano Rio’s rooftop infinity pool and private beach are meeting places for the glitziest of carioca high society; look out for Alessandra Ambrosio and Gisele Bündchen. Inside it’s all moody hallways, Philippe Starck-designed mirrors and Sergio Rodrigues chairs. The 1,400 sq ft Deluxe Ocean Front Suite is seriously lavish, decorated in muted brown and beige hues, with gorgeous wood floors and sleek furnishings. It comes with marble bathrooms plus a 355 sq ft terrace with a panoramic ocean view. From $4,100 per night fasano.com.br

OUT OF TOWN WHERE TO GO IF YOU WANT A…

BEACH BREAK Búzios

RUSTIC RETREAT Minas Gerais Minas Gerais is known for its colonial mining towns and cachaça distilleries. The 8,000 acre private estate Reserva do Ibitipoca is ideal for kicking back. There are eight suites though our choice is the farmhouse. With a private landing strip and heliport, it is a short flight from Rio. reservadoibitipoca.com.br

TRADITIONAL VILLAGE Paraty This colonial outpost on the Costa Verde has gorgeous bars, boutiques and restaurants. It’s a pleasure to stroll around the cobbled streets admiring the architecture. Stay at Casa Amarelo, a five-bedroom, colonial beachfront property with a pool and hammocks. sjvillas.co.uk

Take a chopper or rent a car to cross the Rio-Niterói bridge to Búzios, a fishing village until the 1960s. Now the resort has upmarket restaurants, bars and hip boutiques. The cobbled Rua das Pedras is party central. Stay at Cliffside Villa, a five-bedroom mansion with pool and hot tub. oasiscollections.com