The Girl from Ipanema

We LOVED Rio and Sao Paulo!  This was a trip we took last March so I am only posting the memories and images that really stood out!

Fasano- Rio:

The Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro was designed by French designer Philippe Starck and is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Wood, glass, marble, and leather are the core materials used in the design. A giant Pekia tree was used to create the recption desk- truly stunning. The small boutique hotel overlooking Ipanema beach enjoys a spirit of sophisticated casualness, with many furnishings in the vein of 1950s and ’60s Brazilian design, including pieces by Studio Branco & Preto, Sergio Rodrigues and exclusive creations by Philippe Starck.  I was immediately reminded of the decor of the Soho House in Manhattan. Modern yet casual with a few traditional pieces mixed in.  Bedrooms have soothing white walls, leather-upholstered Mies daybeds, and private balconies. The butler service, egyptian cotton sheets, snuggly down comforters keep you relaxed and comfy. The two pairs of local Havaianas flip-flops they place in your hotel leaves you with no excuse not to hit the beach and watch a game of foot volley!

The rooftop pool (guests only) offers stunning panoramas of Rio’s storied natural skyline, including the nearby Pao de Azucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain). There’s also a fitness center, nightclub (Londra), and upscale shopping options nearby.  We would sit up on the roof for cocktails ( there are many delicious options to choose from including a freshly carved coconut- yum!) and watch the sunset behind Corcovada ( Christ The Redeemer).

The Fasano Rio also includes the Al Mare restaurant, which serves Italian/Brazilian seafood cuisine under the command of Chef Luca Guzzoni, formerly of Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence.  I had the risotto with saffron and rock lobster…. delicious!!

All colors seem brighter in Rio- I can still see the sun drenched yellows, greens, reds, and blues.  The locals playing futbol ( soccer) on the beach and the beach vendors are all dressed in brightly colored clothes/ bathing suits.

We journeyed into Lapa for a night of live music.  The band was incredible and never took a break.

Fasano- Sao Paulo

The hotel is located on a tree lined street in the Jardins section of Sao Paulo.  The decor is similar with dark wood, stone, imported english furniture mixed with brazilian furniture from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. The scattered books, long fireplaces, and large leather club chairs make you feel like you have entered a private club rather than a hotel lobby.  The long bar is dead ahead and they make a mean caiparinha.  The large antique map of the world which hangs behind the reception desk is beautiful.  To my mind, this hotel had the perfect decor for a manhattan bachelor. So stylish and chic but maintaining a sense of comfort.

The bar/ lounge was the spot to be at night.  There was an amazing jazz singer performing Sinatra songs.

Favorite Restaurant: Figueria Rubaiyat – The prettiest restaurant in Sao Paulo.  The outdoor tables are set up under the branches of a giant sprawling Fig tree ( thought to be over 130 years old). The baskets of Pao de Queijo ( bread backed with cheese inside…do not ask how many I ate) could not come fast enough.

Book your trip to the Fasano: http://www.fasano.com.br/

xo,

S

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