Tag Archives: Rio de Janeiro

Made in Rio

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From sun-drenched beaches to a backdrop of verdant, forested mountains brimming with wildlife, from exotic cuisine to warm, welcoming locals, Rio de Janeiro truly is the city that has it all, which is no doubt the reason why our Facebook fans voted it as one of their favourite cities. It might not be Brazil’s capital, but the Ciadade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City) is without doubt the life and soul of the party. Flamboyant and charismatic, Rio exudes vibrance, and is a hub of lively excitement in one of the most dazzling cityscapes in the world.

Sights to see

Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic monument, Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), is the world’s largest art deco statue and in 2007 was announced as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Perched atop Corcovado (meaning ‘hunchback’ in Portuguese), the majestic statue overlooks Rio and can be seen from all over the city. However, it’s worth venturing up the mountain to appreciate the delicately crafted face up close and take in the superb views of the city, rivalled only by Sugarloaf Mountain‘s sweeping vistas of Guanabara Bay. Sugarloaf can be reached by cable car or, for the more adventurous, by one of the many climbing routes that vary in difficulty. Continue reading →

Carnival Craze

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It’s that time of year again, it’s time to celebrate carnival style! Masks, costumes and letting go of your inhibitions… social boundaries are binned to make room for a giant community fiesta. We’ve selected our six favourite carnival destinations where you can experience the festivities. So, be inspired and join the party!

Rio de Janeiro is undoubtedly the carnival capital of the world – the largest and the one every other carnival is compared to. This vibrant around the clock party takes place 40 days before Easter at the height of the Rio summer, and is an important component of Brazilian culture. In addition to huge street parties, samba schools from around the city compete to be credited with the best show, creating an incredible atmosphere.

Another major Brazilian carnival is the Carnival de Bahia, also known as Carnival de Salvador. Taking place in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil’s capital of happiness, it is one of the world’s most popular street parties in which 2 million people dance the week away. Continue reading →

New Year’s Eve Around the World

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As the end of the millennium’s first decade is approaching, it’s time to think about how and where to celebrate! With expectations set high, the amount of preparation that a successful party takes often results in an anti-climax. But how about experiencing the celebrations somewhere far from home this year? Gather a few friends, family or your partner and make this New Year’s Eve stand out from the rest.

Here are our favourite destinations for a successful start to the new year and the new decade.

Times Square

The celebrations at New York‘s Times square might be the most famous ones in the world, so if you haven’t yet experienced the ball drop over the million celebrators, this year would be the perfect time. In addition to an amazing energy in the city that never sleeps, performances by world-renowned artists will keep you entertained into the early hours.

Sydney Harbour

What makes Sydney a special destination for New Years Eve? Besides being one of the first places in the world to celebrate the New Year, it’s also summer! Forget about having to bundle up watching the fireworks, which are only a fragment of the magic that takes place; a flotilla of ships decorated in lights form a parade around the dark waters of the harbour. But the most unusual thing is the indigenous smoking ceremony that cleanses the harbour of negative spirits as images projected on the Sydney Harbour Bridge start the countdown. Continue reading →

Less is More: Intimate Hotels

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A stay at an intimate hotel has many perks, being among just a few guests means guaranteed outstanding personalised service and privacy. We’ve put together our top five hotels with the fewest rooms, so you can be sure to find your home-away-from-home on your next trip.

Suite Sistina

Suite Sistina is a small Art Deco hotel with just nine rooms at the very heart of Rome. A stone’s throw from Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps made legendary by Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn in the 1953 romantic comedy Roman Holiday, it is one of the most romantic hotels in the Italian capital. This exclusive hotel guarantees privacy above all. The interesting décor is heightened by original lighting, a generous organic breakfast is served in the privacy of your own room and a well-informed shopping assistant will be at your service on request. Continue reading →

Splendia Choice: Santa Teresa Hotel, Rio de Janeiro

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One of Rio de Janeiro’s best kept secrets, with magnificent views of the city, the Santa Teresa Hotel provides a taste of authentic Rio. Surrounded by colonial mansions, museums, artists’ ateliers and Rio’s only remaining tramway, the setting is charming and picturesque; high-rise buildings and traffic are replaced by red-tiled rooftops, cobblestone streets and exuberant nature.

We talked to Nelly Pager, Sales and Marketing Manager at the hotel.

What can you tell us about the area?

It is definitely trendy and exclusive. Perched high on Santa Teresa hill, the hotel has spectacular panoramic views of the city and guests can enjoy the haven of tropical gardens unique to Rio. The area surrounding the hotel is charming and authentic, and the historic tramway goes right past the hotel’s main entrance. Continue reading →