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72 hours in style at Rio de Janeiro by Carlos Melia
72 hours in style at Rio de Janeiro by Carlos Melia | 429MAGAZINE | Dear followers, my weekly column contribution on Luxury Gay Travel for dot429 is out and online. Check it out. !!! This week on my personal experience of 72 hours in style at Rio de Janeiro. Next week stay tuned for my take on Puerto Rico and a special surprise. Till next week. For on the minute updates on my travels, subscribe to my Facebook or follow me on Twitter. Cheers CM @ Carlos Melia Recommends
Kayaking and Sandboarding in Florianopolis
Kayaking and Sandboarding in Florianopolis | Florianopolis, Brazil | I love outdoor sports, and anywhere I go in the world I go for it… Brazil was no exception. This time Kayaking and Sandboarding… and I was lucky enough to have my friend and colleague, the extraordinaire photographers Jurriaan Teulings to document this moments. He is so such and amazing photographer, that he even makes me look great….
Sugar Loaf and Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro
Sugar Loaf and Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | During the course of my city tour yesterday in Rio de Janeiro, we made a stop at one of the two iconic Carioca attractions. One, the Corcovado Christ Redeemer, and then, the Sugar Loaf “Pão de Açúcar”. Located at the mouth of the Guanabara Bay, same that the first portuguese settlers the 1st of January 1502. From there the name Rio de Janeiro, Rio (River) and Janeiro (January). When sailing across the Guanabara Bay, they though they were on the mouth of a river, and this happened in the month of January. The name Sugar Loaf, is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined sugar loaf.
Morning at the Pool of Hotel Santa Teresa by Veuve Clicquot
Morning at the Pool of Hotel Santa Teresa by Veuve Clicquot | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Beautiful day in Veuve Clicquot Paradise, enjoying a sunny day in Rio de Janeiro at Hotel Santa Teresa. Definitely, a different experience to Rio de Janeiro, away from Ipanema and Copacabana. A la voter. !! CM
Corcovado Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro
Corcovado Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Yesterday as part of my tour, I made a long stop at the stunning and iconic Corcovado Christ Redeemer at the top of Corcovado Hill (or Morro as locals call them) 700 meters. Corcovado, translates as hunchback. Considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world and the 5th largest statue of Jesus in the world, made completely of soapstone, overlooking in the back to Tijuca Forest – the largest urban forest in the world, and to the front the Guanabara Bay. Breathtaking panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, overtaken by the presence of the majestic statue, which welcomes everyone to Rio de Janeiro and Brazil with wide open arms.
Hotel Check IN Hotel Santa Teresa in Rio de Janeiro
Hotel Check IN Hotel Santa Teresa in Rio de Janeiro | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Heard about the area of Santa Teresa in Rio de Janeiro, so many times, that this time and visit I decided to come and spend a few nights here. And what better place to do so than the 2010 Wallpaper Design Award winner Hotel Santa Teresa, the chosen hotel by Amy Winehouse for her visit to Brazil. Romantic, chic, sophisticated, sexy… a combination of all this with the stunning colonial and panoramic views of Santa Teresa. A full different experience of Rio de Janeiro, away from the cliche of Ipanema and Copacabana.
GPS Carlos Melia at Ipanema Beach Rio de Janeiro
GPS Carlos Melia at Ipanema Beach Rio de Janeiro | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | This afternoon after spending the full morning working, went out running to enjoy the beautiful sunny weather at the beach. From the Copacabana Palace Hotel in Copacabana, all the way down to Point 9 in Ipanema. See my video live from Ipanema Beach. Cheers CM
Rua Dias Ferreira Gourmet Hot Spot in Leblon
Rua Dias Ferreira Gourmet Hot Spot in Leblon | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | If you are looking for the best area for restaurants and gourmet experiences in Rio de Janeiro, then you must come to Rua Dias Ferreira in Leblon. The hot spot for restaurants, only a few minutes away from Copacabana or Ipanema. From sushi to italian and everything in between, there are options for all palates. Our choice for the night was Sushi Leblon, and indeed it was fantastic. But our local friend Bruno also highly recommended an alternative local Brazilian option – ZUKA. Worth trying. CM
Hotel Check IN Copacabana Palace by Orient-Express
Hotel Check IN Copacabana Palace by Orient-Express | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Just arrived to Brazil and Checked IN at the amazing Copacabana Palace by Orient-Express. Only been here a few hours now, but knowing and having travelled by Orient-Express Hotels and Trains in the past all over the world, I know in advance that it will be A Journey Like no Other. Check the video of my Suite below, with a balcony overlooking the iconic pool and the beach of Copacabana. The most iconic, chic and sophisticated hotel in Rio de Janeiro.
Sand Boarding in Praia da Joquina Florianopolis
Sand Boarding in Praia da Joquina Florianopolis | Florianopolis, Brazil | There is a first time in life for everything, they say right, and this time here in Florianopolis, where I have been spending this full week, was the time for Sand Boarding (or should I say SAD Boarding, judging by the videos below). Same as Snow Boarding, but in the warm hemisphere, in between the sand dunes of Praia do Joquina, only minutes away from Lagoa da Conceicao and Praia Mole in Brazil. Only 20 Reales for a full hour of adrenaline, stunning 360 panoramic views, and lots of fun.
