Clinging to the cliff of Joatinga, the four-star boutique hotel "La Suite" is the address of the Paulistas (inhabitants of São Paulo) for lack of oxygen and peace. One would believe oneself in heaven. Intimistic and refined, it has two swimming pools and a heliport on the roof to arrive without traffic jams. It has seven rooms decorated with exquisite taste and private balconies. The cuisine of the chef is delicious, and the breakfast, tonic: a savory mixture of fruits, juices and exotic flavors.
The Suite , 501, rua Jackson de Figueiredo, (21) 2484-1962, www.lasuiterio.com.
Inaugurated on 1 March 2013, the 448th anniversary of Rio, this museum of modern art is made up of two buildings, one brand new and the other very old, connected by a glass footbridge with a corrugated fluid roof unique in the world . Three hundred million dollars have been invested in this temple (eight temporary exhibition rooms of five months each) which has not been unfilled since its opening. The view of the sea from the restaurant terrace is breathtaking.
Museo de Arte do Rio (El Mar) , 5, Praça Maua, Centro, (21) 3031-2741, www.museudeartedorio.org.br.
The bikini is in Rio what the maracas are to the samba: essential. Among the multitude of shops, here is one, on Copacabana, which knows how to vary the cuts and proposes bikinis alluring that remain portable back in Europe. Beach bags, pouches and flip-flops are also available.
Banco de Areia , 55, rua Francisco Italiano, Copacabana, www.bancodeareia.com.br.
A mysterious and very confidential villa, nestled in the jungle in the heart of Rio and at the foot of the Corcovado. "The place to be" for a romantic brunch punctuated by multicolored flights of immense parrots. A courtyard with basin, arcades with columns, cakes and ice creams with acai ... A place to savor with the right person and to book imperatively before going there.
Parque Lage , 414, Jardim Botanico, (21) 3257-1800.
Great-granddaughter of a pope's tailor, Alessa has the wind in its sails and the original inspiration. It multiplies the prints made from photos. Her feather print dress made the cover of "Vogue" United States last year, and some items are at Colette's. Flowers, butterflies and parrots animate her silky dresses, as invitations to travel the world. An affordable fashion, with a strong Brazilian personality.
Alessa, 399, Rua Nascimento Silva, Ipanema, (21) 2287-9939, www.alessa.com.br.
We meet daddy sons as well as the inhabitants of the favela, expatriates, local musicians, artists and bankers ... in a good-natured and resolutely voluble atmosphere. Ideal during weekdays and weekends, both at the beginning and at the end of the evening. At the top of the hill of Santa Teresa, it is a Carioca Montmartre with shining pavers, with villas with stucco pediments and suspended tropical gardens.
Bar do Gomez , 26, Rua Aurea, Santa Teresa, (21) 2232-0822.
This old art deco cinema was saved by petitions and relooked. Since 2013, its 3,200 m2 shelters six million books, consoles, computer accessories, a restaurant, a theater, exhibitions , a gastronomic space, evenings dedications-readings and happenings ... Open until 10 pm.
Livraria Cultura , Cinema Vitoria, 45, rua Senador Dantas, (21) 3916-2600.
Brazil is full of seeds, plants, oils and moisturizing nuts. Granado cosmetics incorporate them in their 100% natural soaps, creams and body lotions. With its retro packaging and colors inspired by the Portuguese azulejos, the new line "Castanha do Brasil" is all the rage among beach and sun enthusiasts.
Ganado , 16, Rua Primeiro de Março, (21) 3231-6746, www.granado.com.br.
The path leading to this white villa planted on top of a favela is an experience in itself: walk along the bricks in bricks, spanning the walls, until you discover the view on the Sugar Loaf ... According to the week listen to funk, rock or live jazz programs. We meet on the terrace to taste cocktails and caïpirinhas. Prefer Friday and call before, as the place provides taxis that know the address.
The Maze , 414, Rua Tavares Bastos, Catete, (21) 2558-5547.
Chains, amulets, ex-votos, semi-precious stones, pearls, clasps, medallions and medals are carefully listed in this age-old Ali Baba cave, lost in the old commercial center of the city. It remains a must for the Cariocas, enamored of grigris to hang on the bag, mobile, wrist, or neck.
Casa Azevedo , 63, Rua Senhor dos Passos, Centro (21) 2242-1109.
