Image
Travel

A luxury 48 hours at carnival in Rio

Visiting Brazil for the world's biggest Carnival? Our itinerary ensures you won’t miss a thing.

craft\elements\db\ElementQuery

Words by Keven Amfo

3-minute read

If you're travelling to Rio de Janeiro next month for the world's biggest Carnival, we have some tips. The vibrant 10-day festival is full of drama and entertainment, taking place throughout the city both officially and not. We absolutely recommend making the most of every event (insider tip: purchase tickets to watch the Champions Parade from a box for the best views) and, in between, exploring this city. After a hiatus due to covid, this year is apt to be the best festival yet.


DAY ONE

Image Image
Fasano

Your home base

Designed by Philippe Starck, luxe Fasano Rio de Janeiro is located at Ipanema's beachfront. Opt for an ocean-view room, which pairs chic comforts such as down bedding with sophisticated design credentials – think Sergio Rodrigues chairs – set the backdrop of a majestic ocean view. Two in-house restaurants offer plenty of dining options. However, it's the rooftop pool bar you'll want to head for. Set next to the infinity pool, the snacks and small plates are better than you'd expect at most poolside restaurants; expectedly, signature cocktails are tropical and delicious.

Image
Image
Museo de Arte de Ri

Absorb some culture

Rio's newest museum, located inside a restored palace, Museo de Arte de Rio, celebrates the colourful art and design in Brazil. Enjoy vast collections and a roster of rotating exhibitions – the onsite store is worth a visit in and of itself. Beyond the classic museum shop, it offers a comprehensive selection of design wares alongside an extensive library of books.

Image
Image
Sud, o pássaro verde Café

Wes Anderson, in Rio?

Decidedly picturesque in pale pinks and mint greens characteristic of a Wes Anderson film, Sud, o pássaro verde Café is a small restaurant within a Mediterranean-style house in a residential neighbourhood. Offering a strong family vibe, the authentic Brazilian food is crafted utilising local ingredients by chef Roberta Sudbrack. Ask for a wine recommendation: it's sure to be spot on.


DAY TWO

Image Image
Bibi Sucos

Start with juice

Rehydrate with fresh fruit juice, courtesy of the popular Rio chain Bibi Sucos. Offering upwards of 30 options, available alone or in combination with each other, we recommend experimenting. Cocoa and coconut? Pitaya and papaya? Why not.

Image Image
Image Image
Image Image
Santa Teresa

Tram up the hill

Santa Teresa, an iconic neighbourhood of Rio that exemplifies the city's inherent bohemian sensibility, sits hillside with tiny winding streets snaking through gorgeous restored mansions. Expectedly vibrant, there is a great sense of energy in this area, with samba music being played at businesses and live music in the streets. Walk around and explore until dinner – grab a seat (we recommend making a reservation) at Aprazivel, on the terrace, for incredible views and excellent home-cooked Brazilian food.

Image Image
Samba

Keep the party going

Famous for its nightlife, going out in Rio doesn't disappoint. Samba is the keystone of Brazilian music, and Rio has plenty of options to hear it in all its glory… Carioca da Gema, in Lapa, features non-stop samba and dancing every single night. Between the tables, there is dancing everywhere until the early hours of the morning. Encapsulating the pure energy of the city it's a must-visit.

Head to Coordenadas, which hosts live music from Thursday until Sunday evenings, to hear some local rock and pop. Located in a townhouse offering three separate floors of entertainment, you'll mingle with the locals and get a taste of what it might be like to party like a carioca.


For more information or to book a holiday, please contact Quintessentially Travel.

Image Image

Think you’ve seen it all? Think again.

A Quintessentially membership is your one-way ticket to a world of luxury, tailor-made travel. Our global network of experts plans one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experiences – and secures you VIP perks along the way.

More to explore

Travel

Family-friendly ski destinations for guaranteed snow

As global temperatures rise, so too does the snow-sure line – so, here are five resorts you can rely on.

Read more
Travel

Six new hotels in Singapore

A heady mix of big-hitting brands and brand-new boutiques arrive in the Lion City this month – here’s where to bookmark and bucket list.

Read more
Travel

A perfect day in Tamuda Bay

This peaceful stretch of Morocco’s Mediterranean coast is about to boom – here’s where to stay and what to do.

Read more
Quintessentially Noted GIF

NOTED

Stay in the know with our monthly newsletter – a complimentary edit of everything new and noteworthy in the luxury world.

Loading Loading

By signing up to the newsletter you confirm you have read & agree to the Privacy Policy.

Make an enquiry