Maria Bonita Urban Spa

Sheer inflation-busting pampering! I indulged in a full day of massages: shiatsu, hot stones and swedish massages. I liked the hot stones massage the best: the stones are exceptionally soothing and effective at targeting problem areas like the lower back and neck. Give yourself a break from the strains of modern life to chill-out and relax. More info…

Casa Rosa

Brazilians are known for being party people. I was amazed at how festive they are. A local friend took me to this really fun place called Casa Rosa. I had such a great time. It was a samba night and the place is so layed back. A lot of people just playing pool and hanging around while another bunch of people played “chorinho” and old sambas. It seemed to me as if I was actually in Brazil. Nothing artificial about this place. More info…

Watch out for the sun!!

I don’t know what I’d do if I hadn’t rushed to Amaderm for a treatment. I was out on a trail and I just got the hives or something! My skin was covered with huge red eruptions and spots. I looked horrible and it felt as if my whole body itched! I am so thankful to all of them! Service is great. All my best ratings! More info…

Hard Rock Cafe

I have to say that Hard Rock Cafe Rio is probably one of the tastiests all american eats I had outside US. I’ll surely be back and I enthusiastically recommend. More info…

Soccer game at Maracanã

I’m a huge soccer fan! I wondered how the heck I would be able to go to Maracanã, being Rio such a violent city and all. I went to the biggest rivalry match in Rio, Flamengo vs Vasco. I went with this tour that picked me up at the hostel and dropped me off later! Awesome! I didn’t even have to worry about the tickets. I was amazed at the game, the cheers bounce off the roof right into your heart. When the game started the two armies battled back and forth through cheers, chants, songs, flags, flares, fireworks, anything that made noise. The smoke from the flares cast a mystical mist on the field, it’s something else!! Maracana isn’t a location it’s an experience, my tip is: grab a tour and go safely! I was very satisfied. More info…

Club 69

Club 69 is a breakthrough nightclub. The sound system and the lights there are a reference and ispiration for every other (good) nightclub in Brazil. Once you get in there you feel like you’re not on earth. It’s, basically, a black box with lights on the walls and ceiling – red, green, yellow, purple, orange, blue. It’s surely a designer club! Plus the fact the the place is packed with b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l Brazilians. My recommendation is: swallow down a couple of shots, get a real fancy drink and cruise. The place is great for meeting locals! More info…

Zazá

I simply loved this restaurant! Zazá has this home-like feel to it. I went there to meet an old friend on my last visit to Rio. I had never been there and I was quite impressed with the place, the asian cute decor and specially the food. We sat in the downstairs little balcony. They have this small vegetabloe garden where they cultivate fine herbs like basil, rosemary and all. So you’ll sit down and the aroma of these fresh herbs will set you in the mood for good eating. I ordered drink called apeach melon crush and I was very satisfied with it. My “don’t dare miss it” tip is: the Organic chicken dim-sun with masala, Brazilian nuts and sweet pepper served with fresh mint yogurt. More info…

Devassa

I went over to Devassa in Ipanema with some friends and although I liked their beer, what I enjoyed the most were their appetizers, all at reasonable prices. I had some spicey meat bits with white rice, beans and eggs (which they say are a typical brazillian dish) that were delicious! They also serve fruit juice for those who aren’t really into alcoholic drinks like myself! I recommend it! More info…

Zuka

Zuka is a little neighborhood restaurant in Leblon. Nonetheless delicious, though! I think this place is mainly known for their coal grilled food, or at least that’s what my hostess told me. I went there once but I was truly impressed with the menu. I ordered a tuna tartar with curry sauce and wished my hunger had not been satisfied. So many options! So tasty! I recommend. More info…

Azul Marinho, for shrimp lovers

My stay in Rio de Janeiro only make itself complete with good food. I buy the guide Rio for Partiers at my hotel and visited many of Rio´s best locations. One of my favourite restaurants, the Azul Marinho makes very good food with the “pargo” fish which everyone must try. Also the dishe called “moqueca”, very popular in Bahia is made of shrimp in coconut milk and is the best. You go anytime, lunch and dinner, they are open. The location is the Arpoador which divides Copacabana from the Ipanema neighbourhood. Try Azul Marinho for authentic Brazilian food, you will not regret.