By: Nora Zelevansky
If you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain, then, well, basically you’ll love any tropical honeymoon you take. But, while lounging beachside at a fenced-in resort can be fantastic, more adventurous folks look south to Rio de Janeiro (particularly in the Zona Sul) for a great honeymoon destination. Here, the steamy heat, beach breeze, beautiful people and caipirinha cocktails create a uniquely sultry vibe.
HOTELS:
While Copacabana Beach may be second to Ipanema and Leblon, the famous Copacabana Palace is by far the grandest place to sip watermelon juice post-brunch by the pool (whether your name is Lola or not).
Beachfront and modern, head to Marina All Suites for an upscale boutique hotel vibe, apartment-style rooms and beautiful views.
Philippe Starck fans should head to Ipanema’s new marvel, Fasano, where the rooftop infinity pool with views of Sugar Loaf is a site to behold.
Ipanema Plaza offers a less pricey, low-key boutique hotel experience, where actual Brazilians stay.
For a more relaxed vibe, head to small scale Santa Teresa Hotel, known for their eco-Amazonian retreat, Le Spa.
RESTAURANTS:
For great cachaça (Brazilian rum), beer and cheap delicious eats from smoky black bean soup to lime soaked sausage, stop by Academia de Cachaca.
Break bread (or massive hearts of palm) amidst thatched huts atop a hill at Aprazivel.
Italian/Brazilan fusion makes for beautiful food and even more beautiful patrons at modern spot, Zuka: http://www.zuka.com.br/
Roberta Sudbrack is Rio’s answer to the celebrity chef.
NIGHTLIFE:
Pub crawl over to Devassa for some mellow lounging.
Blame it on the bossa nova at Vinicius Bar, a famous spot for live Brazilian music:
SHOPS:
Mallrats beware, shopping in Rio is largely shopping center-style and Leblon is the most high-end:
Maria Oiticica’s organic-style bijoux is made largely with natural pods and seeds, but evokes sophistication and edgy style.
The Hippie Market (Feira Hippie) in Ipanema is must-attend for crafts, jewelry and, of course, Havianas.
TRAVEL AGENCIES:
Honeymoon-specific travel agencies are great, but, if you use one, make sure you choose a company that truly knows Brazil and/or South America. Travel Store actually helps organize destination weddings too.
Altour represents all things travel: http://www.altour.com/
AR Tourism Brazil represents Brazilian travel specifically, though not solely honeymoons.
SAFETY:
Don’t bring bags to the beach and don’t rock that fancy jewelry at all if you can help it!
Bon Voyage!
