Make your honeymoon a celebration of life in rio de janeiro

Sunning on the “sexiest beach in the world” and dancing the samba ’til dawn: that’s the essence of stunning Rio de Janeiro, an unforgettable destination for a honeymoon that combines the richness of Brazilian culture, the cosmopolitan pleasures of a sophisticated city, and the gustatory delights you’d expect in a country that is itself one of the world’s great melting pots.

Breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo, Rio’s famous Belle Epoque cafe, is a great way to open your eyes to a day of shopping together in the Centro, Rio’s lively downtown district. Bossanova hitmakers made the beachfront Ipanema neighborhood famous back in the Sixties, and the area has lost none of it’s luster: it’s still a great place to get lost in cool cafes and shops for a few hours, not to mention the amazing beach, rivaling Copacabana for sheer beauty and easily topping the neighboring strand in terms of local style. The area’s mid-century cool is reflected in the Fasano Rio de Janeiro hotel, which has an acclaimed seafood restaurant and an infinity pool overlooking Ipanema Beach.

For couples, the cable-car ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain for amazing view of the city and sea and riding the funicular to visit the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain view for the ultimate honeymoon postcard memory. But don’t discount the quirky local charm of a streetcar trip up to Saint Teresa, a fun and funky hillside neighborhood with cobblestone streets, great bars and restaurants, and impressive city views of its own.

Speaking of dining, a meal at Cipriani in the Belmond Copacabana Palace hotel is a wonderful opportunity for celebrity-watching as well as experiencing exquisite Northern Italian cuisine. From the guest rooms to the pool to the sands of Copacabana Beach, this landmark hotel has been exuding class and style since 1923. 

> Written By: Bob Curley