Long Haul Adventure

Insider Tips

A place to visit all year round, Brazil has a tropical climate so you will have lovely weather whenever you visit. For the best beach weather aim for December to March.

February sees the start of the world-famous Rio Carnival; what better time to go! Arrive a few days early and enjoy the build-up and pre-events, and get your costumes ready for the party.

My favourite part of Rio is the quaint and colourful Santa Teresa filled with pastel coloured buildings, cute shops and cafes. Spend the afternoon wandering the street drinking coffee, eating ice-cream and taking Instagram photos.

At night head to vibrant Lapa to really experience the Brazilian party spirit, it’s a year-round street carnival.

Posto 9 on Ipanema beach is where the models and the beautiful people go to sunbathe and show off. Pack your Brazilian-style bikini bottoms to fit in with the gorgeous locals.

Where to stay

I love staying at the Copacabana Palace, it’s the equivalent of The Ritz and you really feel like a 50’s movie star stepping into a glamorous bygone era. The walls are lined with chic, black and white photos of past celebrity guests and it's beloved swimming pool is fabulously old-school and elegant with stripe towels, cabanas and tanning butlers on hand!

Where to eat

Cariocas (Rio's locals) are known for their love of sushi so for the best sushi this side of Japan, head to super chichi, Sushi Leblon and get in line with the other fashionistas vying for a table.

For cheap eats head to one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Rio, The Plage Cafe. Housed in a palatial courtyard, seats and table are dotted around a central swimming pool with rainforest and mountain views all around. The building is also used as an art school -- go for brunch or lunch.

What to buy

Stock up on Havaianas flip flops since you’re in their home town, but also look out for the very cool Ipanema flip flops. For a more upmarket option luxury International shoe designer Alexander Birman is from Rio, so make sure you nip in to his flagship store.

What to pack

Life here centres around the beach, so pack an oversized woven beach bag to store all of your essentials.

Evenings out require a super glam dress code, but don’t cover up; Latin spirit is all about flaunting and loving your body and all its curves. It’s high octane, the sexier and so the more revealing the dress the better!

A cotton striped scarf is a multifunctional travel must-have which can be used as a sarong, turban, beach dress and beach towel.