Harper's Bazaar says, "Rio has it all....and finally a hotel worthy of it."   W Magazine writes "...Hotel Fasano has revived Brazil's glorious heyday." Opened in August 2007, The Fasano is Rio's first real boutique hotel. Designed by Philippe Starck ("but not at full volume," adds India Hicks in Vogue), it has views of Ipanema beach and the Dos Irmaoas mountains from all of its 92 rooms and an "orgasmic" [DailyCandy] rooftop pool. Super swanky lobby. Wallpaper raved about the rooftop pool/bar and in September 2008 awarded The Fasano, "Best Business Hotel 2008."

DailyCandy's hotel pick in the up-and-coming Rio neighborhood, Santa Teresa. "Stay off the beaten path at newly refurbished Hotel Santa Teresa in charming Santa Teresa, a cobblestone hilltop district with tons of colonial-era mansions and stellar views of Guanabara Bay."  [DailyCandy] For insider tips on Rio, read the attached DailyCandy article.

In the attached article on Rio, DailyCandy writes, "If you like it lavish, hole up at iconic seaside Copacabana Palace, where royalty (and Madonna) have stayed since 1923."

Tatler's good value choice in the buzzy Rio neighborhood, Santa Teresa. New "rustic, laidback" boutique hotel with rooms from $160. "The airy, spacious interiors are perfect for Rio's muggy, storm-brewing climate."  [Tatler]  The property can also be rented in its entirety from $1,200 per night (sleeps 10).   Read all about Santa Teresa in the attached FT article.

New posh digs in Santa Teresa, by "uber chic" Parisian, Jean Michel Ruis.   "Artsy," elegant look, says Tatler.  Doubles from $300.   Great views from the sexy pool across the valley over the favelas.  Check out the web site.

A DailyCandy pick because of the hotel's spacious rooms, beachfront location and "passion fruit caipirinhas from heaven."  Rooms ending in "01" have the best ocean views.

A few minutes from downtown, this widely-acclaimed guest house offers stylish bedrooms and amazing views over Corcovado.   Delightful French hosts.

Detox with a six day eco fitness program of rainforest hiking, sea kayaking and healthy eating in an idyllic setting of mountain trails and unspoilt beaches.

Smack in the middle of Ipanema on the beach, this hotel is fab because of its location.  Bland, generic inside, but the view outside makes up for it. Being in front of the hottest beach in Rio does not hurt either.

In Vogue, India Hicks comments, "Pig is a must at Porcao, a chain of screamingly overlit restaurants with little plastic cards--green for go, red for stop. On the green command, a flotilla of waiters slices fascinatingly thin slivers of perfectly cooked meat. Our friends recommend the Ipanema location, a good spot for churrascaria in Rio.  [Vogue, Dispatch, Rio De Janeiro, February 2009]  In March 2009, DailyCandy also recommends Porcao Ipanema and advises, "Don’t be afraid to try the chicken hearts and do ask for a window table for Sugar Loaf views. "

DailyCandy's trendy restaurant pick for Rio. "For hipster dining, Zuka’s Italian/Brazilian fusion is as impressive as its hey-look-at-me patrons." [DailyCandy goes to Rio, March 2009]  Very cool setting.

"Academia de Cachaça is the place [in Rio] for caipirinhas and feijoada, the legendary black bean and salted pork stew. (If you don’t eat some, you will get wasted.)"  [DailyCandy]

Hot, new restaurant in Rio's buzzy Santa Teresa neighborhood. "The steamed dim sum is superb and the comfort curries pull no punches with pepper.  The decor is a deliciously Carioca take on the East..." [Black Ink, AMEX Centurion Members, Fall 2008]  Spectacular views of Rio and Guanabara Bay from open-air decks.

Happening restaurant in the hilltop neighborhood, Santa Teresa, "now Rio's hottest place to hang," writes Tatler adding  "...chic Leblon society comes (here) to escape the beach scene."   DailyCandy says,  "Head to hilltop hood Santa Teresa to perch beneath straw huts and sip caipirinhas out of whole coconuts over lunch".

The Fasano restaurant family, owners of the stylish hotels in Sao Paolo and Rio, oversees this fashionable hangout where the specialties are pastas and roasted meats.  W writes, "Brazil's most beautiful people dine here..."

Local hangout serving linguiça (sausage with lime) and caldinho de feijão (smoky black bean soup with bacon).   A DailyCandy pick.

A DailyCandy dinner pick. "Eat like a king at the communal table." "After dinner, hit steamy Bar da Praia (Rua João Lira, 5; +55-21-2... ), just off Leblon beach, order Leblon cachaça (the current rage — so good you can sip it straight), and watch the fog roll in all night." [DailyCandy] Popular haunt of serious foodies and movie stars.

Excellent seafood restaurant.  W says to try the whole fish baked in rock salt and the tiramisu.

W recommends the hotel's restaurant serving Italian seafood.  Other spots recommended include Confeitario Colombo, an Art Nouveau-style tea room, and Bar d'Hotel, the ocean view bar at the Marina All Suites hotel.

Eat like a local.  Bazaar says to try  "cheap local food at Bar do Arnaudo in Santa Teresa--one of the oldest bars in Rio."

Lunch spot on a secluded beach with monkeys galore and tons of orchids, overlooking a large lagoon. Bazaar's find. Bravo!

Eat like a local. "To snack like a Brazilian in Rio, drink beer with a young crowd at Devessa..., says Bazaar.

A total meat fest.  The best place for churrascaria in Rio.   Great views, excellent service, attractive prices. 

Trendy restaurant serving modern cuisine in a sleek, cozy setting.  Its acclaimed Dutch chef whips up delicious salads, grilled meats and foie gras-based dishes.

Hip modernist eatery featuring rich woods, clean lines, foliage and vintage Italian movie posters.  Fine paninis.

Contemporary French/Brazilian fusion food served in a lovely atmosphere.

Good spot to chill out, have a drink and listen to music.  Check out the web site to feel the vibe.

The best sushi in Rio.  This small, intimate restaurant is the spot for top Japanese food.