Private Air New York

www.privateairny.com Private Air New York | Spring 2015 82 ESCAPE io. She's energetic, eclectic, elegant and exciting. She's a muse for romance, the inspiration for song and the pinnacle of tropical, South American glamour. Home to famous beaches, world-class sports and iconic landmarks, and with a sizzling nightlife to boot; Rio is a sultry, surreal wonderland set within a world of indulgence. It's a remarkable city of contrasts where one can see spectacular architecture, magnificent art, breathtaking vistas… you might even stumble upon a mischievous Marmoset – all over the course of a single afternoon and all contained within a single, distinctive city that sways to a hypnotic rhythm all her own. At the epicenter of Rio is the instantly recognizable statue known as Christ the Redeemer – or Cristo Redentor as its called in the area's native Portuguese. Perched high atop Corcovado Mountain, Cristo Rendentor is to Rio what la Tour Eiffel is to Paris -a powerfully symbolic and defining icon whose outstretched arms have been welcoming visitors to this legendary city since 1931. While designed to be seen from nearly anywhere in Rio, one must ascend more than 2300 feet to the peak of Corcovado to experience the statue from a more personal perspective. While seeing this monolithic masterpiece rising up from the mist and the mountains is breathtaking from any vantage point, for an even more intimate and wholly extraordinary experience, making the ascension as a guest of the Belmond Copacabana Palace is a moving thrill not to be missed. e Copacabana Palace, itself an icon in Rio, is a gleaming grande dame. e sprawling, brilliantly white hotel has been the Brazilian darling and preferred home away from home for celebrities, royalty and societies elite since its debut in the 1920's. Offering world class dining throughout its restaurants including the elegantly appointed, Italian-inspired Cipriani and the sleekly modern, luxuriously zen Mee, indulgent rooms and suites and one of Rio's most exclusive and enticing pool scenes; the Belmond Copacabana Palace is a richly traditional, indulgently sophisticated oasis in the heart of the city. As of late, the Copa has exponentially elevated its allure by offering guests the Corcovado Experience. is inimitable opportunity is available exclusively through the Copacabana Palace and begins just before dawn when hotel guests are met in the lobby to be chauffeured to the base of Corcovado. Once arrived, guests are admitted before the mountain is open to the public, affording them the coveted privilege of making a private pilgrimage to the summit. ere, alone in the shadow of the Redeemer and with the sun rising over the city below, daybreak is celebrated amidst jaw dropping views and over a gourmet picnic breakfast served by Belmond staff. Regardless of whether it's your first time seeing the statue, or your 100th visit to Corcovado, seeing Christ the Redeemer through the Belmond Copacabana Palace Experience is an utterly mesmerizing, luxury travel moment. It's an elite experience destined to create unforgettable memories. "Even for those of us who grew up in Rio," says Bruna Mariath, a communications executive with Belmond, "e first time you spend time alone on Corcovado… it changes you. It's difficult to explain, but it's something you never forget." R

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