Private Air New York

www.privateairny.com Private Air New York | Spring 2015 87 ESCAPE A morning spent atop Corcovado indeed sets the bar exceptionally high for the rest of your day in Rio, but this magical city readily rises to the challenge. Rio is alive with a host of things to see and do, not the least of which is a visit to one of the area's famously spectacular beaches where sun worshipers flock to see and be seen. "Each beach has its own flavor," says Rodrigo Vieira, a Rio native and director of the highly regarded tour company, Bravietour. "e beach is where cariocas (Rio locals) go to see friends and meet new people. Swimming, surfing, volleyball… there's always something to do and something to see at the beaches." Also popular with Bravietour guests are excursions through the winding streets of the crafty, cultural and bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa as well as visits to Sugarloaf Mountain where guests ride the famous cable cars up 1300 feet to observations decks where Sugarloaf 's unparalleled, panoramic views of the city unfold before them. Shopping in Rio is a dream. ose looking for a bit of retail therapy should plan to spend some time exploring Ipanema where cobbled streets are dotted with boutiques offering everything from the latest collection from Louis Vuitton to runway couture to H. Stern's handcrafted jewelry featuring Brazilian-mined precious and semi-precious stones. For the culinary driven, the upscale neighborhood of Leblon is where chefs show off their prowess through inspired dishes featuring local delicacies. A Leblon stand out known for their succulent beef, impossibly fresh seafood and a wine list worthy of the most discerning oenophile is Giuseppe's Grill on the Av. Bartolomeu Mitre. Housed in a chic space styled with original art and exposed, salvaged brick, the eatery is a casually elegant favorite with travelers and locals alike. For a day, explore the natural side of Rio and head to Foresta da Tijuca. One of South America's most impressive national parks and the largest replanted tropical forest on Earth; Tijuca was conceptualized by the visionary Emperor Dom Pedro II to encompass more than twelve square miles of lush flora and fauna in the center of one of South America's most vibrant cities. Here, amid streaming waterfalls and beneath the dense jungle canopy, visitors can hike winding forest trails or take an open jeep tour to view the incredible scenery while communing with the resident monkeys, coatis, brilliantly plumed birds and other wildlife that make their home in this tropical haven. For a more cultivated approach to the great outdoors, Jardim Botânico is a spectacular public garden featuring more than 6,500 species of horticulture planted throughout 54 hectares. Founded in 1808 by King John VI of Portugal, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens are a veritable Eden set within a posh, residential neighborhood replete with the necessary shops, myriad galleries and a wide selection of restaurants to entertain its well-heeled residents. For the sports aficionado, a visit to Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho, better known simply as Maracanã, is a must. Take in a match at this soccer Mecca, or make a reservation for a behind the scenes tour where fans can experience the thrill of walking through the players tunnel and onto the field that hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup. "Rio de Janeiro has always been popular for travelers wanting to enjoy art, culture, and beautiful beaches," says Paulo Senise, Executive Director of the Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau. "But today, with the world looking at Rio as home of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, it's become a more desirable destination than ever." CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: enjoy art and sophisticated pan-Asian cuisine mee restaurant, Fine Wine Selection at Giuseppe Grill in Rio de Janeiro, and Cable cars taking visitors to the peak of mt. sugarloaf (photos by Gina samarotto)

• Cover