The Brief | January | RIO
I don’t have many rules in life, but one of the big ones is this: to be in swim briefs as often as possible with Brazilians. Few places make this rule more of a reality (or a pleasure) than Rio de Janeiro. There’s so much to love about this vibrant, sprawling city: the colors, the culture, the beaches, the rainforest, the music, the sunshine, and (of course) the parties! It should come as no surprise that 2(X)IST designed and named one of its most popular swim styles after the city.
Rio is the choose-your-own adventure of South American cities, too. If you want to plop down on the beach and watch the beautiful people go walking by, you can do it. If you want to explore artistic enclaves and museums and learn about Brazil’s rich cultural history, there’s tons to see, too. Or if you want to detox-all-day with hikes and açaí bowls and retox-all-night and party until dawn, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether it’s your first time to Rio or your fifth, here are some tips to make your visit to the Marvelous City nothing short of, well, marvelous. And don’t forget to pack your Rio Swim Briefs, of course.
HOTELS
Hotel Fasano
Welcome to the alpha and omega of Brazilian boutique hotels. The beachfront location, the service, and the elegant restaurants are amongst the best you’ll find in Rio—but it’s the stunning rooftop pool overlooking Ipanema Beach that makes this one of the world’s most iconic and instantly recognizable hotels. Seriously: last time I was there, I ran into Gisele Bündchen playing the guitar poolside. That’s how fabulous we’re talking.
https://fasano.com.br/en/hotel/fasano-rio-de-janeiro/
Hotel Santa Teresa
For a completely different vibe, check out this hilltop hotel located in the artistic neighborhood of Santa Teresa. It’s laid-back, and is walking distance from a ton of galleries, shops and the Museu da Chácara do Céu, one of the city’s least-touristy museums. Best of all: the hotel has an 80-foot long pool with some of the city’s most sweeping panoramas.
https://www.santateresahotelrio.com/
ACTIVITIES
Morro da Urca (Hiking)
Most people are quick to take the cable cars up to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, but the hiking trail up neighboring Morro da Urca brings you halfway. This moderate hike is safe, pretty easy to conquer (although there are some steep stairs sections), and rewards you with great views of beaches along the way.
CULTURE
Jardim Botânico
Rio’s botanical garden dates back over two hundred years, and is a fantastic place to go for a stroll and learn a thing or two about Brazilian flora and conservation. Visit this area if you’re here for Carnival—it has one of the best block parties, called “Suvaco de Cristo,” or “Armpit of Christ,” a wink to the garden’s location under the city’s famed Christ the Redeemer state.
https://www.gov.br/jbrj/en
BEACH
Ipanema Beach
Rio is blessed with fantastic beaches, and Ipanema is probably the most famous. And for good reason: the waters are warm, the views of the surrounding city and mountains are unforgettable, and the eye candy is every inch as gorgeous as you think it will be. Stick to the area by Postos 9 and 10 and you won’t be disappointed.
Balada Mix (après-beach)
When you need a refueling, nothing hits the spot like a frosty açaí bowl. It’s housed in a converted white colonial townhouse that’s simple adorable, and the perfect place to bring a date you’ve picked up on the beach.
https://www.instagram.com/baladamixrestaurante/?hl=en
DINNER
Lasai Restaurante
If you’re going to splurge on a nice dinner in Rio, do it at Lasai. This award-winning restaurant serves up farm-to-table Brazilian cuisine sourced entirely from Rio de Janeiro state, and mostly from the chef’s own garden.
https://lasai.com.br/english/
NIGHTLIFE
Pink Flamingo
This nightclub is the best place to see drag shows and popular Brazilian DJ’s perform. A word of advice? Take a disco nap in the afternoon—parties in Rio don’t get really good until after midnight.
https://www.instagram.com/pinkflamingorio/?hl=en
