Gran Melia Nacional, Rio De Janeiro

Throw me your smiles, your rhythms, and caipirinhas and win me over.

THE STAY

PRESS PLAY THE SOUNDS OF RIO DE JANEIRO IN MY PERSONALLY CURATED PLAYLIST

Of all the destinations we've been lucky to visit, Kyle and I have never missed a place so much as we do with Rio de Janeiro. Every place in the world is unique in its beauty, history, and culture, but what sticks with you in the firm compulsion to return somewhere is the people. Cariocas - the residents of Rio de Janeiro - have a spirit of passion, optimism, and kindness that welcomes every newcomer with open arms. When we connect heart to heart with new people, our mind and soul open and become receptive to everything new and that's what makes a destination most memorable. The stunning Gran Meliá Nacional, located in the upscale neighborhood of São Conrado, hosted our stay for the short week. Just a stone's throw away from the beautiful blue waters, the architectural behemoth is actually a vintage masterpiece of famed Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. It had a previous life as a hotel in the 1970s, but Gran Meliá Nacional renovated the entire structure with contemporary interiors and luxurious, design-focused amenities like Trusardi bedding, a heliport, restored artwork by Carybé and Pedro Corrêa and chic, modernist gardens designed by iconic Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. The renovated hotel just opened early 2017 and for this aspiring level of luxury, rates are insanely affordable starting at just $145/night.

We stayed in the spacious Junior Suite on the 18th floor, that had the most incredible, almost floor-to-ceiling views of the sea and mountains. From a certain angle, the view looked as if we were floating above the majestic ocean in the clouds.  Needless to say, we enjoyed our in-room breakfast each morning right by the window. Our flight landed at 8AM after 20 hours of journeying south along the globe. We went straight to the hotel and at the first amazing sign of hospitality, we were able to check in to our room way early. For the first day, we hedonistically stayed within the property exploring everything it has to offer. Indulging in a couple's massage at the Clarins Spa was necessary to unwind and relax for the rest of the trip. I was so struck with the grand, open floor plan of the first floor lobby, bar, and restaurant and its seriously stylish furnishings that transport you back to the glamour of the midcentury; Kyle and I dressed up a bit and spent the evening at the beautiful bar and restaurant. The restaurant staff introduced us to Brazil's official cocktail, the caipirinha, which became Kyle's official drink of choice for the trip. The next couple of days were planned with the expert help of our hotel concierge and now that it's all been done, I have to say we are so grateful we did it this way. Three days seem much too short to fully enjoy Rio's splendor, but we've come home from the journey feeling like we saw and explored so much. Read on for more of what we love about Rio De Janeiro!

THE MOMENTS

————— Don't miss the unique experience of helicopter tour over the gorgeous landscape of Rio De Janeiro with Helisight. The aerial views of Copacabana, Ipanema, Tijuca Forest, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer are unforgettable. I was so lucky to spend my 28th birthday on this trip (yay Cancer babies!), so the Gran Meliá Nacional set up an exciting and adventurous day for us with the helicopter tour in the morning and a private Samba dance lesson in the late afternoon. In between, Kyle and I ventured across the street to the quiet beach and soaked in the Brazilian sunshine. Gran Meliá Nacional was also so sweet to surprise me with a decadent chocolate birthday cake in our room; the little things make all the difference in hospitality and experience! In the evening, Kyle planned  a special dinner at Aprazível, a romantic restaurant set high above the city in Santa Teresa. The restaurant is so unique in its treehouse-like ambiance with sweeping views of Rio that sparkled in the night. I couldn't have wished for a more beautiful, adventurous birthday spent with my husband! —————

To see it all, trust in the guidance of a brilliant tour guide. Kyle and I are far from the touristy bunch, but when you're on a short time in a new city, a local guide will make all the difference in a destination's experience. We spent a whole day on a private tour with Carlos through 4 Tourism Rio; while there was a loose itinerary of landmarks to hit, Carlos gave Kyle and me the opportunity to visit any other place we wanted and also showed us many vistas and cool neighborhoods along the way. I loved that the tour was equal parts spontaneous and relaxed and we got to see and learn so much because of Carlos' knowledge and passion for his beloved city of Rio.

Do you see why we miss it so much already? The scenic landscape of sea and mountains and the captivating community of friendly cariocas make Rio de Janeiro a city you'll never forget. We can't wait to plan our next visit. We must give the biggest thanks to the team at Gran Meliá Nacional for showing us the best time and the best of Rio that stole both our hearts! TO SEE Christ the Redeemer Jardim Botânico Parque Lage Tijuca Forest Escadaria Selarón Lapa neighborhood TO EAT Aprazível Rancho Português Jobi Rio Scenarium

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