Rio de Janeiro holiday villa

The villa was booked by our travel agent who arranged a South American cruise for us. He recommended it over a beachfront hotel because he felt it would be safer and more convenient for us than a hotel given we are two senior couples with two widowed friends. He had visited the property when he was on vacation in RIo.


It was an excellent choice by him. We had the most wonderful three days in RIo de Janeiro which was the best part of our vacation including the 18 night cruise. Jonathan met us at the airport the morning we arrived and took us and our luggage to the house. The lovely cook had a lunch prepared for us as the owner had figured we might be tired after almost 12 hours on planes. The first day Jon had reserved a table poolside at the Copacabana Palace for a late light dinner. The next day was a tour of Christ the Redeemer mountain, and two old palaces in Rio. We had lunch at a beautiful old bakery downtown from around 1900 which was spectacular. The final day we spent around the pool before leaving for the port

SO much has been said about the house that it is impossible to add anything. What is very difficult is to adequately describe the most wonderful staff I have ever met. Jonathan and Edi are wonderful gentlemen with great smiles and could not have been more gracious. Denise and Maria pampered us to death. Coffee in our bedroom, helping us with our laundry and rearranging some things that needed to be ironed and repacked.

I had read so much about RIo and have wanted to visit there my whole life even though so many people are worried about crime in the city. I am so glad I did but we all feel that even though the cruise was spectacular - those days in Rio de Janeiro and the new friends who hosted us are unforgettable.

We decided to spend Christmas and New Years Eve in Rio for 08. I am an American living in Paris with my wife and youngest son who is 18. I have a son in London who is 20 and another in the US who is 21. With the family spread so far, Christmas is a very important time of the year to us to spend some quality time together. We searched far and wide until finding this luxury villa on the web. At that point our choice was made as this looked like a perfect place for our holiday.

The owner, Michael was great to work with and really sought to ensure we had a special stay. He gave us some great tips to enjoy the area, had the staff purchase food and beverages prior to our arrival and even arranged for the staff to fix a wonderful Brazilian dinner for Christmas eve.

Upon our arrival the house and staff exceeded even our lofty expectations. The house is meticulously decorated and looks every bit and more the pictures and video on the website. It is roomy and spacious and was a perfect place for our family to meet and spend quality time together. So much better than any hotel could have been.

Denise and Marcia fixed us fantastic breakfasts each morning. Wonderful food with a touch of local fare as well. Christmas Eve dinner was wonderful also. The kitchen, dining room and library are all fantastic common areas where we were able to enjoy each other and experience the great hospitality of the staff. On top of all the food they cleaned the rooms daily and even did the laundry as part of the service. Try and get that from a hotel.

The location of the house is great. Only 3 blocks from Copacabana beach. An easy walk and interesting shops and establishments along the way. We were often forewarned about crime in the area, but we took the proper precautions and didn't have any problems. We spent some great time at the beach, and enjoying the nightlife of Copacabana and Ipanema which is a short drive away. New Years Eve on Copacabana beach is absolutely magic!

We also took two days from a tour guide name Carlos who was arranged through Michael and the staff. Carlos was great and showed us all the sites of the area while providing historical insight and context. We also got to see a favella which was very interesting.

All in all it was a magical trip. My 3 boys said it was the best Christmas and the best trip we have ever taken and we do a lot of traveling. Rio is a special place and this villa is the best way to enjoy the experience.

This has to be one the nicest places to stay and relax in. The home has a welcoming feel with each room as relaxing as wonderful as the next decorated with great detail and eloquence. The staff is friendly as well as respectful of each guests privacy. Being a cook back home the kitchen here in this villa would be the envy of anyone who likes to indulge in the culinary arts. The library is warm and relaxing place to read or enjoy a quiet moment. Each room has a distinctive personality that lends a cocoon of civility after a long day of travel or fun at the beach. The location is nicely tucked away on a private mew with a short walk to the beaches, shops and cafes. This is a definite place I will return to and will be recommending to all my friends. I give this villa a 10.
Tim - Southampton New York