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As cooler weather descends on the northern hemisphere, many people daydream about heading south to follow the sun. We say, turn those daydreams into reality with an impulsive trip to Rio de Janeiro. It's not just a pie-in-the-sky idea, thanks to Starpicks. That's because the Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next six weeks. There's no place like the Sheraton Rio to have the ultimate Brazilian experience. Located between stylish Barra da Tijuca and legendary Ipanema Beach, it's the city's only beachfront resort with an extensive beach recreation area, spa, and amenities. Naturally, you'll spend some time at the beach - this is Rio, after all - but when you're ready for something else, you'll find plenty to keep you happy and healthy in this luxurious resort. Pick up a racket and take in a game on one of two lighted tennis courts. Take a plunge in one of three heated swimming pools. Or indulge in a traditional, Swedish, shiatsu, reflexology, or Oriental massage treatment at the spa. Cachaca Brazilian rum is the national drink, and you'll find the finest varieties at the resort's Casa de Cachaca, a romantic spot that's just perfect for toasting the sunset and plotting your next Starpicks adventure.
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Starpick the Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort
Thursday October 2, 2008
MoreEye Opening Architecture at Brazil's Museu Oscar Niemeyer
Monday August 18, 2008
Fans of art and architecture who find themselves in the Brazilian city of Curitiba should be sure to set aside a few hours to visit the Oscar Niemeyer Museum. One of the most bizarrely beautiful buildings in the world, it was opened in 2003 to critical acclaim from art and architecture critics alike. Today, thousands of visitors come every year to gaze at the museum's unusual lenticular eye tower, ribbons of walkways, and lofty gallery space, which houses a spectacular collection of art and design. Classic works by artists from Japan, Germany, and Holland share space with the finest in South American avant-garde, juxtaposing time periods and styles to dramatic effect. When you're done taking in the masterpieces on the inside of the museum, spend a few minutes strolling through the Burle Marx-designed gardens that surround it, where lush greenery, scenic walkways, and serene water features help provide a natural context for art that both challenges and inspires. The museum is just minutes from the Four Points by Sheraton Curitiba.
Rio's Urban Rain Forest
Thursday May 22, 2008
Ah, Rio. Is there anything it doesn't have? In addition to its famed beaches and nightlife, Rio also boasts its very own rain forest. One of only a handful of urban rain forests in the world, Tijuca Forest provides a home to some of the region's most exotic flora and fauna over its 3,200 hectares. Tijuca Forest's story is an inspiring one. After being almost completely deforested in the 17th and 18th centuries, the entire rain forest was replanted from 1861 to 1888 using native seedlings of the Atlantic Forest Ecosystem. The successful return of the land from coffee plantation to rain forest was nothing short of amazing, and offers hope today for a recovery of rain forest that's been lost or damaged throughout South America. Tijuca Forest boasts miles of hiking trails that wind past the Cascatinha Waterfall (pictured), Mayrink Chapel, Excelsior Lookout Point, Fairy Lake, and dozens of bridges, fountains, and areas to kick back and enjoy this amazing natural setting. Of course, many people just come here to visit the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, which looks out over Rio with open arms from the top of 700-meter Corcovado Mountain. It's not very difficult to reach the summit, either, just hop on the Trem do Corcovado and you'll find yourself on the top of the world in no time. Tijuca Forest is a short taxi ride from the Sheraton Barra Hotel & Suites and the Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort.
Serious Soccer Madness in Rio
Wednesday November 7, 2007Brazil is at once deeply serious and completely mad about soccer. The country has a history of players so famous they're known by single names - Pele, Kaka, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho - as well as some of the most enthusiastic fans in the world. When in Rio de Janeiro, futebol fans should make a pilgrimage to one of the most renowned stadiums on the planet, the Maracanã Stadium. Opened in 1950 to host the fourth FIFA World Cup, in which Brazil suffered a staggering defeat to Uruguay, it's still one of the largest temples to soccer anywhere, with a capacity of nearly 100,000 screaming fans. Since that rough beginning, Brazil's national team has delivered five world championships, and regional teams across the country continue to develop world-class players through heated competition.
Being in the stands at Maracanã is an experience you'll never forget, and attending most games is as easy as taking a taxi to the stadium and procuring an inexpensive ticket (less than $10) at the window. There are separate sections for fans of both teams, as well as a neutral section, so choose your seat wisely. While most Brazilians are friendly, loving people, it's advisable to root for the same team as those sitting around you. But it's easy to get caught up in the excitement as the favorite team pushes the ball up the field and puts it in the net for a goal. Four local teams call the stadium home: Flamengo, Vasco, Fluminense, and Botafogo, and matches between Flamengo and Fluminense, known affectionately among locals as "FlaxFlu," elicit particular passion among players and supporters. On days when there are no games, visitors can tour the stadium and walk through the museum, which features Brazilian soccer memorabilia such as the ball and net from Pele's 100th goal. Guests at the Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort and the Sheraton Barra Hotel & Suites can inquire at the front desk for information about upcoming games and transportation options, or call 55-21-2509-5937.
Destination Spotlight - Brazil - The Gardens of Sitia Roberto Burle Marx
Wednesday September 5, 2007
Step out onto your private balcony overlooking the sea. You're at the Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort, and miles of sumptuous sandy beach greets your eyes. But the sunbathing can wait! See those palm trees out there? They're from a family called Arecaceae, and there are thousands of other tropical plants awaiting your arrival at the Sitia Roberto Burle Marx. Spend the morning there, and soak in all the tropical beauty of one of Brazil's natural, cultural, and artistic gems.
One of the most imaginative landscape architects of the 20th century, Marx purchased the home in 1949 to house his enormous tropical plant collection. Heaven on Earth for botanists, the 100 acre estate houses 3,500 varieties of tropical plants, many of which are endangered.
Marx died in 1994, but in 1985 he donated his home and collection to the National Institute for Cultural Heritage. Since then, visitors have been traveling by bus or car, down the coast, through ecological parks and tropical forests, to arrive at this quiet, secluded place in Barra de Guaratiba, in the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro.
Book a tour, they're at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm daily, and see the house with its grand piano, collection of religious images, folk art, and pottery. A 17th century chapel dedicated to St. Anthony, and Marx's own studio where he painted are also on the grounds, and open to visitors.
Appointments are necessary, and can be made by calling (021) 2410-1412 / 2410-1171.
Destination Spotlight - Brazil - Beaches and BossaNova
Tuesday September 4, 2007
One of the beauties about world travel is simply the fact that half the world operates on different seasons all the time. As fall sets in the US, spring arrives in Brazil. Sun literally is a plane ride away. You don't really have to hide your bikini in a dark drawer until next 2008 if you start planning your holiday this September in Rio.
For beach lovers, a number of properties are within Havaianas (yes, flip-flop) distance including Rio's only beachfront hotel, Sheraton Rio Resort & Hotel.
Be sure to check out the excellent Ipanema.com offers insider advice on beach etiquette throughout Rio, but especially in Ipanema, and breaks down fun things to do when you're off the sand too. A few tips on the sand to pass along that seemingly could apply to any crowded beach in the world, include really not leaving anything of an value behind when you jump into the water. A few weeks ago, Starwood Insider Niklas Schlappkohl, even suggested not leaving anything that isn't chained to you after his shorts got stolen on the beach...so yes, if you can find a money clip for that Speedo, and a way to stuff your bikini top with a few reals, go for it. Chains may not be necessary, but still makes us laugh...
One cannot unlock Ipanema without mentioning music. Getting beyond all the girls from it, an essential shop for those enamored with the mystery of bossanova is tucked on Rua de Vinícius Moraes, a street named for the legendary Brazilian poet and bossanova songwriter. The two-story shop Toca do Vinícius is a haven for those enchanted not only by the music, but by bossanova culture in general. Upstairs, one can find a small shrine to Vinícius with copies of his old notebooks and ephemera. Downstairs sits the curated shop and live venue for bossanova artists, including an upcoming rare appearance on September 30th by chanteuse Wanda Sá , a legendary bossanova singer who was a staple of the 60s scene.
Destination Spotlight - Brazil - For Meat Lovers
Tuesday September 4, 2007
Many Americans are now familiar with the churrascaria, that great Brazilian steakhouse concept, thanks to the several chains that have popped up in cities across the country. For those not familiar, churrasco is various cuts of beef, pork, lamb and other meat that is barbecued on a skewer rotisserie-style over charcoal; chef-waiters (often dressed as gauchos, or South American cowboys) tend the meat and take the skewers around the restaurant (a custom known as rodízio in Brazil), offering slices to whoever wants it. It is, in the words of a good friend, "meat-tastic."
Of course there are churrascarias to put the American ones to shame in Rio de Janeiro, and you should take full advantage of them when you're at the Sheraton Barra Hotel & Suites. But there's another dish that you absolutely must seek out and try that isn't as well known in America despite being Brazil's national dish: feijoada. This thick stew made with black beans and cheap cuts of pork was invented by peasants and slaves who needed to feed a large family frugally. Most restaurants offer it on Saturdays, but at Casa da Feijoada, it's available all week long, as well as in the "light" version recommended for the unfamiliar — light in this case means sans cuts like ears and tail. (Don't let that turn you off; if Anthony Bourdain waxes rhapsodic about it, you know it's good.)
For churrasco close to the hotel, try Montana Grill, which boasts more than 20 cuts of meat plus a huge buffet of salads and sides, or Pampa Grill, which transforms into a dance club later in the evening. A bit farther away, Porcão offers one of the best churrascaria experiences in the city, and on Saturdays it also serves feijoada. Potential sightings of Brazilian and international celebrities only sweetens the deal.
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