This unusually spacious (1200 sq ft), two-bedroom apartment is located just three short blocks from world famous “Leblon Beach”, yet it’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life in Rio de Janeiro’s “Zona Sul”. It’s close to everything (shops, restaurants, shopping malls, and did I mention… the beach?), yet it’s safe, secure, quiet and relaxing. It’s the perfect place to wind down between sightseeing activities and to recharge the batteries for your next adventure.

The main living area was greatly expanded when the original owner left the third bedroom open to the living room, creating a great “nook” for a home office (where there’s a large granite desk and a comfortable, leather office chair). The extra space gives the living and dining area a very open feel, creating a sort of “great room” where you’ll spend most your time while home and awake. The sofas are very comfortable for Brazil (they were actually imported from USA), and provide a great place to doze off after a sunny day on the beach, a few “caipirinhas”, and a refreshing cold shower. There are three ceiling fans to keep the air circulating around the large area, or just to create a nice “Ridley Scott” visual.

Technologically speaking, the apartment is better appointed than any luxury hotel. With a 50” plasma TV, the top package of high-definition, digital TV programming, a PS3 for Blu-ray movies, music, games and even web browsing, as well as a Roku media streaming device, you’ll feel at home (but don’t stay too long – get out and see Rio!). There's also a 32' LED TV in the suite, with another Roku media streaming box, for Netflix, etc.

The Internet connection is fast for Rio de Janeiro (60 Mbps), and there’s a fast WiFi network (802.11N) capable of delivering connectivity to all your WiFi enabled devices throughout the apartment (and pool below!). In case you don’t use Skype, and need to call back to the United States (or elsewhere), there’s a VOIP (Vonage) phone line with free calls to and from the USA. Calls to all other countries, including local calls in Brazil, are inexpensive and can be deducted from your deposit if you choose to use this option. There are three computer monitors on the large desk, free for you to connect to your laptop if you wish. If you didn't bring a laptop and need a computer, one can be provided (additional security deposit required).

The bedrooms each have queen mattresses with memory foam mattress toppers and king-size down pillows. Each room has its own air conditioner. One of the bedrooms is a suite, with the bathroom attached, and the other has a bathroom right down the hall. Both bedrooms have plenty of closet space and drawers to hang your clothes and store your possessions.

The kitchen/service area has American appliances (refrigerator, gas stove, washer and dryer), which I brought to Brazil when I moved there years ago. They are not new, but are a pleasant surprise when compared to the usual miniature-size appliances in Brazil. I will stock the refrigerator with plenty of beer and soda to get your vacation started. You can take it from there.

As appointed, the apartment will sleep 4 adults. However, as mentioned above, the sofas are very comfortable and could easily sleep another 2 (although the love seat might be tight for a large person). For a party larger than 6, or for more comfort than the sofas, we can provide very comfortable air mattresses. Two full-size air mattresses or one queen will fit behind the sofa in the 'home office' portion of the great room. We recently installed black-out curtains in that room, so that if anyone does decide to sleep there, they can sleep as late as they want (as long as the other guests let them ;-)

We hope you will enjoy your stay in Rio with a base of our cozy little apartment in Leblon, as much as we have enjoyed our stays there during past years.

Keywords: Apartment, condo, flat, temporada, vacation rental, carnival rental, carnaval rental, temporary rental, Carnaval, near Ipanema