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Dream honeymoons - Rio de Janeiro |
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Laura Binder shares her must-see sights in the sizzling city of Rio de Janeiro |
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Lively, exuberant, romantic and sexy; when it comes to my honeymoon hot spot (ideally with Gerard Butler in tow), I dream of Rio. The Brazilian city is full of colourful contrasts, making it a must-visit for couples after both culture and the beach, not to mention exoticism in abundance. I'm not one to kick back and relax day after day so, for me, Rio's heady mix of searing hot night life, stretches of sandy beaches and old colonial-style buildings, as well as vast rainforests and sites of natural beauty on the doorstep, is a combination I just can't resist.
Its residents, known as 'Cariocas', are reportedly characterised by their passionate natures and enthusiasm for life. Rio has captured my heart for this very reason: it's a destination simply made for those with a lust for life. And, what better person to experience all the sizzling city has to offer with than my new husband? If I can just convince him to learn samba before we leave.....
To cloud nine
On a clear day, a trip up the wonderfully named Sugar Loaf Mountain is on my to-do list - a romantic spot to soak up views of the city's famous beaches. Not only that, but I hear there is an amphitheatre perched atop the mountain, where sunset happy hours and live music events take place.
Iguazu Falls
The stunning waterfalls span the border between Argentina and Brazil and are set against a rainforest that's home to exotic birds and butterflies. With a fall flow that's three times larger than Niagara Falls, it?s a real natural wonder. Couples can explore on foot or why not take to the skies with a romantic helicopter ride?
Carnival city
Samba is the life and soul of Brazil so I simply can't visit without soaking up some of the excitement - ideal for those still high on adrenalin from the big day. The festival itself takes place during the high season, from December to February, and I hear samba schools offer
lessons so tourists can shake their tail feathers too.
Beach beauties
Stretches of sand and sea come naturally to Rio and there's a number of hotly tipped settings for beach bums to explore. Ipanema is the place to see and be seen, ideal for basking in a state of newly wedded love. Leblon is set in a charming neighbourhood and the place to go to avoid the crowds, as is Leme, located next to Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Alternatively, I hear Prainha is a secluded and unspoilt surfing spot, just south of the city. It's reportedly a tricky one to find, but a secret spot that's well worth discovering.
Cristo Redentor
Standing high above the city is a statue of Christ the Redeemer or Cristo Redentor. Located on top of Corcovado Mountain, it's an iconic landmark that's been labelled one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Couples can head to the mountain top for a breathtaking view.
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