Carnival & Cariocas

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where VIP services at the airport have been reserved to expedite your arrival. Then, transfer to your luxurious hotel, Fasano Hotel Rio de Janeiro. Designed by Philippe Starck, the Fasano Hotel Rio de Janeiro is the most fascinating destination at Ipanema’s beachfront. Its architecture and interior design pay homage to the spirit of Brazilian design of the 1950s and 1960s and the glorious bossa nova era. Take in the views from the iconic rooftop infinity pool, where you can see the crowds and the festive atmosphere of Brazil’s Marvelous City. This evening, join Geoffrey Kent and fellow guests for a welcome cocktail followed by dinner in the hilltop district of Santa Teresa.

The soccer culture in Brazil is directly linked to capoeira, a dance developed by African slaves in Brazil as a form of cultural resistance. It’s a dance that very well sums up the beautiful game with which Brazilians so closely identify. Soccer is the sport of the masses. Set out this morning to meet a special guest, a professional soccer player. Take part in a penalty shoot-out together. Tonight, get in the Carnival mood ahead of the famous Copacabana Palace Magic Ball, the most exclusive and extravagant event of Rio Carnival. While men traditionally adhere to a formal black-tie dress code, women are encouraged to attend in either gala attire or extravagant costume. Stroll the red carpet and party with Brazil’s rich, famous and beautiful with all-access passes.

This morning, hit the streets for a unique view of Rio’s Street Carnival. Our local experts take you to experience one of these diverse street events that cater to all tastes in music and party styles. Then, drive to Samba City, where all the major schools are located, for special access to one of the samba schools and to meet a Carnival parade leader in samba regalia. Enjoy lunch at one of the best traditional churrascaria restaurants in Rio with spectacular views of the waterfront. In the evening, it’s time for the main event: the Samba School parade competition at the Sambódromo. Witness the elaborate floats, whirling dancers and pounding drum corps from the comfort of private box seats, reserved exclusively for your party and offering the very best in comfort and service. Dance the night away and marvel at the sights and sounds of the world’s greatest party.

Enjoy a relaxing morning at leisure, and then gather for a beachside lunch. This afternoon, see the iconic sites of Rio from a different perspective. Skip the line for the train up Corcovado Mountain and instead board helicopters for a 360-degree view of Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Land on Urca Hill, part of the iconic Sugar Loaf complex, for a cocktail reception followed by a spectacular private dinner.

After a late morning, set out to escape the buzz of Rio for the tropical waters of the Atlantic coast. Board a luxurious private yacht for a relaxing sailing along the coast, enjoying the privileged view of Rio from the water. As you navigate the Green Coast, enjoy craft cocktails and tapas prepared by the chef on board. Weather permitting, stop at Lopes Mendes, considered one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches, for a swim. Arrive at the fabulous Fasano Angra dos Reis resort where you can decompress from the Carnival buzz with incredible views of the Atlantic forest and tropical islands. Fasano Angra dos Reis is a relaxed waterfront getaway where refined comfort meets country charm. Designed by renowned architecture studio Bernardes Arquitetura, the elegant rooms and facilities draw on inspiration from the surrounding picturesque sea and forest setting. The 21,000-square-foot spa offers a unique experience in mind/body well-being and personal transformation.

Enjoy a private speedboat tour through the bay’s tropical islands with a short hike to learn about the region’s fauna and flora, followed by time for swimming in the emerald water. In the afternoon, choose from many activities available at your resort such as a spa treatment, kayaking, or hiking to a nearby waterfall and taking a dip in the refreshing Atlantic rainforest waters. Gather tonight for a special farewell cocktail reception followed by dinner.

From the comfort of your resort, board a private helicopter for the direct transfer back to Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport and connect with your homebound flight.