Luxury means something different to everyone especially when it comes to travel. From hotels to restaurants, all climates, countries, and cities have indulgent spots that might be described with that adjective. At TravelSquire we scoped out two entirely different destinations that display the yin and yang as well as the amazing diversity of luxurious destinations around the world.
Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Heat things up in the winter with a visit to Rio for Carnaval. The awesome spectacle of color and culture that incorporates literally thousands of beautifully costumed samba dancers and amazing floats draws a huge audience to Brazil’s most popular city. Here is a selection of Rio’s luxury spots to make the Carnaval experience last long after Fat Tuesday. And for all you lovebirds, next year Carnaval begins on Valentine’s Day!
Where to Stay: The Copacabana Palace
Wine and cheese are not the only things that get better with age! Though it’s hard to believe, the Copacabana Palace is more magnificent today than when Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire danced across its ballroom floor. Built in the 1920’s, this Art Deco landmark fronting Copacabana Beach is the height of luxury. Boasting 77 super spacious rooms, with neoclassic design and luxurious amenities, this hotel is the “grand dame” of Rio. With a fitness center, spa, and tennis courts luxury here means all access. There’s really no need to leave except to soak in the colors of the street Carnaval bandas, the sights on world famous Copacabana beach and the world class shops in the hotel’s arcade. Who needs the girl from Ipanema?
copacabanapalace.com
Where to Eat: Cipriani Restaurant
For great food just head downstairs to Cipriani. Named after one of the most famous hotels in Venice, Cipriani serves northern Italian cuisine with a Brazilian twist. It’s one of the finest tables in Rio with a dress code to match, so leave the shorts and sandals in your room.
copacabanapalace.com/restaurants
Where to Go: the Sambadrome
Though Rio doesn’t pale when it comes to attractions, during Carnaval the parade of the samba schools in the Sambadrome is without a doubt the most spectacular. This arena that’s about the size of several football fields strung together is where the schools compete on 2 nights during Carnaval. They march down the stretch of the Avenida de Sapucai as it’s called with six to eight floats and surrounded by up to 4,000 participants from each school. You can spend up to $2,500 on a ticket, depending on how close you want to be to the action.
rio-carnival.net/sambodromo
Chamonix, France
On the other side of the ocean is a different kind of winter experience, a place where the temperatures are low and the snow is piled high. I’m talking about the Alps, of course. The highest peak is Mont Blanc, on the French-Italian border which rises 15,782 feet above Europe. Chamonix, which is nestled at its foot, is one of the most popular and exclusive ski resorts.
Where to Stay: Le Hameau Albert 1er
The view of snow-covered peaks is breathtaking from this historic hotel located in the town of Chamonix Mont-Blanc. Le Hameau offers 21 rooms with contemporary design accented by mountain paintings and prints. The hotel provides a free shuttle service to the slopes and when you want to relax, both indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and wellness center are all on site. C’est magnifique!
www.hameaualbert.fr
Where to Eat: La Table des Granges
La Table des Granges offers unique dining options for visitors to Chamonix. You can’t have luxury without pampering and La Table knows that. They offer a Spa and Lunch Special so after enjoying a divine 2 hours of relaxation at the Spa, you can indulge in a delicious lunch at La Table, with specialties inspired by fresh seasonal products and traditional Savoyard dishes prepared every winter. Bon appétit!
grangesdenhaut.com/restaurant
Where to Go: Mont-Blanc
Mont-Blanc is an amazing outdoor destination that not only offers skiing and snowboarding but the town also has a natural ice rink and casino. In the warmer months hiking is popular but there’s also bustling nightlife, a skate park carved into the mountainside and zip lining. There’s no chance of boredom setting in no matter what time of year it is.
chamonix.com
These are two very different destinations that allow you to give in to your wanderlust and your senses. Luxury might lead you to get caught in the heat of the moment during Carnaval in Rio or to chill out at the top of one of Europe’s biggest winter playgrounds, Mont-Blanc. Whichever is your choice just remember to bring lots of cash!