Spell-binding Rio !

While Brazil is preparing to welcome about 600,000 World Cup visitors, Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city after Sào Paulo, has been treated to a revamp to offer super-luxurious hotel accommodation.

Renowned worldwide for its carnival, beaches - especially Copacabana and Ipanema -, and the Corcovado with the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, Rio is the capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro in south-eastern Brazil. Starting on June 12th, it will host several World Cup football matches, then the Summer Olympics in July, 2016. To cater for such spectacular events, the city’s hotel accommodation has been given a re-think. As well as luxury hotels, more “confidential” offerings now target tourists used to premium services. Tasteful boutique-hotels, lofts and “all-inclusive” villas, even a private island just off the coast, are proposed to those who want a new slant on a city that never sleeps.