THE SEXIEST BEACH IN THE WORLD: IPANEMA!

I wrote before how I think Brazilians invented body love and self confidence because they carry themselves with such aplomb. There's nowhere else in Rio that these traits were so apparent to me than on the sexiest beach in the world, Ipanema. Many have waxed poetic about its golden sands, wild surf, stunning views, and yes, absolutely beautiful people. Antonio Carlos Jobim himself was enamored by a Girl From Ipanema, who passed by the Veloso cafe during his days, that he was inspired to write the globally-hit song.

When I first stepped foot on Ipanema, I had that butterflies-in-stomach feeling; like I was meeting my lover after a long time of not seeing him. There was this certain thrill of finally arriving in my dream destination, Rio de Janeiro. I couldn't believe I was actually here! All those years of dreaming and saving up had paid off: I was finally living the Ipanema dream. I was a girl on Ipanema! (As cliche as it may sound). It may not have the whitest sands on earth, nor the bluest waters - but believe me when I say you will fall in love with it, nonetheless. There's something enchanting about Ipanema and the vibe that permeates its shores day and night.

And who wouldn't fall in love with this vibrant city beach, which pulsated with the joie de vivre of a 16-year old during the day, and transformed into a sexy and sultry Dita Von Teese-type of seductress at night? ;-)

A view of Dos Irmaos from my bedroom at the Caesar Park Ipanema Hotel. It was fun to have a room overlooking the beach itself, where I could observe the changes to Ipanema's vibe at different times of the day, without jostling with the crowds that dot its shores every minute of every day... though the crowd was a good-looking bunch so I didn't mind jostling as well! ;-).

Sun worshippers on a beautiful day in Ipanema, as viewed from a rooftop bar. Weekdays are better for chilling out on Ipanema's shores as the weekends can get very hectic with everyone splashed out on the sand.

Footprints on the sand. Beautiful feeling to have the beach all to myself for a moment. :-)

On my last day in Rio, I spent it on Ipanema, just topping up my tan, drinking caipirinhas (of course!), and appreciating the waves upon waves of cariocas and travelers frolicking in the surf. The beach is a great equalizer in Brazil: everyone from all walks of life converge here, may it be someone who lives in the favelas that dot the mountains of Rio or the chi-chi set with the proverbial silver-spoon background. The disparity between the haves and have-nots is still apparent on the beach, though not as glaring, since postos (lifeguard posts that mark each section of the beach) often have a specific type of crowd. For example, Posto 12 in Leblon is a popular hangout of the rich and famous - billionaries and celebrities often make this their outdoor playground, while Posto 7, nearer to the Arpoador that divides cooast between Ipanema & Copacobana, is popular with the surfing community. Copacobana - on the other hand - is more popular with the favela set, I was told. Though truthfully, I couldn't see the difference when I took a stroll there.

Feeling tall and tan and young and lovely ;-)

Fly high, Brazilian flag! Peaceful morning walk along the beach, before the crowds of sun-seekers swarmed in.

The famous Posto 9, where all the fabulous Brazilians flock all day long. Rainbow flags and daytime parties abound!

Overcast on the first day we were on the beach, but that didn't stop us beach-lovers from walking along Ipanema!

Building sand castles on this paradise beach

Colorful flags on beach kiosks: a common sight on Ipanema (and Copacabana!). I was searching for the legendary Barraca do Uruguay beach stall; famous for its caipirinhas, meat baps, and chimichurri sauce. It's number 80 near Posto 9. Anthony Bourdain swears by it, too!

High and low-rise buildings on Ipanema, from the Galani Restaurant

Everything on the beach winds down after the sunset and the scenery opens up to sparkling lights. I watched the sunset from the famous Arpoador one time and then from Ipanema beach itself on other days. Beautiful!

Scenery change: Vidigal Favela on Two Brothers Mountain all lit up at night. This is the favela where apparently, David Beckham bought a house with panoramic views of the Atlantic, two months after my visit. This drove up the prices of houses there, to the chagrin of residents and cariocas in general.

I LOVE IPANEMA!

Image: Discover Rio

Perhaps what makes this part of Brazil so enticing are the the cariocas themselves. Fun, sexy, friendly people - full of love for the beach and passion for their culture. I think Vinicius de Moraes described what a carioca is so perfectly -

"The paradigm of the young Carioca: a golden teenage girl, a mixture of flower and mermaid, full of light and grace ... in that she carries with her, on her route to the sea... it is a gift of life in its beautiful and constant ebb and flow."

P.S. I still want to be a carioca. :-)

HAPPY TRAVELS! x

#Brazil