Rio de Janeiro is a legendary city, a cultural cauldron shaped by Indigenous, Afro-Atlantic, and European influences. It tells a story of contrasts, where natural beauty collides with the legacies of colonization and transatlantic slavery. Built upon the ancient lands of the Tupinambá, whose memory lingers in neighborhoods like Ipanema and Copacabana, the city carries its past in every street and shoreline. To be Carioca is to embrace spontaneity and the pursuit of joy. Life here is meant to be felt and celebrated. Samba, carnival, and the beach aren’t just traditions; they are the heartbeat of a shared identity.

This retreat is an invitation to step into Rio’s layered narrative, letting its energy and magic unfold. Guided by me, Chantal, who has called this city home for over 20 years, we’ll wander colorful street markets, stroll through lush gardens designed by a legendary landscape artist, and watch golden hour spill over the mountains from a private yacht in Guanabara Bay.