A-Z Top 2 Countries||Brazil vs Belgium

Belgium vs Brazil, two very different countries which have been in the media a lot lately. One for a good reason and one for a not so good reason. (Lets start with the positives) and focus on why I am desperate to visit both countries. 

As you all know it is the year that Brazil will be hosting the Olympic summer games in Rio, the country is going to be alive this year and full of celebrations. It would be an amazing place to experience this year especially. 

Belgium is somewhere many tourists used to flock to in their millions for a cheap-ish short distance city break. Now thanks to the terror threats in the country and its links to the Paris attacks last year it is somewhere people are terrified of and hide away from. Belgium does have some positive aspects though and I will be focusing on these during part two of this Travel Guide series. For now I'm all about Brazil so lets see what it has to offer this year. 

Places to visit.. 

So Brazil as a country is a pretty impressive size. It is the both the largest country in South America and the Latin American region. It is the 5th largest country in the world- so it is pretty vast.  The official language is Portuguese and its climate is tropical. The Capital City of Brazil is Brasilia.  There are 5 regions in Brazil the North, North East, West Central, South East and the South. 

The Amazon Rainforest is located near Manaus, North of Brazil and is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Brazil. 

Photo Credit: jod.uk

Rio de Janeiro..

Rio de Janeiro is the 2nd largest city in Brazil and the 6th largest city in the Americas. It is one of the most visited countries in the Southern Hemisphere. Part of the city is now a world heritage site and is named a cultural landscape (as of July 2012).

Rio is known for its party atmosphere, the carnivals, its beautiful sandy golden beaches e.g Copacabana beach, The Christ the Redeemer statue and the Sugar loaf Mountain. Rio will be holding the summer Olympic games this year so it is going to be an even bigger attraction for people all over the world. 

Photo Credit: ibitimes

Photo Credit: boomsbeat

Photo Credit: thousandwonders

Photo Credit: The Times

Where to stay||Hotels and Accommodation

I am hoping this is something you have already booked or at least thought about if you are planning to come to Rio for the games in the summer. As you can imagine prices are sky high at the moment and hotels are getting booked up very quickly already. 

However if you are looking for luxury you have come to the right place. There are around 25 5 star hotels in Rio alone so plenty of choice, but prices are expensive with average rooms in 5 star hotels from around £180.00 a night and up. 

Here are a few suggestions to get you started... (All hotels found on booking.com and all info correct at time of writing) 


-JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro- 
Located:  Copacabana, Rio 
Price: £227 per night (Deluxe Guest Room) 
Rating: *****

Photo Credit: Marriott.co.uk

This hotel is in a prime location right on the seafront of Copacabana beach and is only 3 blocks away from a subway station. It has 245 rooms of different sizes and is part of the hotel chain 'JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts'. The hotel has had amazing reviews from other guests who have rated their stay very highly, check out all the reviews here.

 One of the best things about this hotel is that across the street it has its own private strip of the beach which all guests can enjoy. Inside the hotel it also has a private rooftop swimming pool complete with its own bar-perfect for those lazy sunny days. If you are the more active type make sure you check out the hotels gym inside. Or treat yourself in the spa/sauna room. 

As well as having great facilities the hotel also offers some outstanding food and drink which you can find at its very own 'Carioca Lounge Bar' which serves international cuisine. Or try the 'Terraneo Lounge Bar' for drinks and appertizers. If you are looking for a great lunch 'Cafe da Praia' which is located next to the beach can offer you that. 

Photo Credit: discoverbrazil

Photo Credit: booked.net

Below are some of the rooms on offer in the hotel and their prices per night: 

Deluxe Guest Room £225 per night

Deluxe Ocean Room £269.00 per night

Junior Suite £323.00 per night

Presidential Suite  (check at hotel for prices)

All photos taken from official website Marriott.co.uk

For more information and to book your room please visit booking.com. 





-ROYAL RIO PALACE HOTEL- 
Located: Copacabana, Rio 
Price: £77.00 per night (Standard Double Room)
Rating: ****

Photo Credit: tripadvisor

If you are looking for something a bit more in budget but just as luxurious as the Marriott, the booking.com website has that for you as well. I have picked (based on some amazing reviews) a four star hotel from the 77 listed on the website, this one is called The Royal Rio Palace Hotel and is situated again near Brazil's ever popular Copacabana beach.  

Another fantastic hotel chain (Rede Mirador) this 240 bedroom hotel is right near the beach. It is also located a convient 0.6 miles away Rio Sul Shopping Centre and Rio's Botanical Gardens is just 3 miles away. The Santos Dumont Airport is also only 3.7 miles away from the hotel. 

The hotel is near some great transport links including an underground station it is only 100 yards from Cardeal Arcoverde metro station which provides very easy access around the city. 

The hotel has loads of amazing facilities on offer to its guests including a modern fully equipped gym and a panoramic rooftop with a swimming pool and cocktail bar. All rooms come with free wi-fi, mini bar, air conditioning and LED TV with cable channels. All rooms are very modern and clean and  some rooms also come with Hot Tubs in the bathrooms. Breakfast is also complimentary.

Photo Credit: Hotels

Photo Credit: agoda.com

Photo Credit: Booked.net

The hotel has lots of rooms on offer with all different prices here's a quick guide to the types and their prices per night. 

Standard Room-Double or Twin
£77.00 per night 
(Breakfast inc)

Deluxe Double or Twin
£84.00 per night
(Breakfast inc)

Standard Triple Room
(2 double beds +Breakfast inc)
£92.00 per night

Luxury Double/Twin with Hot Tub
£92.00 per night
(Breakfast Inc)

Presidential Suite
£153.00 per night
(Breakfast Inc)

Photo Credit: Booking.com

For more info about this great hotel to get your room booked today please see the booking.com

So there we have a couple of examples of some great luxurious hotels on offer in Rio. 


Places to Eat||Restaurant and Bars 

There is such a great choice of places to eat in Brazil Food is considered just as important as the party here. I am going to give you a couple of great recommendations to hopefully suit all budgets. 


Aprazivel
Location: Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
Price: £££

Photo Credit: Aprazviel

Photo Credit: Aprazviel

Located high up on the Hillside of Santa Teresa lies the beautiful 'Aprazivel' restaurant which is situated in a traditional country house. Rustic in style this restaurant's best table is actually outside and is one of the group tables set in 'A tree house'. The food is equally as delicious as the stunning view. The style of the food is primarily traditional Brazilian, it includes some great meats and a couple of good fish dishes to enjoy. All ingredients are locally sourced and organic. The wine menu is just as, if not better than the food menu and again most wine's are Brazilian. 

Stand out dishes: 

Starter: 
Sea Scallop to Joaquim
Grilled sea scallops over coconut-and-manioc cream, refreshing vinaigrette and coral farofa.


Main:
Aprazviel Wild Duck
Grille breast of duck in prune-and red wine sauce, served with black rice and apple puree

Photo Credit: Aprazviel Website

Dessert:
Strawberry of Love

Photo Credit: Aprazviel Website

Opening Times:
Mon- Closed
Tues-Sat- 12:3o pm-23:00 pm
Sun-12:30 pm-18:00 pm



Stuzzi
Location: Rua Dias Ferreira, Rio
Price: ££

Photo Credit: Cristina Guardia

Stuzzi is a quaint Italian gastro bar with big flavours. The style of the dishes are inspired by 'Stuzzichini'  (tapas- style small plates for sharing) which the concept and name comes from. The vibe of the place is very relaxed mixed with a party atmosphere- the typical Brazilian party. 


Stand out Dishes:

Antipasti Platter: 
Grana Padamo, Proschitto, Eggplant and Zucchini marinated, Peperonatta, Tomato confit, Sardella, Goat Cheese and Stuffed Olives.

Lecca Lecca: 
Lollipop Italian straw with pistachio gelato and vanilla syrup chocolate.

Photo Credit: Trip advisor

Opening Times:
Mon-Sat: 19:00-02:00
Sun: 19:00-00:00


So I have now come to the end of my Brazilian destination guide. Rio is looking an even more appealing place to visit now I have seen all the great food options and the amazing hotels on offer. What are some of the great places you want to visit in Rio? and if you have been to Brazil before where have you stayed? 

Next up is part 2 of my A-Z Top 2 Countries and I will be writing all about the wonders of Belgium. Hope to see you back here for that one soon.