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Ipanema Beach: A Bikini Magnet
Posted by Michael Kellaway on June 19, 2012Ipanema Beach: A Bikini Magnet
The white sun- soaked sand at Ipanema Beach is a hot spot for tourists and locals that want to work on their tan while enjoying the best of what Rio has to offer. It’s located in the posh region of Zona Sul, and is bordered by Arpoador beach and Leblon Beach.
The song “The Girl from Ipanema” is an international success that is often used to reveal the daily scenes that many will encounter at this popular hub: beautiful women with graceful curves strutting to and fro with wolf whistles in the background applauding their presence. However, what is even more striking are the many that wear the famous “fio dental” bikini.
The Scene: Day
Ipanema Beach can get very crowded during the weekends and even during the week. There is often stiff competition from visitors during holidays and high peak seasons for a small spot to relax and enjoy the sun. It is considered a family beach and a lot safer than Copacabana beach. Sports enthusiasts can be seen on the sand playing beach volleyball, football and tossing Frisbees. The strong currents are also an invitation to adrenaline lovers and surfers are often seen challenging rough waves with their skills.
It has a rather relaxed atmosphere and it is not uncommon to see women in bikinis entering restaurants and bookshops that are close to the region. Men can also be spotted tiptoeing in trunks entering bars and restaurants nearby.
There are many Kiosks that are strategically located on the beach to attract hungry visitors and tourists with famous Brazilian snacks and drinks. Here, you can relax in the beach setting in any type of bikini or trunks you prefer.
You may also consider visiting Leblon Beach, Flamengo Beach and Botafogo Beach as all three are just minutes from Ipanema.
The Scene: Night
The night scene at Ipanema Beach is more peaceful. Some people may hang around at the kiosks enjoying coconut water or sipping Caipirinha as they chat with friends or sit in solitude. There are also those that take advantage of the pleasant evening temperatures to cycle, run or just walk.
Bars and restaurants located at Praça Nossa Senhora da Paz are usually the preferred location many visit to enjoy their evening. Some popular bars nearby include: Bar Cabeca Feita and Bar Garota de Ipanema.
Restaurants that are renowned in the region include: Churrascaria Porcão, Gero and Gula Gula. There is also Satiricon which was visited by Madonna and who gave her stamp of approval on the Chilean Sea Bass.
The dress code changes in the evening from bikini and trunks to more casual clothing. Sport lovers are usually the dedicated ones that remain in bikinis and trunks on the beach to enjoy its spaciousness while they train or just perform a few antics with friends.
There are no clubs on the beach, so party lovers generally spend the night at Freek Lounge, Restô, Spin or Dama de Ferro.
Other Top Spots
If you want to enjoy soothing massages after a few minutes in the sun, then a visit to any of the famous spas in Ipanema is something worth considering. The Viver Zen Spa- Rua Vinícius de Moraes, HDB Spa- Rua Br de Jaguaripe and Spa Maria Bonita- Rua Prudente de Morais are among the top places to get excellent services in Rio.
Adventure lovers on the other hand can visit and Morro da Urca by scaling the granite mountain or taking the easier way out with cable cars. There is also Pedra de Gavea that is another famous spot to go hiking and see the very best of Rio de Janeiro.
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