Ipanema Penthouse

Funky 3-bedroom penthouse apartment in Ipanema, with 70s styling and a rooftop pool

Experiencing Rio from your own apartment can take you one step closer to living like a well-heeled local. A couple of blocks back from Ipanema's beachfront, we've found a penthouse which will make you feel the part. Reached by its own private lift, there's a refreshing touch of 70s funk to this pad. Yes, there's a bar and cowhide rugs in the large open-plan living area. There's also a rooftop pool, a sauna and a terrace with great sunset views of the twin peaks of Dois Irmãos. But what we loved most were the long white sofas and chrome-clad archways leading you through to its own music-mixing den. It's hard not to picture some late-night sessions here.

As for décor, Italian marble floors take the heat out of the day and bright white walls are hung with covetable paintings by local artist Ana Amélia Metsavaht (of Osklen fame). The 3 bedrooms are simple, stylish and slick: their windows look out to walls of tropical foliage or through a circular opening into a bathroom where you'll find some novel lighting gadgetry. It's ideal for parties or as a base for small families. There's even a maid to do your laundry and make your breakfast.

Highs

• Groovy 70s décor
• The location - in the heart of Ipanema with easy access to the beach and shopping districts
• Cool rooftop terrace and a small pool
• Great sunset views of Rio's twin peaks
• Maid service for laundry and breakfast
• All mod cons - air conditioning, cable TV, a DVD player, a CD player and WiFi

Lows

• You won't see the sea from here - 2 bedrooms have no view and the other looks out to the hills behind
• No bathtubs (as is common in Brazil)
• Young children will need to be supervised on the terrace due to steep steps
• This part of Ipanema is closer to Copacabana rather than the smarter Leblon end