Ipanema Penthouse

Funky three-bedroom penthouse apartment with 70s styling and rooftop pool in Ipanema

Experiencing Rio from your own penthouse 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 flat 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, sauna and terrace where you get great sunset views of Rio's twin peaks (Dois Irmãos). But what we loved 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). Its 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. Good for parties or a base for small families. There's even a maid to do your laundry and make your breakfast.

Highs

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

Lows

• No sea view - 2 bedrooms have no views but the 3rd single bedroom looks out to hills behind
• No bathtubs (as is common in Brazil) but bathrooms do come with showers
• This part of Ipanema is closer to Copacabana rather than the smarter Leblon end