Richard’s place was very artistic and well designed with really nice thoughtful features and amenities to make your stay very welcoming and pleasant like volleyballs and bicycles. Leblon is a nice area next to Ipanema in a more residential area with good food and bar options. The beach is a short 5 min walk and close to subway and next door is a big 24hr supermarket which is very convenient. Highly recommend staying here. Apartment is also close to the Dois Irmaos hike which is probably the most spectacular view of Rio and better than from Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf. Go up on a sunny day and don’t be afraid of Vidigal!