As advertised, it is in the best area of Ipanema: Close to both the beach and ritzy Leblon, but just far enough off the beaten track to be calm and quiet.

Russ was a great host. Before we met him, he answered all of our questions via text, even a few after 9pm. When we did meet, he had us up to his apartment for some first rate caipirinhas.

Checking in couldn't have been easier. The place was clean, comfortable and cool. All we had to do was open the doors to the mini courtyards on either side of the apartment when the Rio summer heat kicked in. And that hammock in the pictures is for real.

We would definitely stay here again!