Sergio's apartment is *the* perfect Airbnb for a remote worker/long term stay. Having lived in Airbnbs for the past 3 years, I can say definitively that Sergio's place is the best I've ever stayed in. Here's why:
1. It's quiet - unlike most places in Rio, you won't hear anything from inside this apartment. Aside from the sounds of the rainforest outside, if you leave the windows open. It's perfect for taking calls and video conferences.
2. The views are absolutely stunning. Seeing Christ the Redeemer - one of the 7 wonders of the world from your bed, it's just a magical thing, and if you look out the other window, you have a diverse rainforest. It's such a peaceful place to live and work.
3. The perfect home office. This is the one and only Airbnb I've stayed in with a Herman Miller Aeron Chair - in my opinion, the most comfortable office chair ever created. Combine that with a large glass desk, large whiteboard, and super-fast 200Mbps internet - I wouldn't want to stay anywhere else to get work done.
4. Fully stocked kitchen. I love to cook, and it was perfect to have a large open kitchen, plenty of pots and pans, blender, juicer, and even Tupperware!
5. Sparkling clean. Sergio has a reliably and highly detail-oriented cleaner who made sure the place was spotless when I arrived and kept it that way throughout my stay.
6. Location location location. I've stayed in Copa & Ipanema before, but Gavea is far superior. You feel more like a resident of Rio instead of a tourist. You have a mall, grocery store, and several dozen restaurants just a 5min walk from the apartment. But also, you're just a 15min walk from Leblon & all the best restaurants in Zona Sul.
7. Sergio is your best resource for Rio. Whenever I needed a restaurant recommendation/driver/ideas for activities, Sergio was a text away. He helped me in so many ways to make my stay here great. His best recommendation? Talho Cafe - a 5 min walk from the apartment and some of the best croissants I've ever had.
Highly recommend staying here. I certainly will be when I come back.