Make no mistake about it, Ipanema has a pulse. And if you are lucky enough to get your finger on this pulse by staying in this charming, fully-equipped studio on one of the main arteries close to its heart, Rua Visconde de Pirajá, you'll fall in love with it forever. When I say "heart," I'm being literal, because the "The Girl from Ipanema" was conceived only about two minutes away from your front door... But...all that you can google... I just have to tell you what you cannot google! There really is something magic about this apartment. It is simple but very stylish, especially for couples. Leo and Archanjo have not just designed a beautiful and smart studio apartment, they have set the stage for your next dream. I was there in late November, with no rain, and was awakened every morning showered with light coming through an enormous window that looks out onto an inner courtyard (there is literally a basketball court there), behind which are partial views of the naked hills around Corcovado. But you don't hear city noises, maybe just the occasional playing of children during the day. On the weekend a festa. The breezes that come through the window in the evening, and all night long, were delicious drafts of soft spring Atlantic air. This is Ipanema the way you imagined it. The moon just happened to be full when we were there, us staring up at it straight from the bed. (Or was it staring at us?) The amenities, too, are all perfect, from the generously equipped kitchen to the perfectly-functioning appliances (not always to be expected in my past experiences). These two gentleman--Leo and Archanjo--clearly thought this through...as an experience to be had, not just "a place" to stay. More than once, after looking for a place to eat in Ipanema, we bailed out, decided to go to the market, buy some food and eat in, watch movies on the enormous television. The best part is that it's within reach in price for young couples, and I would certainly have stayed longer had I known it wasn't just another stopping stone to hop onto, in my stream-crossings in and out of Rio. I already miss it.