Ana Laura's place is a gem of relaxation and home in a charming retro style condominium. Between the high rise residential blocks her place stands out as being one of the original low rise village style condos. Each terraced house has its own character and Ana Laura's is charming and cosy. The guest room is one floor with a huge bedroom, small bathroom and private balcony accessed by interior steps. About 100 metres away is a Zona Sul supermarket which does a copious breakfast buffet and good coffee. It is also good for the bakery, salad bar and fresh baked pizzas and pasta at the end of a day at the beach. I stayed with Ana Laura while attending a conference at Windsor Barra Hotel and enjoyed the walk or bus ride to and from the conference, along the beach front, stopping at the Friday open air market, being surrounded by the early morning walkers and bike riders. It felt like a safe enough place to get the bus back after dark or Uber. The beach is well surveilled with life guard stations, even in winter, and the beach is beautiful with views of islands off the coast. Ana Laura lent me a beach chair and I was set for afternoons with my book, just across the road. Close by are Novotel and another Windsor hotel so pick up for tours is possible from groups there. Ana Laura is communicative and friendly without ever being intrusive. Ana Laura's mother Loreto has limited English yet she communicates and generously offers tastes from her kitchen and coffees. This was a relaxing home away from home and a taste of Rio life on the Western beaches.