I stayed at the Leblon Villa for 3 weeks. I wanted a peaceful, chilled time without any need to check in with doormen or worry about hosting visitors or dealing with nosy neighbours.

At first I was disappointed because Jake did not tell me that building work was taking place. Something I think he should have mentioned. There are some new apartments being built above the existing ones and the noise was considerable.

Jake was a very good host in this respect offering to refund me or put me in another apartment (although with a less dramatic sea view) very quickly. Once I decided to move he made the new apartment clean and ready in a day. I was therefore able to enjoy my stay as I hoped.

The location is 15/20 minute walk down a newly laid pavement/bike track into Leblon and then Ipanema. Or you can take a bus which comes very frequently. It'a a walk that offers the most beautiful, stunning and dramatic views of Leblon and Ipanema beaches as far as the eye can see.

There are local shops ten minutes in the opposite direction at the foot of Vidigal Favela and a beach within easy reach just below the towering Rio Shereton.

During my stay there was glorious sunshine for 80% of the time and even on rainy days it was very hot. I felt very safe in the apartment and Jake was very helpful if any problems arose or info was needed. I think it might be an idea to give guests an info sheet of how things work in the complex and perhaps an idea of what local shops/ facilities their are.

Perhaps just some basic info about how Rio works re banks/Money transfers/ good breakfast places/getting washing done /local food shopping/how to operate the TV/what to do to reboot connection failure/power cuts/toilet overflow/contact numbers etc .

This is not luxury accommodation but it is a good bohemian and chilled place. I would highly recommend staying if you want somewhere with stunning views, total privacy slightly set apart form the hustle and bustle but close enough to enjoy it when you want.