I have stayed in some pretty spectacular locations around the world, but this apartment, takes the cake. I was on holiday with my best friend, first time to Rio...we originally thought we wanted to be down near Ipanema Beach, near the action...and I am so glad we did not! Marjon's estate is literally a paradise. From the moment you step through the secure gated wall...down the garden steps and then you're breath gets knocked out of you by the unreal view of the Santa Theresa hills below, and Cristo Redentor above on the mountain. The apartment is stunning, the furnishings are custom, the kittens and dogs are mellow and like to say hello...and Marjon is a spectacularly brilliant woman with a fascinating life story...she's a kindred spirit and I am so pleased to get to know her! Santa Theresa gets a bad rapt from the old days, now it's a fairly affluent neighborhood. The location felt super safe, was super quiet, the apartment is right off 3 major bus lines, which are easy to take (cash) Taxis can be called, and the village is minutes away with incredible restaurants and charming nightlife. We hung around Santa Theresa and the apartment as much as we did inside Rio's hotspots.This place is respite. Thank you Marjon! I adore you and all your critters...I'll be back in a few months.