Ana’s place is spacious, with great lighting and high ceilings. Even the windows are great to leave open because of the proximity of the running water and mountains to keep the breeze cool. It is a charming old building with great staff, located in an alcove that has essentially its own private shops. In weekends the streets of this neighborhood transformed into a foods market with drinks, possibly because of carnaval. It was a warm and lively environment, with local fruits and veggies, spices, alcohol, and Japanese cuisine. Usually just private enough to feel like an escape in paradise, but still only about a $20 reais trip to Ipanema/Leblon, as well as many other beaches.