Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Tour do Rio


The ‘Tour de France’ is over for another year; the competition which began in 1903 and which annually ignites not only Gallic passion but at times international furore; from strikes (only in France) to blockades, diversions and even sneaky train rides. Yet there’s a new event to mark on the international cycling calendar, itself beginning in a city which divides the hearts of many; ambivalence is not a feeling often harboured towards the painfully beautiful Rio de Janeiro and the ‘Tour do Rio’ promises blood, toil, tears and sweat in abundance.

The first competition of its kind in Latin America, the tour is due to begin in earnest tomorrow, covering some of the most spectacular scenery the state of Rio has to offer between now and the 1st of August. Organisers hope that the event will do for Brazil what the Tour de France has done for France and the Giro d’Italia has done for Italy. The tour has already generated 1500 jobs and according to luxury Brazilian travel experts ‘Dehouche’, to some extent marks the beginning of a new era for the city, which over the coming years will host a myriad of international sporting events including both the world cup final in 2014 and the summer Olympics in 2016. However, despite the city’s association with inherent natural beauty, Rio’s residents, or Cariocas, were recently named the most obese in Brazil by local magazine ‘Veja’, suggesting the event might inspire those carrying extra kilos to get in shape, as well as offering training for potential future athletes. Ouch.

The competition to which even Lance Armstrong was invited, (though his appearance is sadly doubtful due to having just completed the Tour de France) will cover some 783km, the first stretch of which will traverse the stunning coastal road from the city of Rio to the port of Angra, on Rio’s Emerald Coast. Led by a carnival akin to that of its predecessor, the competition will go on to negotiate mountains, beaches and colonial towns as 150 athletes and an estimated 200,000 people follow the course whose road eventually leads back to the marvellous city itself and cyclists compete to cross the finish line within the inimitable bay of Botafogo, framed by Sugar loaf mountain and overlooked by Christ the Redeemer from atop the Corcovado mountain. ‘Dehouche’ who are resident locally, intend to be there to witness this exciting moment in Rio’s history.

The 26km warm up stage in the mountainous region above Rio which started in Petrópolis and wound its way towards nearby Teresopolis has already been won by Brazilian cyclist David Leite. However, the stages of the tour itself will average a sweaty 150km per day; the attraction? Total prize money of R$175,000 (approx 100,000 USD) which will be distributed amongst the first 20 to complete each of the various stages, with total prize money of R$35,000 for the overall winner; whether any yellow t-shirts or similarly themed clothing will also be awarded remains to be seen. The order of the first stage will be decided in Copacabana this evening as participants prepare themselves for the first test. None of the ‘Dehouche’ team members have signed up to participate this year as they’re far too busy taking care of clients holidays, but there’s always next year.
This author, blaufraustein of IndSEO is an associate of Dehouche S. A., who, essentially is a team of sports enthusiasts, running a travel company in Rio, covering Brazil, Argentina and South America, apart from other exclusive locations.

Dehouche S.A.,


Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.


www.dehouche.com



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Thursday, July 15, 2010

Sao Paulo Just Keeps Getting Better! – Assures Dehouche

The Fasano group has announced recently that they are again starting work on the development of their neighboring building. The development will create a further 20 guest rooms, including a huge presidential suite (to respond to the increasingly large entourages of the increasing number of international celebrities who are visiting the city), as well as a full sized rooftop swimming pool and another bar, which as with the Fasano’s Barreto in Sao Paulo, or Londra in Rio de Janeiro, will undoubtedly quickly become a popular haunt Brazilian and foreign celebrities alike. Although they have been in possession of the property for some years, the project was put on hold during the recent ‘crisis’ times, but has been taken up again with gusto in response in particular to the increasing number of leisure visitors to the city. According to luxury travel company Dehouche’s concierge, who makes a point of always having his finger on the pulse of this trend-setting city, Fasano insiders have been saying that they could have sold these new rooms twice over in the last few months (even though its low season), and 40% of requests have been from international (largely US) tourists, travelling for pleasure not business.



Sao Paulo may long have been the premier business destination in South America, in its role as the continent’s economic powerhouse, but it is only in recent years that tourists have begun to appreciate the city’s more laid back side. For much the same reasons people visit New York, the main draw to Sao Paulo is its restaurants, nightclubs and plentiful culture – from the ever bigger SP fashion week, open-air concerts in Ibirapuera park, street theatre on Avenida Paulista, to London style impromptu but very much gentrified ‘raves’ in abandoned warehouses.



As always national tourism is leading the trend, also encouraged by a current TV campaign from the Sao Paulo council, but the rest of the world hasn’t been slow to catch on, and Dehouche is receiving an ever increasing number of requests to include the city in their itineraries - surprisingly mostly from city dwellers themselves in New York, LA and London. As always Dehouche clients are armed with an up to date list of goings on in the city to make sure they are in all the right places at the right time, and nowhere else does a concierge service come in quite as handy, whether its securing tickets to the opening of the latest art sensation, or booking a table at one of the city’s top nightclubs.



Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your luxury or honeymoon vacations.



Dehouche S.A.,


Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.


www.dehouche.com



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Sunday, June 27, 2010

Waterfalls and Shortness of Breath! - Explains Dehouche


There’s a great deal of debate as to where you’ll find the world’s largest waterfall, not to mention just how you measure this: Width? Height? Flow? One thing’s for sure however, Iguassu falls, located on the border between Brazil and Argentina offers the visitor some of the most spectacular views, as well as the ability to get close enough to hear its roar and feel its spray – simply breathtaking!



The rivalry between Brazil and Argentina could easily be likened to that between France and England and unsurprisingly there’s also a great deal of debate as to just which side affords the best view of the falls. Argentina has claimed about two thirds of the falls as its own and some argue that this in fact serves to make the Brazilian side superior; being that it offers you a view of the Argentinean side. Perhaps the only way to put an end to the debate is to ask luxury travel experts Dehouche help you organise a tailor made itinerary to Brazil and Argentina and make up your own mind.



Dehouche can arrange accommodation on the Brazilian side in the sumptuous ‘Hotel das Cataratas’ one of very few hotels inside the park itself, where you can enjoy panoramic views as you take breakfast on the terrace. Later in the day, Dehouche can whizz you across the border to the Argentinean side, where you can take an exhilarating boat ride close enough to the falls to get seriously wet. Dry off in the sunshine before journeying to the highest point, where you can cross 1km of river by walkway, marveling at the mist that rises up to 150 meters above the falls long before you reach them. Yet little can prepare you for the experience that is peering down into the devil’s throat itself; a horseshoe shaped cataract 150m wide where the falls crash almost 300 feet to the rocks below.



In contrast to the grandeur of the falls, the towns of Foz do Iguaçu and Puerto Iguazu are little to write home about; the falls are undoubtedly the main attraction here. If you’re hoping to take in other destinations in Brazil and Argentina, you probably won’t feel the need to linger. With Dehouche as your guide, you can be sure of taking in all there is to see in as little as 24 hours, leaving ample time to explore the many other natural wonders this continent has in store as part of a fabulous luxury vacation or romantic honeymoon.



Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.



Dehouche S.A.,


Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.


www.dehouche.com



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Surfs Up - On Honeymoon In Brazil says Dehouche

Considering Brazil is blessed with some 7000km of coastline and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the thought of spending your entire holiday in a horizontal position may be a tempting one; yet when the thermometers hit 40 degrees it’s difficult to resist the pull of the ocean.



Nevertheless, with surf school after windsurfing school after surf school lined up along some beaches, it can get confusing. Fortunately, locally based luxury travel experts Dehouche are on hand to point you in the right direction when you feel the need to cool off. Take a tailor made trip with Dehouche and they can advise you on how best to take advantage of some of the clearest waters, not to mention impressive waves that grace many of these beaches.



Surfing may have only arrived in Brazil in the 50s, but in a country where the majority of the inhabitants are concentrated along the coast, it rapidly became an integral part of the culture. To the uninitiated, the waves here may at first sight seem ferocious and passing them even as a swimmer requires a certain lack of regard for the sanctity of human life. Passing them with a board is an even greater challenge, but there’s no need to struggle alone; Dehouche’s English speaking local contacts will not only get you past the waves, but up on the board in no time, even wagering a case of beer on the prospect. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Dehouche can tell you both where the surfing hotspots are and the best time to visit.



Still not persuaded? If that all sounds a bit radical, then perhaps snorkelling or diving hold greater appeal. Ask Dehouche to help you arrange equipment hire and they’ll share with you Brazil’s top destinations that combine crystal clear waters and a wealth of marine life.



Of course, if you can’t decide between the two and fancy observing marine life whilst surfing, then Dehouche can also arrange this. Not yet heard of underwater surfing? Originally developed for scientific observation, this new sport has been gaining momentum in recent years and offers a more gentle way to surf, allowing you to gaze at the ocean floor as you ride your submerged magic carpet. Whatever activity entices you, Dehouche can make it happen.




Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.



Dehouche S.A.,


Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.


www.dehouche.com



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Saturday, June 19, 2010

Salvador carnival, a fabulous experience when done right - Instructs Dehouche


Carnival may be Brazil’s biggest export and the first point of reference for most is Rio, whose carnival celebrations have become internationally synonymous with Brazilian culture. Yet carnival is celebrated throughout Brazil in many different guises and has been since its conception. If you want to know where else in Brazil hosts parties worth procuring an invitation to, why not talk to Dehouche travel. Dehouche are based in Rio and as well as being loyal fans of the marvelous city are ardent lovers of travel themselves, constantly traversing the enormous landscape which is Brazil and well versed in celebrating carnival wherever they happen to find themselves; thus making them expertly positioned to recommend alternative destinations.



The Bahian city of Salvador in North East Brazil is quickly gaining a name for itself on the international circuit as a contender for Rio’s carnival crown and if the African inspired rhythms of the North East excite you, read on. Salvador’s carnival has in fact become so well known throughout Brazil that it has become a little commercialized in recent years, dominated by certain stars of the Axe brand and with ticket prices rising beyond the reach of many of its residents.



Yet there’s a not so silent revolt taking place amongst the city’s backstreets and Dehouche can tell you not only where to find it, but how to get right to the heart of it. ‘Olodum’ the most successful and enduring ‘bloco-afro’, draw on a myriad of African influences and their mix of samba, merengue, salsa and reggae gained itself the name of ‘samba reggae’. Olodum initially emerged as a cultural project, aiming to combat racism and give voice to a marginalized sector of Brazilian society, and have since helped to inspire the creation of many similar groups throughout Brazil.



The group won themselves international recognition after recordings with both Paul Simon and Michael Jackson and is these days’ active participants on Salvador’s alternative carnival circuit; with Dehouche, you too can be a participant and get dangerously close to the infectious percussion. Dehouche can give you exclusive access to Olodum’s carnival float, so you can not just admire the carnival procession, but be a very part of it.



Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.



Dehouche S.A.,


Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.


www.dehouche.com



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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Petropolis, Just A Short Drive from Rio De Janeiro – Avers Dehouche


For many, the first and perhaps even the only destination in Brazil is the city of Rio de Janeiro, famous worldwide for its carnival, glamorous beaches, legendary football stadium and charming residents. However, few realise that Rio also lends its name to the coastal state in which the city lies and that there are many other destinations both on the coast and inland, equally worth discovering.



Dehouche , who are based in Rio and offer tailor made luxury holidays to Brazil and Argentina, like to follow the example of Rio’s elite and take to the hills at the weekends, in search of fresh mountain air and the rare opportunity to wear a jumper.



The nearby city of Petropolis was at one time the state capital and summer residence of the Brazilian emperors and aristocracy, whose architectural legacy remains well preserved to this day. Such is its proximity to Rio Petropolis can in fact be very easily visited for the day and makes an ideal excursion when the heat of today’s state capital becomes stifling.



In addition to its colonial heritage, Petropolis is these days celebrated for its excellent restaurants. It’s worth asking Dehouche not only for a list of the best addresses, but also for the dates of the next gastronomic festival the city annually plays host to. In addition to its culinary delights, Petropolis is also known for its locally produced beer ‘Itaipava’; in keeping, the neighbourhood of Itaipava offers the liveliest beer fuelled nightlife, though it’s still all very refined. Nevertheless, for couples and honeymooners in search of a little more peace, Dehouche can tell you where to find it.



The setting of the city couldn’t be more picturesque, surrounded by dramatic peaks and for those who feel the inclination there are also numerous outdoor activities on offer in the nearby national park of ‘Serra dos Órgãos’. Ask Dehouche for the best time to visit depending on your interests as temperatures here vary a great deal more than down on the coast below. If that all sounds a bit energetic, then simply soak up the grandeur of another era, amble down cobbled streets to the sound of live music and admire unrivalled views of the mountains which envelop the city; you’d be forgiven for forgetting altogether that the frenetic pace of city life is just a few hours descent away.



Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.



Dehouche S.A.,


Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.


www.dehouche.com



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Sunday, June 13, 2010

Food obsessed, does it show? - queries Dehouche

There’s long been a show of mutual cultural admiration between France and Brazil and though the latter has always been principally celebrated for its music, its reputation as a retreat for the ‘gourmandise’ is beginning to grow in strength.



Sao Paulo may hold the title as the most cosmopolitan of Brazil’s cities, with an impressive range of dining options to suit; however Rio also has something to offer the more discerning palate and for those on honeymoon, is absolutely spoilt with beautiful sunset views to linger over.



Dehouche have been providing luxury tailor made holidays to Brazil since 2003 and have made Rio their home and base; seven years of dining out here stands them in good stead when it comes to choosing a restaurant. Dehouche not only know the city inside out, but their love of food and dedication to the pursuit of pleasure means this knowledge is also kept up to the minute, unlike any paper publication.



Since the colonisation of Brazil, the cuisine of Rio has unreservedly embraced a wide range of culinary influences, the principal ingredients being the traditions of Brazil’s indigenous, the Portuguese and the Africans they brought with them as slaves. These culinary traditions have been blended together and seasoned with a little German and Italian spice to create what is contemporary Rio cuisine today.



In addition to this rich culinary heritage, Rio’s spectacular geographical setting means it’s also possible to enjoy dinner whilst enjoying breathtaking views of the ocean and rainforest covered peaks which grace this city. Nevertheless, in the city itself, it’s hard to find a restaurant with a position elevated enough to fully appreciate this. Talk to Dehouche however and they can recommend restaurants which boast just this and are perfect for dining à deux.



Dehouche can also help you to escape the city, taking you on a drive beyond the usual tourist haunts to an exclusive boutique hotel, where the hotel’s owner and chef can prepare a meal especially for you as you relax on the terrace and admire the sunset over the cityscape you’ve just left behind.



Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.



Dehouche S.A.,


Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.


www.dehouche.com



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