Rio de Janeiro

Even though Narciso Rodriguez lives and works in New York City, he finds much of his design inspiration on trips to Rio de Janeiro, where he goes to unwind. In fact, he started to go to Brazil so frequently—three times a year, at least—that he finally bought himself a beach house in Bahia, on the edge of the Atlantic rain forest. "At first I went to Rio, and then I started to branch out and go to places like Bahia," says Rodriguez. "Now when I go, I sketch a lot." He gets inspired watching the active crowds on beaches like Ipanema. "It's my dream to walk up the coast, from the southern tip all the way to the top." Here's a list of some of his favorite Rio haunts:

DESTINATIONS

Prainha, a beach about 40 minutes outside of Rio, is sublime. It's a place to chill out and experience the beauty of Brazilian nature.

Arpoador, the area between Ipanema and Copacabana, is where there is a great convergence of all the locals. There is an eclectic spirit there that is truly Carioca.

RESTAURANTS AND JUICE BARS

Polis Sucos, Rua Maria Quitéria 70A (021-2247-2518), in Ipanema, is a discreet juice bar that serves the freshest juices you'll ever have, as well as the best sandwiches. Favorites include the tangerine juice and the açaí shake.

Siri Mole, Rua Francisco Otaviano 50 (021-2267-0894), is one of the best Bahian restaurants in town—and it has a very down-to-earth atmosphere. They serve mostly seafood, which is prepared in a traditional Bahian way and is some of the best I have tasted.

SHOPPING

Galeria River, Rua Francisco Otaviano, is a mini-mall in Arpoador filled with cool shops selling surf gear, skateboards, in-line skates and climbing equipment.

Osklen, Rua Maria Quitéria 85 (021-2227-2911). Every piece of clothing is well designed. One of my favorite stores, it's where all the cool Brazilians shop.

HOTELS

Hotel Fasano, Avenida Vieira Souto 80 (021-3202-4000; rio@fasano.com.br) Philippe Starck-designed homage to the 1950s and '60s right in the heart of Ipanema Beach.

TRAVEL SERVICES

There's a website, matuete.com where you can organize a trip to Brazil and they will set everything up for you, including finding you the best villa on an island, renting a boat and organizing trips to the rain forest.