Hamish Bowles Sambas His Way Through Rio de Janeiro’s Carnaval | Vogue

"Blissfully ensconced on Leblon’s sea-licked coast, I settled into an amazing room that framed a view of the Cagarras Islands—a Zen-like sanctuary from the Carnaval madness already in full fig on the Burle Marx-designed sidewalks outside. Opening officially next month, the hotel is the brainchild of designer Oskar Metsavaht, whose Osklen brand was built on sustainability and “new luxury.” Built in 1975, when this area of Rio’s famed coastline was being developed into luxury apartment buildings to replace the Beaux Arts villas built at the turn of the last century, it has been reconceived to embrace Metsavaht’s philosophies and exemplify his values." - Hamish Bowles