Photo by PA Photos
Destinations to watch in 2013
Brazil
The World Cup is still more than a year away, the Olympics nearly four. But after the resounding success of London 2012, the eyes of the nation - and, indeed the world - are already turning to Brazil.
Even Michael Palin's epic series could not unearth every delight of this vast country. It is like an entire continent, from its thrilling, teeming metropolises to its virgin rainforest and empty stretches of beach that run for hundreds of miles.
Rio de Janeiro is already gearing up for the 2016 Olympics. Its 2013 carnival in February is tipped to be the biggest and most popular yet. And considering what a spectacle Rio Carnival is, imagine its opening ceremony (we got a taste for it at London's closing ceremony in August, and it put our Spice Girls in the shade somewhat).
But it's no longer just Rio that's got a lot to offer tourists. São Paulo is an incredibly exciting city to visit right now; it's Brazil's biggest city, its financial capital and design capital, where the country's movers, shakers and money-makers network among its chi-chi bars, restaurants and boutique.
That is, when they're not mooching around in Havaianas at their beach houses in the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha or on one of Bahia's stretches of coast, all powdery white sand and palm trees where, other than the fishermen, you won't see another soul. Unless you're looking for the party; if so head there December to February for beach parties full of bronzed beauties sipping caipirinhas as the sun goes down and the beats are turned up.
STAY
In Rio de Janeiro, at party-central Copacabana Palace, more drop-dead-fabulous than ever since its recent refurb; or in the peaceful hills at the edge of the city at the recently opened TuaKaza Hotel.
In Rio de Janeiro, at party-central Copacabana Palace, more drop-dead-fabulous than ever since its recent refurb; or in the peaceful hills at the edge of the city at the recently opened TuaKaza Hotel.
At the Sao Paulisto's latest weekend retreat of choice, Botanique, in the hills.
Near the Bahian surfer town of Itacaré at Txai, one of the country's best beach resorts, or in Fernando de Noronha at Pousada Maravilha.
