BossaCucaNova is a Rio de Janeiro based music group famous for “bossa with a new mind.” The band combines traditional bossa nova with electronica and funky beats. They received worldwide recognition at the 2002 Latin Grammy Awards for their album “Brasilidade,” referring to “Brasilianess” and the distinct Brasilian attitude. Marcio Menescal, DJ Marcelinho DaLua and Alex Moreira pool their talent and a broad range of musical elements such as jazz, break beats and complex melodies that catapult Brasilian music to the attention of a new generation.

The next time you find yourself entertaining, consider BossaCucaNova for creating a lively dinner ...

Neon and bright solids abound in the recent color blocking trend for 2012. At ViX Swimwear, we adore our basics as much as we adore a striking hue so much so that we’ve put our own spin on color blocking.

Try pairing off-white and black, cream and navy or warm bone with leather accents. Re-inventing a trend is a talent inherent to designer, Paula Hermanny. “I like playing around with contrasting colors,” she tells us, “because they make a bold statement for a look that is always classic.”

This play on basic colors was also seen in Spring/Summer ...

Imagine a view of the entire stretch of Ipanema beach—from the plush confines of an oversized bed. This is the unique brand of luxury found in Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro. With prime location in the heart of a world-renowned destination, the hotel boasts a contemporary bossa-nova aesthetic as interpreted by designer Philippe Starck.

Experience the modern opulence this Brasilian hotel has to offer: sleek ambience, architectural sophistication and gastronomical delights. It boasts an exclusive rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Two Brothers Mountain, Arpoador and the Corcovado. Perhaps W Magazine describes Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro best ...

A chilly winter evening makes a quiet night at home seem like the ultimate reprieve. Set the atmosphere right and relax with lounge worthy music. We are fans of Chillodesiac Lounge Fever Volume 1 by Worldwide Groove Corporation. The album has upbeat, easy listening and international appeal with tracks incorporating English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and French.

One song that caught our attention was a remix of the Brasilian classic, Mas Que Nada by Jorge Ben Jor. Having been covered numerous times, most notably by Sergio Mendes and The Black Eyed Peas, this version features group vocals by artists Kenya Evelyn ...

Moqueca de Peixe or Brasilian Fish Stew is a traditional dish typical of Bahia, Brasil’s fourth most populous state. This region is known for the rich African influences tied in with local culture, producing the unique sounds of Samba and the martial art of Capoeira. A coastal state, Bahia boasts seafood as a mainstay of the region’s cuisine and Moqueca de Peixe can be viewed as Brasil’s version of American chowder. The recipe includes peppers, tomatoes, onions, coconut milk, palm oil and a white fish such as tilapia. The dish is best served with hot rice, farofa ...