In 2024 the iconic Hotel Arpoador, renowned for its timeless charm, privileged location between the sea and nature, and for providing experiences that harmonize elegance and relaxation, celebrates its 50th anniversary!
We’ve already told you a little about the birth and growth of this Rio icon. And if you’ve been following our special blog series on Arpoador’s 50th anniversary, you’ll know that we’re embarking on a real journey through time, revisiting the past and reliving stories. That’s why we’ve invited some special characters who have a personal connection with the hotel and the region. Through their memories, we will recall moments and feelings that are part of the soul of this place.
History of Arpoador + Wendy Andrade
Our second interviewee is one of our special guests since the reopening of Hotel Arpoador in 2019. Wendy has always charmed us with his unique point of view of Rio and during our chat he shared a little of his story with us.
Born in Caxias, in the Baixada Fluminense, Wendy says that he considered himself almost a tourist in the city due to the distance and difference between where he lived and the city’s most famous landmarks.
We asked him when and how his passion for Rio’s beaches came about. Andrade replied that from an early age he took part in a sea life rescue project called Botinho and since then he has had a very deep relationship with the sea.
Later, when he began his academic studies at PUC Rio, located in Gávea, Wendy developed a very special feeling for Ipanema. From his point of view, Ipanema has always been what he calls a “vacation district”, where everyone seems to be on vacation all the time and in any season. This led to his desire to live in the neighborhood and be part of the bohemian scene.
The photographer’s first contact with the Hotel Arpoador was during the hotel’s renovation work. He was invited by Daniel Gorin to take pictures of the place during the reconstruction process. Despite being surprised by the request, he says he accepted and shortly afterwards the renovated hotel was ready.
Andrade tells us one of the most important factors in the photos taken.
“The idea of staying in the hotel was very magical for me. I stayed in a few different rooms and that made all the difference in building the hotel’s image, because I practically had a vision of a person who was living here.”
All these factors made the Hotel Arpoador a very special place for him. Wendy concludes:
“It’s a place of belonging. It’s a place that gives meaning to how I feel about the city”
And that’s exactly the experience that Arpoador has been guaranteeing for 50 years, making its guests feel welcome at all times. The hotel’s privileged location and sophisticated simplicity reflect this beach style and all the essence of maritime life.
Art and inspiration at the Arpoador
Oh, and did you know that, just as Wendy Andrade captured the essence of the Arpoador Hotel with his lens in 2019, Rio’s waterfront has always been a muse for artists of all eras? For example, to talk about Arpoador is to remember icons such as Tom Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes and João Gilberto, who, inspired by the curves of the sea and the relaxed rhythm of life by the water, created classics such as “Garota de Ipanema”. A sculpture of Tom even pays tribute to the Brazilian singer-songwriter who has transcended borders and generations.
In addition, the recently renovated Garota de Ipanema Park was also named after the song. The place is perfect for enjoying with the whole family, as it has a children’s playground, a beach viewpoint and is the stage for various free concerts that take place around the city.
And of course, the scenery that enchanted artists at the time was also there when Wendy clicked on the hotel, showing that art always finds its soul in Rio.
And this goes beyond music. Arpoador’s unique light has also enchanted painters, such as Pancetti, and filmmakers who have immortalized the beach in films. We can certainly say that each of Wendy’s clicks is a continuation of this tradition that transforms Arpoador into visual poetry, just as great artists have done with songs, paintings and verses.
Arpoador + Tecla Music
Speaking of, we remind you that in the commemorative playlists created in partnership with Tecla Music you’ll find songs that marked this entire period, including classics by Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes. Just go to the @Arpoador.Rio profile on Spotify!
In addition, on @arpoador.rio‘s Instagram you’ll find some of the wonderful photos taken by Wendy Andrade, as well as many other interesting facts about this iconic and inspiring part of Rio de Janeiro. It’s well worth exploring!
In short, all these experiences, curiosities and characteristics history of Arpoador are what make it so special and worthy of a full celebration of its fiftieth anniversary. But there is still a lot to learn about its beautiful history, full of incredible personalities. So continue following the blog series here.
