"Through sun-drenched days and sultry nights, Ipanema has a rhythm all its own."

Ipanema, having such a unique name, was worthy of being looked up. Ipanema is an area in the southern part of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. How cool?! The theme of this mini-travel vibe is exotic and really makes me want to book a cruise to southern waters and beaches! It's small size, moderate sound, and great shape make it an excellent travel buddy. The interesting design lends to clitoral stimulation or shallow g-spot stimulation. Good thing my g-spot is shallow! For most women, this will provide a decent amount of stimulation whether from either speed of vibration, the firm g-spot head, or from the ribbed shaft. It is cute and easy to use too. Beginners are welcome. Being waterproof, it can travel to the shower or tub too! Its obscure shape is hardly recognizable so it can be discreet as well.

The Ipanema is made of a PU (polyurethane) coated ABS plastic. This material is rated a 7 on Eden's material safety scale and a 10 on my hardness scale. It is phthalates and latex free. I don't know why you would need it to be, but PU coating provides flame resistance too. So if you have a fear of your toys spontaneously bursting into flames from over use, have no fear! The coating is smooth but feels like a matte velvet. It has no smell or taste.

Note: PU coated ABS plastic is non-porous, but cannot be sterilized. Use a condom if you want to share.

The Ipanema reminds me of a Cobra snake ready to strike! Seriously, this little guy has no shortage of unique style. If you turn it upside down, it kind of looks like an elephant leg. Needless to say, it doesn't look like a typical toy of any kind. It is about 4 1/4" long. The head (or maybe I should call it a foot since it looks like one) is like a flattened, then semi-rounded club. It is about 1 1/2" across (about 4 1/2" in circumference-hard to measure this weird shape!). This gives it plenty of surface area for finding the g-spot or clitoris. Right below that area is the shaft which has deep ribbing. At the base it curves a bit and then is semi-flat at the end. This is where the single push button is. About an inch above the end is where the vibrator unscrews to reveal the battery compartment. It needs a single AA battery. The part that screws off says "Evolved" in white letters.

So while this doesn't really look like an obvious sex toy, it still might draw attention, especially if you get the pink color (I got the purple). It is excellent for travel though! It's small and not too heavy (although it was heavier than I thought it would be). It is also completely waterproof and passed both the tub and shower test.

The Ipanema has two steady vibrations. To use the toy, you first have to insert the battery. This proved to be difficult for me. I'm not sure why since my boyfriend was able to do it in one twist. Once the battery is inserted and the cap screwed back on, you can press the single button on the bottom. It is easy to reach and press. The first level is steady and what I would consider a low vibration. It is okay for teasing, but it did not finish me at all. The noise level is low especially when in the body or under the covers. Pressing the button again seems to double the level of vibration. This level is a bit below what I describe as moderate. It can finish me, but it isn't going to do so in a swift and timely manner. The vibrations are not rumbly, but they are consistent and steady. They work wonders for perking nipples. The vibrations can be felt throughout the toy, but they are strongest near the end.

Caring for this toy could not be easier. It can be washed with mild soap and warm water or sprayed with a toy cleaner and wiped down. Any kind of lubricant can be used with this too. To store, let it dry and then return it to its small case or throw it pretty much anywhere.

The packaging is no larger than it needs to be. I love that it doesn't waste materials. The package is a clear, plastic dome that goes over the toy. It has a plastic cap hat pops off. The toy sits in this so it is upright. The outside says "EVOLVED", "Travel Vibes-ipanema", and then a few things about it. There are little Hawaiian looking flowers on the package. It think it would be a really cute gift to give to someone who is going on a cruise or pretty much any tropical vacation.

It was easy to use the Ipanema, but watch your pubic bone if you usually have an issue with that. It is small, but can hook it if you are thrusting wildly. I did enjoy this on my g-spot, but not the way it should be used. I flipped it so the flatter part was against my g-spot. It felt good, but I never got close to finishing this way. The ribbing could not really be felt either. I'd love to see a larger, silicone version of this!

I am giving it 4 stars due to the awesome design, lock-tight waterproofing, safe material, and ability to finish me on the highest setting. It might not be enough for everyone though. It's still a great companion for a trip.