Adriana was born an only child. She is of Caribbean, Indian and Swiss descent. A devout Roman Catholic, she had planned to become a nun before she started modeling. She was discovered while at a local mall at the age of 13. She finished in first place in a Ford Supermodel of Brazil model search. Lima later followed with a second place finish in the 1996 Ford Supermodel of the World contest. Adriana moved to New York City, and eventually moved on from Ford, signing with Elite Model Management. Her early career consisted mostly of fashion editorial work (with early appearances in international editions of Vogue and Marie Claire in 1997/1998), as well as runway work (Christian Lacroix, Valentino, and others). Lima's first big break came when she was featured in a Vassarette billboard in Times Square. Her print career followed, and like many other famous names (Claudia Schiffer, Laetitia Casta, Eva Herzigova), Lima became a GUESS? Girl in their 2000 Costanoa and has face campaign. 

She continued to build upon her entry, doing more print work (Maybelline, bebe, Mossimo, BCBG) and gracing the cover and editorials of more high fashion magazines (Harper's Bazaar, ELLE). Probably best known for her Victoria's Secret work and Angel status (along with Heidi Klum, Gisele Bündchen, and Alessandra Ambrosio), Lima first graced the VS runway in 1999, and was the show opener for the 2003 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. In 2001, She starred in BMW Films short, The Follow alongside actors Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, and Forest Whitaker. In the film, Owen's character is hired to follow Lima's, who is suspected of cheating on her famous husband, played by Rourke. The film had a runtime of 8:47 including credits, was written by Andrew Kevin Walker, and directed by Wong Kar-Wai. Lima made it clear that acting is not her priority and that she only did The Follow because it was a short film. 

Personal life

She has been romantically linked to celebrities in the past, including an engagement with rocker Lenny Kravitz. Up until recently, she was known to be dating Prince Wenzeslaus of Liechtenstein. The relationship had been a relatively juicy topic for the society spy columns and celebrity watchers, specifically Page Six, New York Post and Hola! online magazine. However, she broke up with him and start a fast date with Denny lead singer of Timbalada.

Lima has admitted that she was shy around boys when she was younger, and can still to this day freeze when she's around them. She got her first kiss at 17 years old, and has told reporters that she's been in 5 relationships.

Husband: Marko Jaric

Marko is a Serbian professional basketball player currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA. He holds Greek citizenship and his Greek surname is Latsis.

Adriana meet him in an humanitarian Party in Los Angeles, 2006, but at that time she was dating Vince. But he didnt gave up and waited for Adriana. The relationship started in October 2007 and Adriana always try to go at his games and he also was watching her at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

In her 27's birthday Party, June 12 2008, Marko Proposed to her and She accepted. In February 2009, they eloped on Valentine's day, it was a very simple, small and romantic wedding but they couldnt be any happier! The huge party that they were planning to their families had to wait because right now Adriana is waiting their first child that is expected to december.