Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel

An opulent, marble-clad lobby welcomes you to the Palace, before branching off into the unique settings of its Michelin-starred restaurants (pan-Asian Mee and Italian, Cipriani). But really, life at the Palace revolves around its half-Olympic-size pool and rows of sun loungers where stylish Cariocas show off their tans. An impressive breakfast is served poolside including 20 different fruits, tapioca crepes and omelette stations. The Palace also offers pampering treatments at its spa, one of the best in Rio, that will have you floating out the door.

Dripping with old-world style, the 147 rooms range from standard to the sensational penthouse suites – sanctuaries of fine carpets, French fabrics and hand-picked antiques. In the 'normal' rooms, muted tones are perfect canvases for unique, colourful artworks and stunning Brazilian freijo furnishings, whilst the bathrooms are large, marble and glorious - and there's always a pair of Brazilian slippers ready and waiting. Balconies range in size according to the room, and the upper suites also enjoy direct access to the sixth-floor pool.

The concierge is a whiz at sorting out tickets for nearby attractions, from breakfasts atop Sugarloaf Mountain before it opens to the public, to visits to the Museum of Tomorrow. Just across the main avenue, a section of Copacabana Beach is reserved for hotel residents and there's always someone on hand to deliver platters of fresh fruit and drinks to your sun lounger. Otherwise, venture along the coast a little to discover some of Rio's secret beaches, take a private architecture tour, or cruise the bay in a yacht.