Emiliano Rio

Modern and elegant, the white-shuttered Hotel Emiliano building is a real icon on the beachfront. Inside, everything revolves around a Roberto Burle Marx panel that hangs in the lobby like a green love letter to Brazilian nature. Casas used this as his colour bible and the fabrics and furniture are equally as luscious and juicy. There's also a stunning vertical garden that make you feel like you're dining inside the Atlantic Forest and on the 11th floor, the blissful Santapele Spa. And on the rooftop is that magical infinity pool that seems to pour directly into the ocean, with views stretching from Leme to Copacabana Fort.

The concierge at the Emiliano is fabulous and will help with everything restaurant reservations to helicopter tours to favela visits with reputable guides. They'll navigate you to Ipanema's boutiques, book sunset trips up Sugarloaf, or secure tickets to whatever's on at the Municipal Theatre. The rooftop pool hosts sunset sessions with DJs at weekends, while the bar makes cocktails that could convert cachaça sceptics. For culture, the Museum of Tomorrow and colonial Centro lie within easy reach.