"The modern antidote to the Copa Palace’s grand hotel glamour, Philippe Starck’s Brazilian debut— which opened in 2007— has design cred in spades. Somehow the Union Jack flags draped against Argentinian brick walls give the place the swinging feel of Rio’s 1960s hey-day.)The 89 all-white rooms have balconies (42 with ocean views), but you’ll want to spend time at the rooftop bar by the infinity pool to gaze at Ipanema, Leblon, the Two Brothers Mountain and Corcovado, watch the sunset, and sip rum muddled with fresh strawberries (a local fave). Other amenities include a spa and a private beach, a fitness center, and bike rentals. Proximity, too, is key: The Fasano is across the street from Ipanema beach, and a seven-minute walk from General Osório metro and 12 minutes from Copacabana beach."
