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"When describing the pool scene at this South American Grande Dame, it almost feels like a stand-in for Rio itself. Bossanova beats gently carrying through the breezy warm air, happy Cariocas scooping chocolate and strawberry gelato from an ice cream cart, beautiful bronzed bodies soaking up the sun, not unlike the scene just across the street at the famous Copacabana Beach. All is to say, it’s the type of pool scene that channels the destination, instead of shutting yourself out of it. Which makes it a slam dunk in my book. — Erin Florio, executive editor"

Courtesy Belmond Copacabana Palace/Photo by Romulo Fialdini