Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro

"Music lovers, meanwhile, can follow the bossa nova beat on Fasano's newest tour, which winds its way through the streets and stops at the bars in the area that gave birth to the genre's best-known songs."

"We complete our two-day stay in the city at the Fasano hotel, which, since its arrival on the scene in Rio, has become a landmark in the city. This São Paulo-based hotel group could not have chosen a better location, right by the beach in Ipanema. Philippe Starck’s first project in Brazil is a homage to Bossa Nova, an essentially Rio-focused musical genre, and boasts views of both the Morro Dois Irmãos and Corcovado peaks. The rooftop pool sets the trend here and has become one of the most exclusive venues in Rio. However, the hotel offers its guests much, much more: in addition to a full wellbeing program, it also organizes special experiences ranging from surfing lessons to a stroll encompassing the highlights of the city in which Bossa Nova was created." - The MICHELIN Guide

"Midcentury-inspired hotel designed by Philippe Starck, noted for its knockout design and beachfront location." - Alesandra Dubin Alesandra Dubin Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in

"In the Fasano hotel, the hallways are softly lit, the walls and doors made up of rich, dark wood from the ground (a deep red carpet) to the ceiling. When we first opened the door to our room, the sunshine poured in, and as our eyes adjusted to the contrast, they fell on the view: a sparkling sea stretched out before us, with Ipanema Beach in the foreground. From our balcony, we could see the entirety of the beach as we sipped fresh coconut water and snacked on Globo biscuits: the surfers at Arpoador to our left, the steamy stretch of sand leading all the way to the iconic peaks of the Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) to our right, with all of the energy of the beach (people cycling along the boardwalk or purchasing bikinis and partying at each posto, or lifeguard stand) in between. To make the view even better, our balcony was mirrored on each side, allowing us to take in both ends of the beach, no matter which direction we faced."

"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."