BRAZIL Copacabana Hotel Fasano


With one dramatic setting rolling into the next, it may appear shocking that Brazil still remains off the radar of even the most sophisticated travellers. This brings us to step three, realising that despite its tremendous geography and success as an emerging market, Brazil has yet to conform to the world’s expectations of it. This is particularly the case with regard to tourism, which both maddeningly and refreshingly takes a backseat to the laid-back anything-goes approach that Brazilians are known for. In practice, this sometimes translates to a surprising scarcity of English-speakers, aloof service and a remarkable lack of five-star properties to match the exorbitant prices.


Over the next four years, all eyes will be on Brazil as it hosts the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympic games. A Four Seasons is under construction in downtown Rio, an Aman Resort is planned for Angra, and the Bahian villages of Salvador and Trancoso expect outposts of the sleek Sao Paulo-based Fasano. But for a country that has been described as ‘on the brink’ for the last two decades, Brazil’s soul and sense of place has never shifted. Locals fill the beaches in the middle of the workday; shops and restaurants open when they open; the gods of sensuality and samba reign supreme; Brazilians, unapologetically, always have fun.


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COPACABANA PALACE HOTEL BY ORIENT-EXPRESS


Absurdly romantic, the grande dame of Rio de Janeiro is a jewel of 1920s resort architecture (it was inspired by the Negresco in Nice and the Carlton in Cannes). Yet it is also the very embodiment of the elegant, tropical, cosmopolitan lifestyle of Rio’s golden age. The neighbourhood may not be what it used to, but the Copa has retained its glory.


At the end of 2012, Copacabana saw the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation of its 145-room historic building. All rooms are vast, with uniquely high ceilings and many have breathtaking views of Copacabana Beach. Even those that overlook the pool or hotel rear are a great value for the quality. The seven Penthouse Suites are like apartments, with large terraces and more spacious than many Manhattan flats.


The poolside Pérgola or more formal Cipriani restaurant are places to see and be seen and still ooze the old world elegance of their hay day. For younger generations, the Copa boasts a new VIP nightclub, which packs full until the wee hours on weekend evenings.


For more information, please see www.copacabanapala www.pontadosganchos.com.br or visit them at ILTM 20


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