Fasano Rio

50s style meets Noughties chic: this 91-room addition to the Fasano dynasty has shaken up Rio's hotel scene

Elegant, understated and fabulous: 3 words that sum up the Fasano hotel, which in 2007 lifted Rio's stylish Ipanema district after much hype. Sister hotel to the supremely classy Fasano in São Paulo, this is owner Rogerio Fasano's 14th business venture, sitting alongside 12 top-notch restaurants. It looks like it's living up to the Fasano reputation - and it's what Rio's been crying out for. Designed by Philippe Starck, the 81 rooms and 10 suites are a decadent blend of period furniture and cool contemporary style. Rich hardwoods sit alongside Art Deco lamps, marble bathrooms and quirky fittings; the beds have 300 thread-count Egyptian linens and plump goose-down pillows. What's more, each room has a private balcony, most overlooking the clear Atlantic Ocean.

Spend a few days lazing by the rooftop infinity pool admiring the panoramic view, or wander down to the golden beach, where Rio's bronzed and beautiful strut their stuff in tiny swimwear. Then when you're suitably relaxed, slip on your complimentary Havaianas and explore: Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) and Corcovado are nearby, and there's a wealth of designer shops to browse. After sundown, chill out at a beach bar, heat up at one of Rio's über-trendy nightclubs or have an unforgettable meal at the Fasano Al Mare restaurant.

Highs

• Knowing you're staying in what many call the best hotel in Rio
• The rooftop infinity pool, which overlooks the city, the ocean and Dois Irmãos
• Strolling out of the door, straight onto the beach
• The rooftop bar - the perfect place to sip a Caipirinha as the sun goes down
• The décor: a sumptuous mix of 1950s furniture and contemporary chic
• Baretto-Londra - the super-cool lounge bar - is a hotspot for Brazilian celebs

Lows

• The Superior Rooms are on the small side - if you're going to splash out, do it in style and upgrade to a suite
• At this end of Ipanema you're close to Copacabana beach, which some say has had its day
• The street in front of the hotel is a bit noisy - but hey, you're in Rio, baby!
• There are no bathtubs, although the suites have Jacuzzis
• Breakfast isn't included