Rio de Janeiro’s iconic beachscape is changing, and Copacabana Beach is hardly as grand as it was in the glory days… But today the neighbourhood’s star resident remains the Copacabana Palace, the oldest still-running hotel in the city.
Opened in 1923, the Palace is 90 years on only slightly faded, retaining most of her palatial glory with a host of extravagant public spaces and elegant pastel-hued, marble-splashed pads – take one facing the beach, and if you’re feeling flush, upgrade to a suite for a breezy private balcony overlooking the sands.
Later, indulge at the stalwart Italian fine diner Cipriani, opt for bites at the refreshingly modern pan-Asian scenester Mee, or take casual comfort fare at poolside caff Pergula. Wherever you are, make sure to gussy up good – the Palace was once home to the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Mick Jagger, Lady Di and many more, and still remains star-studded celeb central. Scene!
Copacabana Palace, Av Atlantica, 1702, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, +55 21 2547 8080, belmond.com
