Standing high over the Copacabana seafront, the Windsor Atlântica occupies the site of the once-legendary Le Méridien hotel, providing, upon opening in December 2010, the newest 5-star accommodation in the city. The creation of a new terrace complete with open-air swimming pool and bar gave it the immediate edge over its predecessor, and from here, 39 floors up, the full sweep of Copacabana beach runs into the distance.

With 545 rooms, most of which have a sea view, the décor is modern, the location excellent (Copacabana may not have the same draw as Ipanema beach these days, but a 15-minute walk to the end of Leme finds a beautiful corner of sand) and the spa offers all you could require, complete with a view out to Sugarloaf Mountain. The ‘Menu Carioca’ offers a wide range of exfoliating, moisturizing and soothing therapies to prime you for the Rio lifestyle, including the Espírito da Boemia massage (R$180) and the Beleza Carioca facial (R$150).