The beautiful people, or those who like to watch them go by…
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro.
The rooms at Sofitel Rio are as sleek and shiny as the sunbathers outside, with crisp white sheets, fresh colours, and surround-sound plasma TVs. Deluxe rooms also have wraparound balconies to admire the iconic Copacabana Beach in all its glory.
The hotel has thoughtfully provided two swimming pools: one to catch the morning sun and the other one for the afternoon rays. Remember the sun cream! Naturally, there’s a gym to keep your beach bod in peak shape, along with a sauna. The hotel has two magnificent restaurants including Le Pre Catalan which was voted one of the best ten in the world.
Copacabana beach will certainly demand a great deal of your attention with “the beautiful game” being played at regular intervals on the sand, bronzed figures roller-blading along the board-walk, and a range of water-sports for you to try. By night, you can hit the glamorous clubs, bars, and restaurants, with views of the surreally-lit beach. Or, if it all gets too much, retire to the Turkish bath back at Sofitel Rio, and have a massage at the on-site spa.
The best view of the beach is from the colonial Forte de Copacabana, now a cultural centre open to visitors. It’s worth the walk!