the majority of beach-front hotels are typically a great choice for standard or luxurious accommodation - for the affluent and glamorous, the belmond copacabana palace is a winning option, with its all-white, unmistakable art deco architecture that can be admired from copacabana beach itself, spurring fantasies of tea-time in the piano bar, and relaxing treatments at the spa.

another chic, and perhaps pocket friendly, option is the beachside hotel of pestana rio atlântica - the establishment is equipped with a rooftop pool and bar as well as a portuguese restaurant that plays live music.