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Rogério Fasano, head of Brazil's famous hospitality family (patriarch Vittorio Fasano opened his first restaurant in São Paulo in 1902), has chosen sunny Rio de Janeiro as the site for his second namesake hotel. Designed in an uncharacteristically restrained style by Philippe Starck, with limited-edition furniture based on designs from the 1950s and 1960s, the hotel makes an elegant addition to Ipanema's beautiful beachfront. For a sense of place, look no further than the single, six-ton piece of reclaimed ipe wood which serves as the magnificent check-in desk. The 82 rooms and 10 butler-serviced suites are luxurious and warm, with balconies perfectly positioned above the famous beach. The best views are from the popular rooftop bar and pool; the stunning Fasano Al Mare restaurant downstairs attracts an equally fashionable crowd. Specialising in Italian seafood dishes, it is the family's most ambitious restaurant to date, and the Starck-designed bar installation, a showcase of glass and mirrors featuring 30 different vignettes of rare ocean shells, is a fitting backdrop.
WHEN TO GO
Early February for the four-day carnival.
ROOM TO BOOK
Any with views of the Atlantic.
Avenida Vieira Souto 80, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (00 55 21 3202 4000; www.fasano.com.br). Doubles from US$560
Find out more about Rio de Janeiro in our city guide |
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