As I was lounging at the spacious pool at the Copacabana Palace, the president of Israel Shimon Peres, flanked by six body guards, nonchalantly walked by. These are the types of encounters common place at Rio’s most luxurious hotel. Guests such as Madonna, Mariah Carey, U2, The Rolling Stones and head’s of state, make the Copacabana their home while in Rio and it’s not hard to see why.

May 2010 STRATOS Cover

Located in the most expensive and sought after real estate in the city, across from the Copacabana Beach on the famed Avenida Atlantica Avenue, this Orient Express property is the grand dame of luxury. Dating back to 1923, the property was modeled after the Carlton in Cannes and the Negresco in Nice.

The hotel consists of two buildings; the main building has a more traditional feel while the newer tower is more modern in decor and design. The centerpiece of the property is the glamorous pool, where chaise lounge chairs and umbrellas beckon guests (guests can also get VIP service at the Copacabana beach across the street, where the hotel provides chairs, umbrellas, water and fresh fruit).
One of the highlights of the property is the Cipriani Restaurant, the hotel’s formal fine-dining venue that mirrors the elegance and high-quality cuisine of its famous counterpart in Venice, the Hotel Cipriani. The recently opened Bar do Copa is quickly becoming one of the highest nightspots in Rio.

For the ultimate in luxury, stay at one of the seven penthouse presidential suites on the sixth floor. These butler-serviced suites are decorated in Brazilian mahogany inlaid with Brazilian agates, antique herringbone-designed floors and classic prints. The spacious terraces overlook Copacabana Beach and the oversized bathtubs are strategically placed next to a glass wall in order to take full advantage of these views. The bathrooms are designed with Italian tiles and Brazilian marble. Executive lounge access includes afternoon tea, nightly refreshments and daily breakfast. There is also a private pool framed with black Tijuca granite—the pool is exclusive to sixth floor guests.

After spending a few days exploring Rio, head to Iguazu Falls at Iguacu National Park and stay at the Orient Express property Hotel das Cataratas, the only hotel located in the park. Iguazu Falls lies on the border between Brazil and Argentina and a highlight of the hotel is all the outdoor adventure activities that can be booked on property. The hotel is a mere two minute walk to a lookout of the falls and the property is surrounded by 700 square miles of national park. Guests have exclusive access to this UNESCO Heritage site each morning before it is open to the public at 9 a.m. and after guests leave at 5 p.m.

The hotel was purchased by the Orient Express in 2007 and the company has spent the last two years completely renovating the property.  All rooms have been completely refurbished; a spa and formal dining room are slated to open later this year.

For the ultimate accommodation, request room 1117, the Cataratas suites (note: there are two Cataratas suites but room 1117 has a view of the falls, while the other suite does not).  This suite has a balcony, a sitting room, spacious bedroom and large bathroom.

The views of the falls from the hotel are simply stunning: 80 percent of Iguazu Falls are in Argentina, which means Brazil has all the views on its side. 

This is where STRATOS’ sporting DNA kicks in. Plan to spend several days at the resort in order to take advantage of all the adventure activities including hiking, biking, rafting, bird watching, abseiling and rock climbing. Some of the highlights are the helicopter ride over the falls, boat trips over the rapids and four wheel drive jungle tours. A visit to Argentina to see the falls from another perspective is well worth it. The hotel has its own tour operator that can book activities and help to arrange itineraries for the duration of the stay.

For luxury in both town and country, these two properties are hard to beat.

STRATOS Details

Copacabana Palace
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
55-21-2548-7070
www.copacabanapalace.com
FBO Info: Galeao-Antonion Carlos Jobim International
Universal Aviation, 55-21-3398-3287
Lider Signature, 55-21-3398-4809

Hotel Das Cataratas
Parana, Brazil
(800) 837-9051
www.hoteldascataratas.com 
FBO Info: Cascavel
Universal Aviation, 55-11-2445-4777