La Suite

Next to Pele’s house in Rio’s far south, this neo-rococo boutique with stunning views could be Gianni Versace’s Rio fantasy home.

Rooms are colour-themed (with bathrooms in natural marbles to match, including one in an astonishing shade of fuschia). They come with balconies perched over the ocean, with breath-taking and views of Dois Irmaos mountain and the wild Atlantic.

The twin pools and al-fresco breakfast terrace have been used for fashion shoots, and the Asian-European fusion food by an Alain Ducasse-trained chef is sumptuous. That’s a good thing, because alternative eateries, bars and the famous beaches are a 20-minute cab ride away.