HOTEL FASANO

Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The crowd: You have to be a guest to get access, so you'll find Brazilian models back home for a visit (or photo shoot), film crews, model scouts, and international fashion designers all mixing it up on the top deck.

How's the water? Sizzling. Located on the rooftop, with views of the sexiest swath of Ipanema Beach, this infinity pool is the hottest ticket in the Marvelous City. Bossa nova plays in the background, the waters are lit up at night, and beautiful people abound. The real fireworks occur at sunset, when the orb drops over Two Brothers Mountain (pictured) and everyone applauds.

The poolside tipple: Sip a sweet caipirinha so you'll be brave enough to don a Brazilian-style swimsuit. Think very, very small. (But remember, going topless is illegal.)

The hotel: This Philippe Starck–designed property is a welcome addition to Rio's fusty hotel scene. Its whimsical design includes 1950s furniture, yellow onyx lamps, and a huge pekia tree that doubles as a check-in desk. Since it's on the beach, touches such as providing guests with Havaianas flip-flops are spot-on. (Be sure to request an ocean-view room, though, or you might find yourself staring at a brick wall.) If the lobby-as-nightclub scene is your thing, try the chic Baretto/Londra lounge—Gisele has already christened it with her dancing booty.

Hotel Fasano
Tel: 55 21 3202 4000
Doubles from $530

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