NEW YORK

Preferred Hotels

THE PIERRE A TAJ HOTEL

THE TOWERS AT LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Think of Rio and images of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Corcovado Mountain come to mind, along with the white sands of famous Copacabana beach – cue Barry Manilow. Copacabana is four kilometres of glorious, crescent-shaped beach that is bustling with scantily clad sun worshippers, surfers, sand sculptors and hawkers. Perhaps the best view of Rio comes from Sugar Loaf Mountain, accessed via cable car. Visit it during the day and go back at night as the view is dazzling. Visit the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) and climb the Selaron Steps, a set of steps that are a work of art. When in Rio, drinking caipirinhas and dining on churrascaria are part of the experience, as is doing a tour of the Santa Marta favela.