On any given day of the year, the beach is the beating heart of Rio de Janeiro. You'll find everything from sun-kissed Cariocas playing ball in the sand, sizzling hot empanadas washed down with iced cold caipirinhas, and of course, the itty-bitty bikinis and speedos Rio de Janeiro is known for. Each afternoon, the mist from the crashing waves creates a heavenly golden aura that feels straight out of a movie, softly muting the silhouetted green Sugarloaf mountain in the distance.
As you make your way along the retro-waving black and white sidewalks, you can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia with glimpses of what Rio could have felt like in the 1960s during PanAm's golden age of travel. Turning to Copacabana's most southern end, you'll find Emiliano Rio's entrance, with distinctive white shutters open and closed like an architectural accordion. In the lounge, friendly young Cariocas in laid-back uniforms of linen and white Converse cheerfully great guests, offering a pocket of peace amongst moss-green midcentury modern furniture. This stylish hotel has drawn a distinguished crowd with its laid-back feel, referencing Copacabana’s past (and present) as a glamorous place where beautiful people come to let loose and reset.
Emiliano Rio's Luxurious Design-Focused Rooms and Amenities
As you walk into your suite for the first time, you'll find a sleek and modern-neutral interior comprised of Brazilian woods, expansive marble, and fresh linen accents. Beach-facing bedrooms offer spacious balconies that frame a portrait of sparkling blue water of the Atlantic Ocean and fluffy white clouds overlooking the city. Four types of pillows are arranged on an enormous bed, and coffee table books about Rio de Janeiro are sprinkled throughout your room and the hotel.
Perhaps the most awe-inspiring is the grand bathroom. Gold fixtures add a touch of elegance, with excellent water pressure on the dual shower heads. And yes, it is possible to view the ocean while you lather up each morning. For those of you who love baths, call the concierge for some rose petals and chocolates for a romantic turn-down service if traveling with someone special. Vegan and cruelty-free bath products are generously stocked with ingredients from the Amazon rainforest that you won't be able to find anywhere else in the world.
Food & Drink at Emiliano Rio
A towering vertical garden in varying shades of green serves as the focal point of Emiliano's restaurant, Emile. Brazilian ingredients such as basil-marinated scallops with a heart of palm and arapaima fish with plantain and manioc fill the extensive menu, offering unique flavors with a local flair for out-of-town guests. If you're looking for a romantic weekend in, you can't go wrong with ordering room service with a lazy brunch overlooking the sparkling ocean from your patio (with champagne, of course).
The Copacabana Neighborhood
Located at the southern end of Copacabana beach, Emiliano is just a short walk from buzzing bars and less touristy restaurants located in Ipanema. On a sunny afternoon, stroll down the beach all the way to Leblon — my favorite neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro with some of the best sushi I've ever had at Spicy Fish.
As a factor of Brazil has the second largest Japanese community outside of Japan and a local love of their exotic gastronomy, Rio de Janeiro has a surprisingly large number of outstanding sushi restaurants (mostly concentrated in the wealthy neighborhood of Leblon). The price tag is quite steep compared to the rest of the city, but if you're coming from a major American or European city like New York, Miami or London, you'll be pleasantly surprised. We had a 12-course sushi date night with several cocktails and clocked in around $250 USD — a steal if you're used to paying American prices. But rest be sure, the quality justifies the price tag.
While we didn't spend much time in Copacabana as it's generally more touristy, Emiliano is centrally located to many wonderful neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro. It is important to note that (anywhere that you travel) to be aware of your surroundings. Particularly with Copacabana at night, you'll want to hire a taxi to and from your destination (particularly if you're a woman traveling solo), which Emiliano can coordinate by texting their convenient concierge WhatsApp number. You also should not, under any circumstances, walk along the beach at night on your way home from dinner. Locals know that it is an easy opportunity to be robbed as it's a quick way to point out a tourist staying in an expensive hotel.
Conclusion
Yes, Emiliano Rio is worth it. If you're looking for a place that feels like a heavenly oasis from the streets of Rio de Janeiro below, here's your spot. Plus, who can beat waking up to that gorgeous view from your bed?
First impression: A design-forward destination amongst cookie-cutter chain hotels dominating the seafront.
Staff: Laidback "Carioca cool" meets ultra-polished and attentive to details.
Food & Drink: Local ingredients meets minimalist Brazilian cuisine with a fine dining twist.
Bed & Bath: Heavenly and luxurious
The Crowd: Think of chic European couples sipping champagne poolside, businessmen relaxing with a luxurious massage, or the occasional well-traveled (and well-behaved) family. Couples with an elegant cocktail (or two) in hand.
Cookie Points: The hotel supports the local charity Solar Meninos de Luz by selling pajamas made from recycled bed sheets and a surprisingly design-forward beach tote using up-cycled emerald green towels.
In a Nutshell: A sleek boutique hotel at the heart of Rio’s beach scene.
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