Copacabana Palace, a Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, celebrates 100 years of timeless elegance and cultural legacy

New Copa Pool; Photo credit: Lucas Vianna

COPA: A NEW ERA FOR RIO'S MOST ICONIC HOTEL

Embracing a new era, Copacabana Palace's iconic swimming pool area underwent a remarkable transformation in August. Meticulously redesigned by renowned carioca architect Ivan Rezende, who previously restored Copa's historical Theatre in 2021, the glamorous hotspot now boasts a renewed allure, paying homage to #100doCopa. Featuring delightful parasols, luxurious sun loungers, and bespoke fabrics inspired by the hotel's golden age, the poolside area exudes a sense of timeless elegance.

Drawing inspiration from the hotel's illustrious archives, the reimagined poolside design evokes nostalgia while embracing the vivacious spirit of Rio de Janeiro. Striped parasols, tropical-patterned linings exclusively crafted for the hotel, and fringe details reminiscent of pompoms bring a burst of vibrant colors. The carefully chosen shades of green and orange further enhance the ambiance, creating a perfect synergy between the historical vibrancy of the hotel and the carioca spirit of the city.

Continuing the transformation, Copacabana Palace's legendary façade now boasts a captivating new lighting system. This delicately installed lighting further accentuates the grandeur of the hotel's 1920s art deco building, standing tall on the world-renowned Copacabana Beach. Illuminating the meticulously restored façade adornments, the lights create alternative ambiances, enhancing the visual splendor of this architectural masterpiece at every hour of the day.

COPACABANA PALACE, WHERE RIO STARTS  

On December 5th, the captivating story of Copacabana Palace's old-world elegance and contemporary flamboyance will be immortalized in a beautifully illustrated book published by Vendome. With its allure of timeless glamour, seductive mystery and legendary moments, the stories of Copa will be captured through the words of renowned travel writer, Francesca Matteoli, and lens of fashion, architecture and art photographer, Tuca Reines. From its extraordinary beginnings in 1923 to the stylish destination that it is today, the book will take readers on a journey through the gilded age of Hollywood, colourful Carnival balls, and the many rhythms of the city that surrounds it. 

Carnival Ball at Golden Room in Copa; Photo credit: Tuca Reines

Themed chapters and exquisite photography explore how the hotel has been a part of Rio de Janeiro life for 100 years—from its opening in 1923, when there were few other buildings in the area, to the golden age of Hollywood glamour, the extraordinary free concert on Copacabana Beach given by the Rolling Stones in 2006 (with more than 1.5 million people attend- ing), and beyond. Affectionately dubbed “the Copa” by cariocas (locals) and guests alike, the hotel is famous for events such as the Carnival balls in February and the celebrations at New Year’s Eve, when everyone flocks to Copacabana Beach. Events and stories such as these are featured in this stylish book, which also includes specially commissioned photography that reveals the hotel’s stunning cinematic views, magnificent design, and extraordinary guests. Capturing the magic of one of the world’s most fabulous destinations, this book is a story of people and a culture—of both old–world elegance and contemporary flamboyance.