Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro

Sandwiched between the Atlantic and the Marapendi lagoon, this large beachfront resort in Barra da Tijuca puts a private balcony on every room, most of them with water views. The 400-plus rooms run spacious and light-filled with floor-to-ceiling windows and deep soaking tubs. Three restaurants by architect Arthur Casas anchor the property; the Brazilian one opens onto the pool, plays live Bossa Nova at night, and mixes a very persuasive caipirinha.