Luxury brand Six Senses is boosting its portfolio with the addition of Six Senses Botanique, set amidst Brazil’s lush mid-tropical forests in the Mantiqueira Mountains.
Six Senses Botanique, which will mark the brand’s debut in the Americas, is expected to launch in early 2021. Occupying the former Botanique Hotel & Spa, a homegrown property that set a new standard in luxury hospitality when Fernanda Ralston Semler created it in 2012, the resort feels like a natural fit for the Six Senses flag.
An eco-retreat using indigenous materials
Set among 700 acres of lush mid-tropical Atlantic forests, just two-and-a-half hours from São Paulo in the heart of the Mantiqueira Mountains – also known as the ‘mountains that weep’ thanks to its abundance of springs and rivers – the resort is a peaceful retreat from which to reconnect with nature.
“Six Senses Botanique will appeal to guests seeking an eco-retreat in nature along with authentic Brazilian design, culture and cuisine,” said Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs.
As such, local materials from jacaranda wood to natural stone, reclaimed 120-year-old timber beams and chocolate slate – mined just once every 17 months – form the framework for seven suites (60 to 90 sq m) and 13 private villas (110 to 300 sq m), alongside a spa, and a dining room and bar in the main building.
“Ironically, Brazil did not have a hotel that was profoundly and uniquely Brazilian,” explained Ralston Semler. “Botanique was built over many years to fulfil this niche, with entirely local architecture and interiors, and also a locally inspired library, gastronomy, spa and cosmetics, and even films in its in-house cinema.
“Added to this was a dedicated team of locals who learned their trade in a new format that eliminated departments. This resulted in what is considered Brazil’s utmost small luxury hotel – and nothing would be more fitting than joining forces with the world’s utmost luxury hotel brand.”
Adding the Six Senses stamp
Coming soon will be a further 14 villas and 37 branded residences, all constructed off-site using an eco-friendly modular approach; Grow With Six Senses kid’s club activities; an Earth Lab; and signature Six Senses venues such as an Experience Centre, Alchemy Bar, extraordinary dining spots and – of course – a Six Senses Spa.
In the latter, new treatment rooms, wellness areas and a fitness centre will be added to the existing eight treatment rooms, relaxation suites, floatation pool, CO2 bath and tropical rain humid sauna. Treatments will incorporate Brazilian botanicals, while a host of wellness day packages will include choices such as Love Your Heart to achieve deeper self-connection and harmony.
Moreover, a range of other activities will be offered to guests during their stay, like capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art; hiking; and horse-riding.
Jacobs concluded: “We’re also putting together a programme of rituals, workshops and festivals, offering time out to focus on living at ease with oneself and others and in a more reciprocal way with the natural world. What a wonderful place to breathe in the peace and beauty all around to find harmony and reconnection.”
Let’s take a look at some other hotel projects in Brazil:
Aquan Prime Resort
DoubleTree by Hilton Pontal Porto Alegre
Hilton Garden Inn Sao Jose do Rio Preto
Six Senses is a resort and spa management and development company, established in 1995, which manages resorts under the brand names Soneva, Six Senses and Evason.
Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 3)
