Six Senses set to enter Americas with extraordinary eco-retreat

by | 24 Nov 2020 | Projects

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 SĂŁo 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

ABOUT THE CHAIN

 

Six Senses, part of the IHG family of brands, is a luxury resort and spa management and development company.