Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Six Senses recently unveiled plans to launch its first property in the Americas with the opening of Six Senses Botanique in Brazil, early 2021. Formerly known as Botanique Hotel & Spa, the hotel was born out of Fernanda Ralston Semler’s vision to set a new benchmark in luxury hospitality that was completely home-grown, recognising local traditions and culture, as well as its natural setting.
The resort is located in the Mantiqueira area, 2.5 hours from São Paulo and 3.5 hours from Rio de Janeiro, 3,940 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level and at the confluence of three river valleys in the heart of the Mantiqueira Mountains known as the “mountains that weep” due to the abundance of springs and rivers. The property enjoys a temperate climate with endless sunny days, and combines the serenity of mountains with local features and modern luxuries.
The hotel was initially constructed in 2012 by regional architects and designers using indigenous materials such as jacaranda wood, natural stone, and chocolate slate. The slate is mined just once every 17 months and the hotel’s bearing walls incorporates three-tonne boulders from the adjacent river. The 120-year-old wooden beams are reclaimed from farms in nearby Minas Gerais. Huge glass panels line the rest of the construction to evoke a sense of the outdoors, inside, with uninterrupted views of Mantiqueira’s valleys and mountains.
Upon adopting the Six Senses brand in early 2021, the property will offer seven suites in the main hotel, ranging from 645 to 970 square feet (60 to 90 square meters), and 13 private villas, from 1,184 to 3,230 square feet (110 to 300 square meters), encircled by hills around it. A further 14 villas are planned and will be constructed off-site in a modular manner using local materials. They will be sited to minimise their impact on the surrounding flora and fauna. Six Senses signature venues such as the Experience Centre, Alchemy Bar and out-of-the-ordinary dining spots will also be added next year.
Neil Jacobs, Chief Executive, Six Senses, said in a statement that Six Senses Botanique will appeal to guests seeking an eco-retreat in nature along with authentic Brazilian design, culture and cuisine. He informed that the team will also put together a program of rituals, workshops and festivals, and offer time out to focus on living at ease with oneself and others in a more reciprocal way with the natural world. He stated that the property will be a wonderful place to breathe with the peace and beauty all around and will be ideal to find harmony and reconnection.
Tags: brazil, six senses, Six Senses Botanique
Monday, January 1, 2024
