What's New

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is delighted to announce that its first property in the Americas has opened with the launch of Six Senses Botanique in Brazil. An intimate eco-retreat with Brazilian authenticity at its heart, the resort is located in the picturesque forest around the Mantiqueira Mountains, 2.5 hours from São Paulo and 3.5 hours from Rio de Janeiro. 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 property currently offers seven suites in the main hotel and 11 private villas dotted in the hills around it, with a further 16 villas planned alongside 37 branded residences. Through the Eat With Six Senses philosophy, Six Senses Botanique will bring out the best of the region’s cuisine and seasonal produce, starting with “Farm to Table” herbs, fruit and vegetables grown in the resort’s own organic gardens and farm. A dining highlight is at Mina, the resort’s signature restaurant, which offers modern, contemporary Brazilian dishes and 180-degree views of the mountains and valleys, with the suspended fireplace warming the dining room. The Fire Side lounge features a variety of drinks prepared with home-grown probiotics and a tonic with ingredients harvested from the surrounding vegetable gardens. The Adega (Wine Cellar) journey begins in the fireplace lounge, starting with a toast of bubbles with Chef Gabriel Broide as he explains the custom eight-course menu for the evening. Nowhere is the local influence more evident than in the spa, which currently features four treatment rooms, a beauty salon, floatation pool, isotonic pool, sauna and steam room with rainforest mist. New treatment rooms, relaxation and wellness areas, as well as a fitness centre will be added later this year. Each of the design elements, from the choice of building materials to the interiors and unique services on offer has been thoughtfully chosen to respect the region’s topography, native traditions, art and contemporary culture. In addition to fitness programming including capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art, hiking and horse-riding are available as a means of exploring the native forest and observing the beautiful surrounding scenery.

HOW: Rates at Six Senses Botanique start from R$ 2,277 (approx. £306) based on two sharing on a B&B basis.  www.sixsenses.com