Six Senses to launch first property in the Americas

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has announced the opening date of Six Senses Botanique in Brazil, the brand’s first property in the Americas.

Set to arrive early next year, the resort lies at the confluence of three river valleys in the heart of the Mantiqueira Mountains.

Founded by Fernanda Ralston Semler, the property was formerly known as Botanique Hotel and Spa. Semler set about establishing a new benchmark in luxury hospitality, recognising local traditions and culture, as well as its natural setting.

“Ironically, Brazil did not have a hotel that was profoundly and uniquely Brazilian,” reveals Semler. “Botanique was built over many years to fulfil this niche, with entirely local architecture and interiors. 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.”

The original property was constructed in 2012 by regional architects and designers using indigenous materials such as jacaranda wood, natural stone and chocolate slate. The 120-year-old wooden beams are reclaimed from farms in nearby Minas Gerais. Huge glass panels line the rest of the building to evoke a sense of the outdoors with uninterrupted views of the valleys and mountains.

When Six Senses take over in 2021, the resort will comprise seven suites in the main hotel and 13 private villas, with a further 14 villas in the works.

Constructed using an eco-friendly modular approach, 37 branded residences will also be available for purchase off-plan. Owners will have access to all hotel facilities, amenities and services and the opportunity to place their homes into Six Senses’ rental programme.

Signature Six Senses venues will also be introduced next year, including the Experience Centre and Alchemy Bar. The food and beverage offering seeks to celebrate Brazil, with farm-to-table cuisine and fine wine. The dining room is located in the main building, perched on the ridge to maximise the views. Meanwhile, the signature bar will serve a range of ‘living drinks’ from homemade probiotics to tonics made from local ingredients, alongside a traditional beverage menu.

The local influence is also apparent in the spa, featuring eight treatment rooms, relaxation suites, floatation pool, CO2 bath and tropical rain humid sauna for a host of water-based therapies.

“Six Senses Botanique will appeal to guests seeking an eco-retreat in nature along with authentic Brazilian design, culture and cuisine,” explains Six Senses CEO, Neil Jacobs. “We’re also putting together a program 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.”