Brazil gets a beauty of a hotel

Botanique Hotel & Spa, set in the hills and mountains of Campos do Jordão, Brazil will open in October this year.

Located two hours north of São Paulo, Campos do Jordão – known as the Hamptons of Brazil – is in the green peaks of the Mantiqueira Mountains, an area that has year-round spring-like temperatures.

This new hotel  is seven miles outside Campos surrounded by lush mid-Atlantic forests and botanical gardens in the Mellos neighbourhood.

Set in 700 acres, the intimate luxury hotel aims for striking and modern design and architecture using locally sourced chocolate slate, natural-colored stone, triple height glass walls, and massive wood beams that have been reclaimed from 220 year-old farms in Minas Gerais.

Overlooking the Barrio dos Mellos River Valley, the community of 11 private villas and six suites, named after famous botanists, are sprinkled around the spa and Miña restaurant, the epicenter of the property.

Perched on the ridge, offering 180° views of the mountains and valley, Miña serves contemporary Brazilian dishes with an all-Brazilian wine menu to match.

Cut into the hillside, the eight-room 10,000 square foot Spa at Botanique is an all-Brazilian spa with signature treatments encompassing native healing andrelaxing rituals.

In a normally heavily European-influenced area, the retreat, a vision of owner, Ricardo Semler, is the first of its kind showcasing the best of Brazil with indigenous design, furnishings, culture, cuisine, and experiences.

He said: “We are introducing a new concept of contemporary Brazilian hospitality, rescuing the authenticity of old Campos do Jardão, which was an anchor for spiritual retreats, and combining with top-of-the-line-luxury feel.”

Proclaimed “the world’s best climate,” the region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with hiking, mountain climbing, golf, horseback riding, hang gliding, falconry, and bird-watching.

Botanique has created the concept of Curador da Experiências with a the team of six highly-trained Curadors , and is the point-person for the guest from before their arrival, through check-in, and through the duration of their stay in an unobtrusive and discreet manner.

All guest communication regarding dinner reservations, wine tastings and arranging local activities is organized through the Curadors, as opposed to being outsourced to different departments of the hotel.

Rates start at $2500BR per night (approximately $1,200 USD) and include all meals, nightly wine tastings, and gratuities.