“Calm and relaxing” is not a phrase that you would typically use to describe life in São Paulo, but these are most definitely the characteristics you need from your hotel room. It’s hard to get more idyllic than Palácio Tangará. This five-star hotel is loved by celebrities (Paul McCartney’s a regular) and under-the-radar business moguls for its location in the heart of Parque Burle Marx. The 141 modern and spacious rooms, including 59 suites, are the epitome of comfort and luxury, with some suites offering lovely balconies overlooking the lavish tropical park. The hotel is extremely quiet, a rare luxury in a concrete jungle like São Paulo, but its crown jewel is, without a doubt, the exceptional spa by Lancôme.
Soho House São Paulo is a 32-bedroom “home away from home” nestled in a charming 20th-century Italianate building. It’s located in the Cidade Matarazzo complex in the central Bela Vista district. The allure of the old building has been kept intact, but the usual impeccable style and attention to detail characteristic of Soho House is very much present in its first and only South American outpost. The design is a mix of Soho House original furniture and a collection of vintage Brazilian pieces, mostly from the ’60s, in addition to a fabulous local art collection. In the bathroom, you won’t find the usual Cowshed line but instead Brazilian-made Saboaria products. While the House currently lacks a gym and pool, expansion plans provide a great reason to visit soon.
If there is a place where the crème de la crème of the city gathers, it is, without a doubt, the Rosewood São Paulo. Located right next to Soho House in Cidade Matarazzo and close to Avenida Paulista, the city’s main shopping area, the hotel is the perfect base for a few days of wining, dining, shopping and networking in the city. The building and its interiors, located in a historic mid-century maternity hospital and designed by Philippe Starck, are nothing short of stunning. The hotel boasts two pools – a gorgeous emerald garden pool that feels like a tropical haven within the concrete jungle and a sleek, adults-only rooftop pool with city views – as well as the wonderful Asaya Spa by Guerlain.
Hotel Unique immediately stands out for its remarkable architecture, conceived by Brazilian-Japanese architect Ruy Ohtake. The hotel is a half-moon, ship-like building that turns heads, ideal for travellers seeking luxury with a touch of novelty and eccentricity. The hotel, also known locally as “The Watermelon”, is located in São Paulo’s luxurious neighbourhood of Jardim Paulista, minutes from the famous Ibirapuera Park. The 94 room interiors are sleek without being boring, but the highlight is the quirky crimson rooftop pool and the Skye bar, which boasts a 360-degree view over the city.
Grandeur and elegance define this Fasano outpost in São Paulo’s neighbourhood of Jardim Paulista. The dark wood, low lights and leather armchairs in the lobby immediately set the mood. The 60 rooms are cosy and comfortable, but the communal spaces are what make the hotel stand out. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, an evening at Baretto is a must. The live music venue, loved by glamorous Paulistas and visitors alike, offers some of the best jazz and bossa nova in São Paulo.
The concrete tower exudes New York flair, while lush tropical vegetation serves as a reminder that guests are in South America’s biggest metropolis. The 218 rooms have been appointed in a minimalist fashion that feels really modern. You can enjoy 360-degree views over the city at Seen, the hotel’s fusion restaurant located on the 23rd floor, serving delicious international food. Expect Wagyu beef burgers, fish tacos, lobster hot dogs and a selection of Japanese dishes such as nigiri and sashimi.
Want to dive into the incredible tropical cityscape of São Paulo, Brazil’s teeming metropolis? Get in touch here (https://secrettrips.com/trip-enquiry/) to see how we can tailor-make the perfect trip you’ll never forget.
Alessia Armenise is a travel and lifestyle writer. Her work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveller, British Vogue, Suitcase, The Independent and Stylist, among others
