The new Rosewood Sao Paulo opened last year after 14 years in construction and to much fanfare. Simon from Humboldt paid it a visit to see if the hype was justified. His response, ‘Oh yeah!’.
Located the beating heart of Sao Paulo in the Jardins neighbourhood, the Rosewood Sao Paulo is perfectly situated. A stones throw from the iconic red Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and close to the best shopping in Latin America, the hotel is in an enviable position.
Built on the former site of the Sao Paulo Matarazzo maternity hospital, the hotel has been at pains to keep many of the details of the old hospital while also building a striking new vertical garden tower which is home to the bulk of the bedrooms.
Rosewood São Paulo has instilled new life into Matarazzo Maternity, which holds sentimental meaning to the city as more than 500,000 Brazilians were born there.
The hotel features 160 rooms and suites which are designed with incredible flair with works of art and are very spacious too. The rooms and suites are spread across the restored Matarazzo Maternity and the vertical garden tower.
The hotel was styled and designed by Philippe Starck, who has created so many of the best properties in Brazil. Starck was briefed to incorporate features from the whole of Brazil and only use materials from the country which he has done to immaculate effect. Under Starck’s artistic direction, 57 Brazilian artists artisans united to create a permanent collection of art featuring more than 450 pieces of work. The hotel pays homage to all the diverse regions of Brazil with fine details, amazing pieces of art and endless colour. Whilst staying at the hotel it is recommended to book on to a tour of the building to see how the past has been tastefully maintained and discover all the works of art.
The 4 restaurant options all bring something different to the party and enhance Sao Paulo’s already burgeoning gastronomic scene.
Le Jardin is an elegant, cozy space bathed in natural light, serving modern cuisine 24 hours a day. Blaise is a casual brasserie which serves a wonderful mix of French cuisine floavoured by elements of Brazilian gastronomy. The restaurant features hand-painted ceramic tiles by Fernando de La Rocque that resemble Portuguese tiles but if observed closer, hidden in the composition is a woman giving birth, a nod to its location in the maternity building. Taraz, focusses on South American cuisine and showcasse the art of wood-fired cooking. The restaurant has been decorated in a more traditional and rustic style, and through its name gives homage to the beloved Brazilian historical figure Count Matarazzo, from who the original building took its name.
The jazz bar, the Rabo di Galo, is inspired by the classic clubs of the 1930s and is a sight to behold with a hand painted ceiling which took local artist Cabelo a total of 68 hours to complete.
The Emerald Garden Pool is inspired by the crystalline waters of Bonito and the pool is adorned by small pieces of tile in 40 different shades of green and blue. Meanwhile the adults only Belavista pool offers rooftop infinity views over the Sao Paulo skyline.
Rosewood São Paulo is also home to the Chapel of Santa Luzia, another historic building that has been carefully restored to retain its 1922 architecture. The rebirth of Chapel of Santa Luzia comes timed to its 100-year anniversary and will continue to be used for weddings and other celebrations of life.
The Rosewood Sao Paulo has now set the standard for all other hotels in Sao Paulo to follow and if you’re looking for the utmost luxury in the city, look no further.