Having a Brazilian takes on a whole new meaning in the run-up to the Rio 2016 Olympics. We've already got our eyes on the world's first 100% Brazilian spa, specialising in native therapies and rituals including a Rainforest sauna and thermal baths.
The spectacular Botanique Hotel & Spa has just opened, cut into a lush mountainside of Campos do Jordao, between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo. Glass walls offer breathtaking views.
Products used at the spa are natural, organic and indigenous to Brazil, while treatments are based on native healing and relaxation rituals. Massages end with a cleansing application of local mineral-rich clay.
When at Botanique, think water. Thermal 39degC baths offer a composition of minerals, sodium and residual sulphur, while salt-based floatation baths feature relaxing overhead projections of local scenes and music.
Water circuit thermotherapy in Montreal
But what really catches the imagination is the Rainforest Exposure: a specially designed wet sauna-for-one with lie-down stone bed. From the ceiling above pours a cloak of warm rain water to drench your back and legs, thus easing the humidity of this all-enveloping treatment space.
Sauna-for-one is traditional to Brazil rather than the collective nature of European sauna.
Signature treatments at Botanique are likely to be popular with athletes come Olympics year, including Boraceia muscle relaxation therapy, Parintins deep muscle massage, Guarani joint treatment, and Terra Brasilius derived from an ancient native Indian tradition to maintain athletic physique.
Guests at the Botanique are accommodated in 11 private villas and six suites. When you're not in the spa, you can grab a horseback adventure through the densely-forested landscape riding horses from the hotel's own stables, practise your samba or Brazilian tango with a professional dancer, or learn to mix the national cocktail caipirinha. We're in!
The luxury resort is jointly founded by Gordon Roddick, formely of The Body Shop, and David Cole who co-founded AOL, along with Brazilian entrepreneurs Ricardo and Fernanda Semler. Find out more at the Botanique website.
