A lush, palatial retreat isn’t exactly what comes to mind when you think of the vast metropolis that is São Paulo. But with the new addition of luxury hotel Palácio Tangará, that’s about to change.

Set inside Burle Marx Park, which boasts over 26 acres of artfully landscaped gardens, lagoons, and pathways, Palácio Tangará is Oetker Collection’s newest masterpiece hotel offering. “Masterpiece hotel” isn’t just a description of the luxury that you’ll experience; it’s the pledge of this worldwide brand that uses a pearl to signify their “commitment to provide service of the highest quality, every hour of every day”.

Oh, what a pearl it is! This gleaming white palace is nestled in the green gem designed by famed Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. Burle Marx’s urban oasis features his trademark curvilinear shapes and use of exotic plants, resulting in asymmetrical, natural art that is a welcome respite here in São Paulo.

As Latin America’s economic capital, São Paulo is home to over 250 art galleries and museums, 171 concert halls and theaters, and 112 unique shopping experiences. It also boasts the largest fleet of helicopters in the world! During my recent stay, I had the opportunity to visit Sala São Paulo and hear a glorious Haydn performance, dine at three different Michelin-starred restaurants, and attend SP-Arte, Latin America’s largest and most internationally-renowned art and design fair.

But a highlight was attending São Paulo Fashion Week, one of the top fashion weeks around the globe, which showcases almost forty Brazilian brands twice a year. Here at SPFW, I had the great fortune of meeting Alexandra Fructuoso, head designer at Maison Alexandrine. I’ll never forget my introduction to this exquisite businesswoman who was wearing a striking ensemble of pearly silk, and a smile just as stunning. Alexandra is equal parts regal, beautiful, and inviting. And that’s exactly how you’ll feel in her couture designs. Whether it’s a long flowing gown for a gala, or a short, chic number straight off the runway, the designs from Maison Alexandrine fit perfectly amid the decor of Palácio Tangará.

While visiting the showroom at Maison Alexandrine, I got a peek inside their bridal suite, complete with all of the picture perfect backdrops to make a bride swoon. At every turn, there’s gilded decor and sparkling sconces to please the eye. But what’s most pleasing is Alexandra’s artistic

influence, which is evident throughout Maison Alexandrine.

While choosing my gowns to wear at Palácio Tangará, Alexandra imparted some of her design philosophy and the story of Maison Alexandrine’s origins. “The brand name was born out of a tribute to Madame Pompadour’s only daughter, Alexandrine. And like Madame Pompadour, my brand brings together the work of both new and established artists and designers, showcasing their work, and this luxury craftsmanship, to the world.”

And you’ll feel the craftsmanship at first touch. Slipping into every gown was a sensual experience, one that every woman should have. My personal favorite was a white tulle skirt and bodysuit – a possible contender for my future wedding dress!

Speaking of weddings, Palácio Tangará already has 12 brides-to-be who were lucky enough to secure a date on its enviable social calendar. Tangará’s ballroom is the perfect setting for saying “I do.” The stunning space, which holds over 500 people, sits atop the famed park and has terraces that allow guests to take in the verdant views. And if you ever tire of these sweeping vistas, you can retreat to your suite and sink into the sumptuous bed, while still bathing in the natural light from your terrace.

While sitting in this impressive suite designed by interior design firm Bick Simonato, I read more about the hotel and how it got its name. Keeping with the theme of its natural surroundings, Palácio Tangará is named after an Amazonian bird, the rainbow-hued songbird, Tangara Chilensis. You’ll see this marine-colored mascot on Palácio Tangará’s hotel stationery and decor, a charming reminder of Brazil’s connection to many natural wonders.

Preparing for a visit to Tangará’s signature restaurant, I chose some jewels to coordinate with my gowns. The designs from jeweler Patricia MB Gotthilf are a flawless choice, and her design philosophy fits perfectly with Tangará’s aesthetic. With many international awards to her name, Patricia draws upon the rich flora and fauna of Brazil for inspiration, “I love nature. My collections are inspired by man’s connection to the land.” Her design process includes photographing natural elements as a guide to transform precious stones, gold, silver, precious wood, seeds, and roots, but without changing the details and staying true to the material.

Hearing Patricia share her philosophy reminded me of Burle Marx’s same enthusiasm and advocacy for the biological phenomena he saw here in Brazil. But it was actually during a visit to Berlin, Germany where Burle Marx first developed his passion for his native country’s wealth of natural wonders. Upon returning home, he became an activist and ecologist, one of the first to call for the preservation of the Brazilian rainforests and rare plant species.

Glancing down at Patricia’s rare gems, I eyed my favorite: a bracelet from her “Cactus Collection” with delicate gold studs set inside a smoky green quartz. So many captivating options! And with a boutique inside of Palácio Tangará, Patricia’s designs will lure you in even further. Whether it’s the aquamarine stones in her Rock collection or the tourmalines and opals from her Laços da Natureza line, they’ll all look beautiful against the backdrop of Tangará’s alluring interiors.

Even while you’re inside, there’s always a reference to the sylvan setting outside. Dining at Palácio Tangará is a feast for all of your senses. Mirrored panels reflecting the green gardens and stone-colored china are the perfect setting for Michelin-star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s creations. Chef Vongerichten, who oversees 30 restaurants worldwide including New York, Paris, Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong, is bringing his exceptional culinary talent to his first Latin American venture. São Paulo is fortunate to host this talented restaurateur here at Palácio Tangará, whose signature dishes include a delectable crispy salmon sushi.

Chef Vongerichten’s plated specialties are works of art, but so is the dining room whose walls are lined with art by esteemed Brazilian artists. Neutral ceramic pieces by Heloísa Galvão line one wall, while a Hugo França wall sculpture adorns the private room that hosts the Chef’s Table.

Walking back over to the Burle Bar that features beautiful pieces of trees and natural images, I thought of Chef Vongerichten’s excitement about the opening of this new luxury property in São Paulo. “The Brazilian heritage, culture and cheerful lifestyle, the huge variety of local produce combined with the spectacular hotel architecture and design in Burle Marx Park make this project very special.”

It definitely feels special. With each room carefully curated, you feel like you are experiencing this “masterpiece hotel” philosophy that is a trademark of Oetker properties. In Burle Bar, the decor integrates the park’s ambiance using colors, shapes, and works of art to bring in the verdant vibe in the absence of natural light. And just down the way, Laura Vinci’s sculptural homage to Brazil’s mining culture in Papéis Avulsos, with light gold leaves mimicking the park’s soft swaying of the trees just outside. Art is evident at every turn.

 

Stepping out onto my terrace, I marveled at nature’s art and this biological wonder that surrounded me. I thought of a quote by Burle Marx, predestined for this setting at Palácio Tangará:  “The plant is, to a landscape artist, not only a plant – rare, unusual, ordinary or doomed to its disappearance – but it is also a color, a shape, a volume, or an arabesque in itself.” And this beautiful hotel is all of that! Come and see for yourself.

Contact me to book your stay at this gorgeous São Paulo hotel!

Photography: Katiuska Sales

Styling: Marco Barboza

Wardrobe: Maison Alexandrine

Jewelry: Patricia MB Gotthilf

Makeup: Chanel

Manicure: Granado Pharmácias