Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is forging ahead towards opening its first South American destination in Brazil in Q4 2021.

Rosewood has been appointed by Groupe Allard to manage Rosewood São Paulo which will be housed in a historic, landmark building – formerly a maternity hospital in the center of São Paulo.

The hotel will lie at the heart of Cidade Matarazzo, a complex of elegant buildings dating back to the early 20th century which is being transformed into a mixed-use development.

The upcoming hotel will incorporate Rosewood’s Asaya wellness concept in the form of a six-treatment-room spa with a fitness centre and two swimming pools including one rooftop pool and one set within the hotel’s lush gardens.

The site is being developed by entrepreneur Alexandre Allard, who previously helped to bring about the renaissance of the House of Balmain. Allard and Rosewood are collaborating on this project with the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, designer Philippe Starck and renowned Brazilian artists Beatriz Milhazes and Saint-Clare Cemin.

Rosewood São Paulo will feature 180 guestrooms and suites, which will be situated within a vertical garden tower designed by Nouvel.

“Rosewood has been waiting for the right opportunity to enter South America and I firmly believe this is it,” says Sonia Cheng, Rosewood CEO.

“As São Paulo is becoming one of the most dynamic cities of the 21st century, so Rosewood will transform this historic property with contemporary Brazilian energy. We’re excited to give this landmark building a new lease of life and that it will continue to be a place of joy and celebration.”

Recreational facilities will include meeting spaces, a listed wedding chapel and six restaurants and bars, including one located on a veranda overlooking the lush hotel gardens which will be complemented by a bar and a caviar lounge.

In addition, hotel guests will also be able to access an adjoining music studio, screening room and luxury retail stores within the development.

Rosewood’s move into South America forms part of ambitious global expansion plans for the company. Rosewood’s development pipeline currently includes 23 hotels under development across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.