The Four Seasons Hotel São Paulo at Nações Unidas
BAMO continues the luxury branded experience of the Four Seasons in the modern and elegant design of the São Paulo at Nações Unidas location, a landmark stay for those traveling to Brazil.
Located in the increasingly popular southern portion of São Paulo known as Parque da Cidade, the Four Seasons Hotel São Paulo at Nações Unidas is situated to overlook the Rio Pinheiros. The luxury hotel is housed within a modern and elegant 28-story tower designed by HKS in partnership with Aflalo e Gasperini Architects, with 15 floors occupied by the Hotel and 12 floors for residential units. San Francisco-based BAMO was selected to design the hotel’s interiors including the reception, lobby, lobby bar and lounge, world-class spa, pool, fitness center and 254 guestrooms and suites. EDG Design designed Neto Restaurant and ballroom and meeting spaces.
Diligent research and numerous site visits to absorb the local design philosophy and experience the city’s vibrant culture led the BAMO team down a stimulating path punctuated by notable Brazilian architects and artisans. BAMO principals Michael Booth and Anne Wilkinson took cues from Oscar Niemeyer’s bold strokes of sweeping modernism and the organic abstraction of Burle Marx when developing the vision that they describe as “bold and evocative modern, an international luxury aesthetic rendered in Brazilian materials and infused with classic Paulistano flavor.”
Guests enter with dramatic reception under a dome of glowing glass orbs and trio of faceted brass and figured marble reception desks. The lobby lounge is bold and moody in black and brass with a central curvilinear bar. Planes of high-glossed Rosewood provide warmth and contrast to the titanium black granite flooring and floating concrete wall planes. Anchoring the far end, a vibrant red sculptural spiral stair pops off of a stacked stone wall.
Furnishings from contemporary designers, Jader Almeida, Gustavo Bittencourt, and Claudia Morales Salles are arranged in intimate groups around the central bar, with garden courtyard views. A Brazilian tricot drapery frames double-height windows, while curvaceous upholstered pieces mix with iconic chairs and tables produced by local artisans.
At Neto Restaurant, the ground floor Italian destination restaurant, guests are greeted by a two-story sculptural metal façade which encloses an outdoor dining terrace. A floating mezzanine is the focal point of the interior, while the central bar features locally-inspired culinary stations like classic Italian charcuterie. An elegant two-story lattice work wall of Brazilian wood frames an integrated wine display on the far wall and the display kitchen with wood-fired oven offers a dramatic backdrop.
The expansive open floor plan is intentionally arranged with intimate spaces that flow into each other, with dramatic perspectives from the mezzanine above, setting the stage for a memorable ‘see and be seen’ experience.
Broad strokes, elegant details and bold proportions define the guestroom. Emphasizing transparency, a unique slatted wall separates bath and bedroom, and shared materials provide calm. Finishes are unexpected for a hotel with Brazilian granite floors at the entry and bath, Jatoba wood throughout the bedroom, and a Brazilian leather rug in place of carpet. The edited yet playful palette marries black and white patterns, contrasting wood tones, satin brass accents, and a burst of marigold at the curvaceous chaise.
Furnishings reference mid-century lines with a simplified aesthetic: meticulous details and expert execution. A custom millwork piece of ebonized wood and tinted mirror incorporates the “My Bar” and desk, accompanied by a quintessential Brazilian task chair. Abstract art enhances drama when placed above the headboard crafted from Brazilian Pau Ferro and a handwoven inlay panel.
The Four Seasons Hotel São Paulo at Nações Unidas is the first Four Seasons hotel in Brazil, developed by Iron House, a subsidiary of the historic, century-old family company Grupo Cornélio Brennand.
Setting the bar for luxury hospitality around the globe, Four Seasons has become known as a pioneer in the industry. Their model of a luxury hotel with branded residences is now present in key cities worldwide. Iron House, together with their investment partner, have recognized that the Four Seasons São Paulo is a landmark project for the city as well as the country, the first of its kind in Brazil.
Design: BAMO
Photography: Aaron Leitz
