Hotel Emiliano

The narrow glass tower has all the mod-cons - and a few more. Think living walls of tropical plants, suspended orchid gardens and dangling golden rope chairs designed by the Campana Brothers. The Champagne Bar houses Brazil's most extensive collection with over 80 labels to choose from and the restaurants include the Michelin-recognised Emiliano, where Chef Viviane Gonçalves serves Brazilian-Italian fusion against a backdrop of floor-to-ceiling vertical gardens, plus their legendary weekend brunch that draws Paulistano society. Up on the roof, you'll find the helipad and the spa's outdoor Japanese baths (but thankfully not next to each other).

The suites are calming havens above the city noise and decor is understatedly minimalist, allowing São Paulo's skyline to provide the decoration. Most rooms have city views, but the real showstoppers are the Cube Suites located on the upper floors and offering centrepiece plunge pools, perfectly positioned for panoramic views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The Master Suites include separate lounges and home cinema systems, as well as TVs in the bathrooms. Daily fruit baskets, a welcome bottle of wine and high-end Santapele amenities add the finishing touches.

Rua Oscar Freire offers South America's most exclusive shopping, from international luxury brands to Brazilian designers - and when you've shopped your heart out, head to Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo's answer to Central Park. The hotel's excellent concierge will help secure reservations at some of the city's best restaurants - and getting you there, through São Paulo's sometimes overwhelming traffic. At the spa, treatments range from shiatsu and lymphatic drainage to reflexology and facials using Santapele products and if you're in the mood for a day at the beach, simply head to the helipad...