A Brazilian spa backed by The Body Shop co-founder, AOL's former president and two local entrepreneurs has officially opened in the heart of the country's Atlantic Rainforest.

The Botanique Hotel & Spa, said to be the first 100 per cent Brazilian spa, features indigenous treatments, essential oils, therapies and rituals and an all Brazilian staff.

Designed by Sao Paulo architects Colletivo de Arquitetos the spa covers 10,000sq ft (929sq m) spanning two levels with four wet and four dry treatment rooms, a couple's treatment room, three relaxation suites, wet and dry saunas and an indoor pool.

An adjoining building houses a gym and doctor's consultation office - lead by the former doctor of the Brazilian football team and current head of physiology at Brazil's foremost medical school - and a fitness pavilion, isotonic pool and a swimmable lake are housed outside.

A signature Botanique scent of citrus, bergamot, verbana, jasmine and lavender, is used throughout the spa's exclusive line of organic products.

Set on 700 acres, guests stay in one of eight villas or six suites with prices starting from BR$2,500 (US$1,269.94, £831.44, 963.71 euro).

To read an interview with the team behind the Botanique concept, click here for Spa Business Q1 2013, pp. 60-64.