Luxury hotel brand Kempinski has announced plans for its first property in South America, with the renovation of the iconic Laje de Pedra hotel in the Brazilian resort town of Canela.

Built in 1978 according to plans by Oscar Niemeyer´s disciple Edgar Graeff, two masters of modernism, the hotel is known far beyond the borders of the Serra Gaúcha region. It was here, among other outstanding events, that the signing of the Mercosur Treaty took place in 1992.

The property is situated on a cliff in Canela with a breathtaking view over the Vale do Quilombo Eco Reserve. Kempinski plans to transform it into a hotel and residences, with a scheduled opening date of 2024.

The Kempinski Laje de Pedra Hotel & Residences will offer a total of 360 suites ranging in size from 54 to 290 m2.

Salgado Filho Porto Alegre International Airport is situated around 100km from the hotel, with links to destinations including Rio, Sao Paulo and Panama City.

Ideal for incentive groups, Canela provides easy access to excellent exclusive wineries, to the breathtaking gaucho canyons and to Campos de Cima da Serra (Rio Grande Highlands) with its magnificent uninhabited pampa fields cut by endless waterfalls.

The hotel will offer international restaurants and bars with spacious terraces and spectacular views, such as a steakhouse in a modern Gaucho style or an Italian enoteca, as well as the Roof Top Lounge or the Bar with open fireplace.

Guests will find relaxation and entertainment in the 1,000-square-metre fitness centre, the sophisticated spa, or the heated pool on the roof of the resort.

Meeting and conference rooms as well as the resort's own theatre round off the facilities.