Cristalino Jungle Lodge

Awasi Iguazu, a member of Relais & Chateaux, can be found on the banks of the river just 15 minutes from the famous waterfalls. There are 14 spacious villas sat on stilts spread among the jungle, all positioned to ensure the utmost privacy while still being within easy reach of the main lodge. Each villa has its own plunge pool, outdoor shower and large living area. A private guide and 4WD vehicle will be assigned to each villa, letting you explore at your own pace, visiting where you want, when you want, and for however long you want. Working with renowned biologists, a series of excursions have been created that go beyond the falls. Visit archaeological sites, trek through the jungle, head out bird watching, take a boat ride for a sunset picnic and much more. Return from your days out exploring the beautiful surroundings  for a drink at the main lodge’s bar and long, relaxed meals in the restaurant.  

A wonderful lodge set a the wildlife rich Southern Pantanal. This is one of the most protected areas in the Pantanal, meaning the wildlife is more abundant and the flora unspoilt. The star of the show here are the activities which will be entirely personalised for you. You’ll talk with your guide at the beginning of the stay and they’ll help to put a program together for you, based on what you want to see and do. The lodge has just five rooms and is located on a stretch of the Rio Negro, it even has a small river ‘beach’ to relax by. Barra Mansa is probably one of the best places in all of South America to see wildlife.

Located on its own private peninsula, Ponta dos Ganchos has it all. Twenty five bungalows make up the resort where the rainforest meets the emerald sea. This luxurious hotel boasts total privacy if desired while offering amenities like fitness center, restaurant, bar, lounge, pool, tennis court, ocean view massages, Dior Spa, and even a small cinema. Activities include private nature trails for hiking, scuba diving and boat trips. The sea in the area is particularly good for diving as two important currents meet, meaning a huge variety of sealife. Each bungalow has a sea view, veranda with hammock, king size bed and fireplace. The more luxurious bungalows coming with private pools. The hotel’s restaurant is outstanding, serving a good variety of dishes including plenty of seafood. Top chefs from around Brazil operate on a rotation to keep the level of food and innovation at the highest level. Breakfast is included in the price.

Far from being commonplace in the Brazilian interior, this elegantly restored colonial farmhouse set amongst the green undulating hills of the Ibitipoca State Park makes for a wonderfully unique stay. Aptly owned by a mining magnate in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais and only 270km from Rio de Janeiro, guests can delight in Reserva do Ibitipoca’s understated luxury and spa whilst enjoying assorted wildlife expeditions and bespoke excursions to waterfalls and white sandy river beaches. 4WD, horse riding, electric cars and bikes are also available for a small extra cost. The rooms are elegantly simple, maintaining the warm assurance of modernity that is brilliantly juxtaposed with an inspiring use of antiques and restored furniture. A colourful wall hanging or religious icon touches on the farmhouse’s once domestic story, remindful too of local artisanship, whilst an animal hide rug laid on the original polished wood floors illustrates a satisfying contrast of textures. There is a fenced veranda that wraps itself around one corner of the farmhouse bedecked with the odd rocking chair and inviting armchairs and sofas on which to relax, eat breakfast and take in the views of the surrounding hills and lake. Food here is a real highlight and guests will enjoy delicious home-cooked food made using fresh, seasonal ingredients. A short stroll across the lawn is the hotel’s large spa housed in a converted outbuilding. Another separate lodge within Comuna do Ibitipoca’s garden has a sauna and heated outdoor Jacuzzi. Ibitipoca’s service is exceptional and the staff’s knowledge of the parkland’s rich flora and fauna, which include red deer, jaguars, pumas and many native tree specimens, cannot fail to impress. Rates are based on a minimum two-night stay and include all meals, taxes, and tours into the Reserve with an English-speaking guide.