Ibitipoca, Brazil
Ibiti Project
An inspiring conservation reserve set in the foothills of the Mantiqueira mountain range
Far from commonplace in the Brazilian interior, this elegantly restored farmhouse, nestled among the green, set in the foothills of the Mantiqueira mountain range, offers a uniquely enchanting stay. At Ibiti Project (formerly Reserva do Ibitipoca), guests can indulge in the understated luxury of its hotel and spa while enjoying diverse wildlife expeditions, horseback riding, water rafting and bespoke excursions to waterfalls and white sandy river beaches.
The hotel’s rustic chic décor is beautifully reflected in its rooms, which are elegantly simple yet exude modern comfort. This is brilliantly juxtaposed with the use of antiques and restored furniture. Vibrant wall hangings and religious icons hint at the farmhouse’s history and local artisanship.
A fenced veranda wraps around one corner of the farmhouse, furnished with inviting rocking chairs, armchairs, and sofas where guests can relax, enjoy breakfast, and take in the views of the surrounding hills and lake. A short stroll across the lawn leads to the hotel’s spacious spa, housed in a converted outbuilding that maintains the main farmhouse’s style. Another lodge within the garden features a sauna and heated outdoor Jacuzzi.
The service at Ibitipoca is exceptional, and the staff’s extensive knowledge of the parkland’s rich flora and fauna, including red deer, jaguars, pumas and many native tree species — is sure to impress. Ibiti Project features several lodges for travellers, each designed around unique concepts: Engenho Lodge, Mogol Village and Remote, all offering different experiences of rural life in this stunning part of Brazil.
Highlights
Choose between three accommodation concepts across the reserve
Enjoy delicious and authentic Brazilian cuisine at the on-site restaurants
Learn about conservation efforts and the many ways you can live a greener life
Explore rivers, lakes, waterfalls and canyons on outdoor adventures
Experience a candlelight dinner inside a cave
Go birdwatching with a local expert
The impact of your stay:
- As part of their impactful initiatives, the Ibiti Project funds and operates a local school with environmental principles, has refurbished roads, the church and the village, and supports various social projects related to sports, local events and traditions.
- Guests’ stays help support the preservation and ongoing regeneration of the area with efforts including spring protection, animal reintroduction and fostering respect and collaboration among all living beings.
- You help contribute to an award-winning socio-environmental initiative that uses tourism to regenerate the landscape, protect native species and support local communities and culture.
Trip Inspiration
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Places to combine Ibiti Project with
Trancoso
Run by Wilbur Das, creative director of the Diesel fashion label, Uxua exudes a great character and attention to detail, all with a rustic theme that merges effortlessly with the local setting. Accommodation is set in a number of private ‘Casas’ each with a unique style and character and ranging from one to three bedrooms; one is even a tree house. As a stunning centre-piece to the accommodation is the pool, lined with 40,000 turquoise aventurine quartz stones (native to Bahia) that are a testament to the careful and painstaking care taken to create a hotel that is at once unique but with roots in the location it is based.
The hotel is located on the ‘Quadrado’ or village square of Trancoso and has a spa with an extensive range of treatments. The restaurant serves delicious cuisine made with fruits and spices grown in the hotel’s own gardens. Many of the ‘Casas’ have their own full kitchen and local chefs can be brought in to give you a lesson in local cuisine. The Casas themselves are large and equipped with all the amenities one would expect in a luxury accommodation, some include jacuzzis and private plunge pools.
