Cristalino Jungle Lodge

On the banks of a serene river, just 15 minutes away from the legendary Iguazu waterfalls, lies Awasi Iguazu, a distinguished member of Relais & Châteaux.

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 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.