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Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Brazil

Suggested Packages / Rio / Amazon / Pantanal / Iguassu / Salvador / Chapada Diamantina / Ilha Grande / Buzios
Paraty / Natal / Brasilia / Bonito / Fernando de Noronha / Florianopolis / Itacare / Chapada dos Veadeiros / Praia do Forte
Northeast 4x4 / Rio Grande do Sul / Ouro Preto/ Lencois Marenhenses / Curitiba Area / Morro de Sao Paulo / Group Suggestions

Itacare and Marau

Hidden in a special spot, between Salvador and llheus, in a corner of a land between the Atlantic Ocean and Rio de Contas, small Itacare is a different city in beauty, culture, geography and philosophy. An unusual city, marked by its dazzling sunset, the movement of the sailing crafts and the tradition of the capoeira. Its beaches are so special that they don't even appear on maps, replete with coconut palm trees and green waters. Deserted, with clear sand, they are an. invitation for a sunbath and a dive every minute. The city has such particular people and customs that the visitor can be surprised thinking that he is in another period or another country. The Mata Atlantica (Atlantic Forest) in Itacare has been reasonably preserved, producing a microclimate in the region, responsible for cool nights. And, in addition, trails, waterfalls and visits to the mangrove swamp full of guaiamus and blue and red crabs. Recently the earth road leading from Ilheus to Itacare was transformed into a park road, increasing still more the value of that paradise.. Thus, those 70 kilometres of snow-white sand, with secret and untouched beaches, rivers, coconut palm trees and forests may remain as it is, Because Itacare is not keen at all for the arrival of the progress.

How to get there:
- Via Ilhéus, along a beautiful road (approximately 70 kms)
- Via Maraú Peninsula, two hour drive in 4-wheel drive vehicles and cross Rio das Contas by barge to hotel of choice.

Txai Resort (click on link for more info)

The Txai Resort is one of the most sophisticated in Brazil, claiming international awards when compared to other top luxury hotels.

Price per person in US$,including breakfasts - April 1-Sept. 1

roundtrip transfers from Ilheus = $220 for up to 3 people. $506 for up to 9 people

Itacare Ecoresort

The Itacare EcoResort is located in one of the most beautiful places in Itacare, Bahia. While staying at the Itacare EcoResort, you can't miss the variety of activities and excursions that Itacaré offers, such as trekking, rafting, canoeing, horseback riding, mountain bike, diving and surfing.

The Itacare EcoResort is only a 1 hour drive from the Ilheus Airport. The 25 apartments are all equipped with a veranda with hammocks, cable TV, minibar, telephone, central air-conditioning, and safes.

The Itacare EcoResort is surrounded by the lush Atlantic Rainforest. Its swimming pool is fed with river water and this river leads towards the beach. The Itacare EcoResort is well known for its great breakfast and specially-prepared to-go lunches that you can take on your excursions. It has a private beach (Sao Jose), and also offers a shuttle bus service every 15 minutes to the historic village of Itacare.

The hotel provides free, scheduled transfer to Itacaré centre and Prainha, and paid transportation out of the normal schedule. Also, for your comfort the Itacaré Eco Resort has a convenience store with toothpaste, sunscreen, bathing suits, shirts, caps, sarongs as well as regional art crafts.

Facilities: Baby Cot/Crib Available, Back-up Power Generator, Bar(s), Cafe/Coffee Shop, Car Parking, First Aid Kit, Fitness Club/Gym, Internet - Wireless, Internet available onsite, Swimming Pool - Children's, Laundry Service available, Reading Room, Restaurant(s), Souvenir/Gift Shop(s)
Swimming Pool(s) - Outdoor , Baby chair for meal; Baby chair for the hotel transfer; Baby stroller; Baby bath

Services: Babysitting - Paid, Daily Housekeeping, Doctor/Nurse on call, Dry Cleaning, Laundry/Ironing, Security Guard (24 hrs), Shuttle Service (i.e. to/from town centre - included in price) , Sauna; Living room with TV

Recreation: Billiards, Board/Leisure Games, Bushwalking/Hiking/Trekking, Children's Playground, Cultural Visits/Tours, Educational Experiences, Horse Riding, Kayaks, Massage, Surfing, Yoga , Recreation team for kids and adultsl;Pilates and artcraft free classes; Surf and Capoeira (paid);
Soccer and "Frescobol"

Price per person in US$, including breakfasts:

one way transfer from Ilheus = $132 per person

Aldeia de Mata Resort

The Aldeia da Mata Hotel is located in a wide green area, facing the sea. It represents 10% of 15 hectares of an Environmental Protection area. A good option for those who wants to enjoy nature and the wonderful coastal landscape! The Aldeia da Mata Hotel has a rustic style; however it offers sophistication in all ambiences. Its accommodations consist on charming bungalows nestled on the tropical vegetation.

The special services of Aldeia da Mata Hotel guarantees comfort and relaxation: At the swimming pool drinks and regional snacks can be ordered, while the Jungle SPA offers massages, a Jacuzzi, body hydration, natural oils and aromatherapy. The Aldeia da Mata has an agreeable restaurant in the middle of nature, where guests order their food directly from the chef. The dishes are accentuated with typical seasonings and ingredients. From the Viewpoint Bar you enjoy the wonderful view of the sea while tasting the drinks of the season. The hotel also offers a variety of outdoor activities, like: rafting, trekking and visits to the cocoa farm.

Facilities: Automatic bank teller (ATM) Machine, Baby Cot/Crib Available, Bar(s), Car Parking, Fax, Internet - Wireless, Swimming Pool - Children's
Laundry Service available, Reading Room, Restaurant(s), Souvenir/Gift Shop(s) Swimming Pool(s) - Outdoor

Recreation: Billiards, Board/Leisure Games Massage

Price per person in US$, includes breakfasts and dinners:

roundtrip transfers from Ilheus = $220 for up to 3 people. $506 for up to 9 people

Marau

Located in the Environmental Protection Area of Maraú Peninsula, this ecological sanctuary reveals a variety of coastal ecosystems, comprehending inner waters, estuaries and the vast Atlantic Ocean, as well as fluvial-marine and terrestrial ecosystems, with diverse beaches, sand banks, coral reefs, mangroves, natural fields and parts of the Atlantic Forest with varied fauna and flora.

From the belvedere in the Upper City, it’s possible to enjoy a beautiful view of Maraú’s estuary and the Lower City, including the fair’s area and the vessels at the pier. The beauty of the city conquered the French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who had a house in the settlement. The importance of Maraú in past centuries is revealed, until today, in the buildings of ancient architecture, in Portuguese style, from the 18th century.

Kiaroa Eco Resort

2010 Price in US$ per room per night for single or double, including breakfasts: Tropical suite = $392, Moorea Bungalow = $770, Moorea Bungalow Master = $912, Bali Bungalow = $1225