Comuna de Ibitipoca
Probably the most "under the radar" experience in South America. Super unique project and incredible lodging, food, staff, etc. It's a real word of mouth hidden place by the very well traveled, many who come back each year for longer and longer stays. Really hard to describe the uniqueness of the place.
This is currently only available if a group buys out the whole Fazenda do Engenho |
Comuna do Ibitipoca ultimately defies description and has been a well guarded secret of the global jetset who seek meaning, connection and transformation in their travels. Created by one of the wealthiest families in Brazil starting in the early 1980s, their private reserve now totals 13,000 acres (20+ square miles), though it only has 8 rooms in the historic farmhouse and then a 3 bedroom villa and 4 remote "cottages" where you can spend a night or you can do hut to hut journeys between them.
It is located in the state of Minas Gerais, adjacent to the most popular state park in Brazil, which is so popular, that they have to limit the number of visitors to 1,000 a day. Comuna do Ibitipoca is equal parts luxury lodge, sustainability initiative, art gallery, conservation project, wellness retreat, rewilding initiative, wildlife sanctuary, adventure center, rural regeneration project, organic farm, historic preservation site and model community. All these aspects are interconnected. In their own words; “We aim to create a fertile environment for happiness to flourish, and we believe that this must be done holistically, involving the fauna, flora and local communities.” The centerpiece of a visitors experience here is staying at the Fazenda do Engenho, a rural farmhouse built in 1715 that was meticulously restored in 2006 to retain its history and charm while incorporating modern luxuries. Magic emanates from this place and draws guests back, year after year, for longer and longer stays. Guests explore this magical landscape by day; on foot, atop mangalara horses, via a modern fleet of electric assisted mountain bikes, stand up paddle boards and jeeps. Surprises await at every turn in this paradise, which include a sculpture garden of 30 foot tall steel figures by Californian artist Karen Cusolito, originally displayed at the Burning Man festival, remote vista points where freshly squeezed juices and snacks are left mysteriously by the staff in advance of your arrival, at the base of thundering waterfalls exotic swimming holes ringed by crystalline quartz beaches, where again, fluffy white towels are left for you, just in case you want to cool off. On the conservation side - there is a fully staffed rehabilitation center for the northern Muriqui monkey, the most critically endangered primate species on earth which is being rescued from extinction. On the cultural side, you will come across small mountain communities and farms populated by jovial and welcoming locals who are growing organic produce, distilling cachaca, and creating incredible handicrafts. Comuna do Ibitipoca is a great destination alone for a small gathering of friends or family, can be turned into a simple beach + highlands combination with Rio de Janeiro, or included in a fascinating itinerary traversing the colonial gold mining towns of Ouro Preto and Tiradentes in Minas Gerais State. |
What is included:
Full-board service:breakfast,lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Non-alcoholic beverages: water,fresh juices,tea and coffee. Guided walking tours. Observations: Check-in is a t2:00pm and check-out at 12:00pm. Late check-out at 3:00pm costs an extra fee of R$350, if available. Extra beds are available for an extra fee of R$900 per night,except at the Eagle's Nest Loft where no extra beds are allowed. At Carlinhos House and Areião House,there will be a charge of 50% of the cost of the suites that are not occupied. There is a minimum of two nights per stay. Additional Information Children of all ages are welcome at all accommodations, except at Engenho Lodge,where the minimum age is eight years old.Groups that reserve all eight rooms at Engenho Lodge can bring children of any age. Small pets are welcome at all accommodation, except at Engenho Lodge. cell phone reception is limited. The best coverage is by the carrier VIVO. We have WI- FI at all accommodations,except Eagle's Nest Loft. To confirm a reservation,we require a deposit of 50% of the total up to four days after the reservation Additional Rates Horseback Riding R$200 per tour 4x4 Car R$500 per day Electric Bike (Caloi) R$190 half-day, R$290 per day Reservations can be cancelled up to 15(fifteen) days prior to check-in with 100% refund.Up to seven days before arrival,the refund is 50% of the amount paid.Less than seven days before check-in,there is no refund,but guests can reschedule their stay for another available date from Sunday to Thursday except holidays. Closest Domestic Airport: Rio de Janiero international airport (GIG) is the most convenient airport, it is an easy 3.5 hour drive from the Rio airport to Comuna do Ibitipoca, allowing guests to stop and visit the Imperial city of Petropolis en-route to break up the journey. There is also an airport in nearby Juiz de Fora (IZA) which receives a daily direct flight from Sao Paulo. It is less than a 2 hour drive to Ibitipoca from Juiz de Fora. Unique Arrival & Departure Options: Ibitipoca also has its own grass landing strip and 21 helipads around the property, one just 25 steps from the main lodge, for those that do not wish to drive, charter aircraft and helicopter transfers can easily be arranged. WHEN TO VISIT Ibitipoca is amazing any time of the year, general consensus being that the ideal months are between April through September. The austral winter season (June-August) is mild in temperature and dry, with daytime temps being 60F-70F (10-20F) The summer period from December-February is much warmer with daytime temperatures ranging from 75-95F (25-30C) but rainfall is more frequent. |