Maraú Peninsula: unspoilt sandy beaches, natural pools, exuberant nature,five star ecological resort

Maraú Peninsula: unspoilt sandy beaches, natural pools, exuberant nature,five star ecological resort

antonella kann Bahia Bahia beaches Barra Grande eco resort natural pools Península de Maraú sandy beaches tropical atmosphere

adword February 11, 2010 Add Comment

Infinity pool of Kiaroa Eco Resort

Partial view of Kiaroa Eco Resort

by Antonella Kann

The reason that the Maraú Peninsula is immune to mass tourism is that it´s really complicated to get there. Situated on Baia de Camamú, the region is outstandingly beautiful and unspoiled. The Atlantic forest is preserved with a profusion of mango groves that frame almost 40 kilometres of deserted beaches.

Maraú

The long ribbon of white sand starts at Três Coqueiros, a beach with powerful waves that frame the small village of Barra Grande. In this community most of the 500 inhabitants survive from fishing and handicrafts. Besides the fishermen, there are also a few foreigners who, bewitched by the Eden-like atmosphere of the place, have settled themselves in Maraú. And although there´s no bank or ATM´s, you can find cozy restaurants with elaborate cuisine and even a jazz club by the sea.

local crafts

But it´s between Barra Grande and Saquaíra that the visitor finds the most magnificent stretches of sand. The small town of Taipus de Fora, reputed to have one of the loveliest beaches on the Brazilian coast, reveals a breathtaking scenery at low tide, when natural pools form all along, with warm and translucent water. Ideal for diving in this huge aquarium!

Fishermen in their "jangadas"

In a region which is relatively primitive, you will be surprised to find a high class establishment such as the Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort set in one of the lushest corners of the Peninsula.

And it's worth the trip. Described to offer “ a tropical atmosphere that stressed city people dream about” by the German publishers of Ecological Hotels, from Fusion Publishing, the hotel has only 28 luxurious and sophisticated accommodations, most with their own private pool, and extends to all guests an extremely competent service. Not to mention the food....

Banana-da-terra petit gateau

Selling "coalho" cheese on beach

And, in order not to melt your credit card, why not take advantage of their special offers which start right after Easter till September, when you could spend 7 nights for the price of 6? Just indulge yourself to enjoy life's little luxuries – though the greatest one comes from the unspoilt natural world which frames land and seascape.

Pineaple caipirinha

More about Maraú peninsula on this blog: where to eat and drink in Barra Grande

Photography tours of Rio: clicking with the pros

Photography tours of Rio: clicking with the pros

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adword February 10, 2010 Add Comment

photo: Marcelo Portella


by Antonella Kann


A bird´s-eye view over the most beautiful landscapes, mountains and beaches of Rio, all clicked by you?

You don´t need to hire a chopper or try to catch a glimpse from the plane´s window when you´re landing. The idea is to trek uphill and get closer to some of the well-known postcards, such as Pedra Bonita and Pedra da Gávea. This is where the hand gliding platform stands and from where you can grab some of the most amazing images of Rio´s famous sites in the horizon. Up from 696 metres high, you can see the Floresta da Tijuca, lots of beaches and the skyline of the west and south areas of town.

If you enjoy photography and the great outdoors, this is certainly your cuppa tea, so that´s how you can participate: call Imagens & Aventuras ( which happens to be a Photography School) to check the date – always on a sunny Saturday - and enroll in this 4hrs morning trek. The group meets in São Conrado, in the Shell gas station at 7:30 a.m. From there, the walk begins and, for the next two hours, you´ll be making interesting pit stops to enable everyone to pick and choose the best from every possible angle. And, last but not least: you don´t need to be an athlete to follow the steps in the midst of the Atlantic vegetation.

Bahia´s secret beaches: high end resorts.

Bahia´s secret beaches: high end resorts.

antonella kann Bahia bahia´s beaches Corumbau

adword February 09, 2010 Add Comment

by Antonella Kann

Dreaming about the most beautiful stretches of sand in Brazil? Let’s then point a finger towards the northeast, especially Bahia’s coastline. Among cliffs, coconut trees and natural pools are nestled some of the most amazing beaches you could ever dream about. The all-purpose sea is ideal for whoever fancy surfing, snorkeling, swimming or just relaxing and work on a tan. Best of all, you can spoil yourself rotten as over the last decade, several luxurious resorts and pousadas have opened their doors to attend the increasing demand for five-stars establishments. Little wonder that these havens have been in demand all year round.