New Year´s Eve resolutions

New Year´s Eve resolutions

dolphins dunes Reveillon sandy beaches surf Tibau do Sul warm ocean

adword December 25, 2010 Add Comment

by Antonella Kann

As I told you a while before, I´m off to one of the most amazing spots in the northeastern shore of Brazil - Tibau do Sul, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte.
There will be dolphins swimming by my side, dunes and miles of sandy beaches to stroll on, coconut water galore and peace.
And NO internet.
So, I apologise for those who will feel a bit postless for a few days, but it´s only a matter of days, really, while I´m spending New Year´s Eve in one of my favorite places. And as you can´t have it all, not being connected is the only caveat.
The good news is that everything that´s new will be transmitted to you as soon as I come back.
Have a happy New Year and try to make as many resolutions as you can.
Mine are: to travel more in 2011 and keep you posted even more next year!

Lençois of the Maranhão state: our wet desert

Lençois of the Maranhão state: our wet desert

desert dunes lagoons Lençois national park state of Maranhão

adword July 01, 2010 Add Comment

by Antonella Kann

As promised, I will introduce you to our desert: the Lençóis Maranhenses. They are located in the state of Maranhão and are best seen during our winter time, when the rainy season is over and the lagoons are full.


This endless chain of dunes is a stunning scenery which changes constantly with the wind. Don´t forget to watch the sunset from the top of the highest ones.

Hundreds of lagoons are flanked by these magnificent dunes, and that´s what makes our desert different and unique: it´s the only wet desert on the planet.

Some dunes measure up to 40 meters. The sand is as creamy as a béchamel cream and soft under your feet. You can roll down, or run down…anything will be thrilling. Moreover if there´s a lagoon at the bottom, with cool and translucid waters, in which you can dip and swim as you please.

Tourists are welcome, but as the Lençóis (pronounce lain-soy´s) are a National Park, guides are mandatory. You must hire one in the nearest town, Barreirinhas, which is also the main “gate” to the dunes.

It´s not an easy way to reach the entrance of the park, and includes a river crossing followed by a dust road only accessible by 4x4 vehicles.You´re unlikely to be bored, as there´s a lot to see in the region of Lençóis: little towns, rivers, wildlife and more. You can walk, hike, drive, ride boats and quads, photograph…And although it´s not a foodie destination, you´ll enjoy the prawns and fresh grilled fish. Don´t try to track down a fancy restaurant because you´ll get frustrated. Stay local and be happy.

Even if you´re afraid of small planes, don´t hesitate to do the flight above the Lençóis, as the shapes of this labyrinth of sand are impossibly beautiful.

Itaúnas, in Espírito Santo state: dunes, forró and neverending party

Itaúnas, in Espírito Santo state: dunes, forró and neverending party

beaches dunes Espírito Santo state forró Itaúna no-frills party

adword April 26, 2010 Add Comment

by Antonella Kann

A couple of years ago, by the end of November, we decided to spend New Year´s Eve with the family in Itaúnas, some 250 kilometers from capital Vitória. Any other place would be fully booked, but not that small seaside village in the state of Espirito Santo. Also, I was pleased to find that the package rate wasn´t a rip-off as in any other resort on the coastline of Brazil.

Underneath these dunes lay the old town of Itaúnas, entirely buried by the sand since the 70´s.

Not quite famous as its baianos´ neighbors, it´s best known for its old town, entirely buried underneath the immense dunes which frame the new town. Until a decade ago, you could still see the top of the church. Nowadays, nothing is left from old Itaúnas.

beautiful walks along the beaches, crossing the river by boat

It´s not a trendy-sophisticated-upmarket destination in Brazil, and far away from being one in the top-ten. But that´s why it´s unspoilt and full of charm.

But don´t get me wrong: you´ll find pristine - read, deserted - beaches and a marvelous atmosphere to relax and party, as it´s the “capital” of the forró. I´ll translate: it´s a particular rhythm or , let´s say, a sensual way of dancing cheek to cheek ( and altogether very closely) from sunset to sunrise.

Also, it´s affordable, from accommodations to restaurants, and a very good option if you want to stretch your vacation budget in Brazil. Off-season, let´s say, after Carnival, it´s even better. But, naturally, don´t be choosy as there´s nothing gastronomic. But the local pizzas can be really very tasty and you won´t be disappointed.

Forró time: anytime, anywhere, no dress code!

But remember that Itaúnas is inside a National State Park, so beware of the strict environmental rules to preserve natural sites. Don´t miss a boat ride along the river, as the scenery is gorgeous. 

You´ll have to climb the dunes to go back in town

There are few pousadas which I can recommend, all rustic but with a bit of charm. Pousada dos Corais is one of them. But don´t go to Itaúnas for the comfort. Go to chase away the stress.