Rio for tourists...

Rio for tourists...

Rio

adword November 28, 2010 Add Comment

by Antonella Kann

Yes, indeed, Rio is one of the most stunning places on earth. A haven which has not yet been discovered by tourism, comparing with other places in the world. I daresay that the negative propaganda which spreads all over could be the reason for Brazil to have such a low number of visitors.
I realize that I am saying this in a very delicate moment, as you have been witnessing our momentaneous and vulnerable situation through international networks and newspapers.
Although the situation is still uncertain, I am not the least frightened. Nor were the hundred and some passengers in the flight which brought me home three days ago. Concerned, certainly, as I was, but so happy to be back to this luminous town, admire the beach and the sea, the tropical colors of summer, feel the heat in my bones.
Unfortunately, you usually hear the bad side of the story when it comes to Rio de Janeiro. And, unfortunately, this doesn´t help to bring tourists to this city or even to this country.
If you imagine that we have only 5,4 millions visitors per year, compared to France, which receives almost 60 million people...
For the last three days, my focus has been on Rio and how the police will detangle the situation.
We, the cariocas, are optimistic and willing to believe that soon we will be proud to offer our guests a refurbished town, where the word safety will be a reality.

Where are you going for New Year´s Eve ( part III) ?

Where are you going for New Year´s Eve ( part III) ?

Academia da Cachaça Aiuruoca cidade colonial fim de ano Goiás state Minas Gerais mountains Pirenopolis pousada rustica

adword November 16, 2010 Add Comment

by Antonella Kann

Still not ready to decide your whereabouts for the last evening of the year? I would guess that by now, at least half of the readers know where they want to do on December 31st, one third doesn´t have a clue and the rest, well….is still thinking.


So I just want to help those who haven´t made up their mind. Good luck! Notice that this time we are far away from the beaches!

Located in the state of Minas Gerais, at 1900 meters above sea level, Do Lado de Lá is the highest pousada in Brazil. And a haven for nature lovers. But don´t expect luxury or pampering: there´ll be neither in-room massage nor personal 24hrs butler in this rustic pousada.

You feel like you are on top of the world, surrounded by the Atlantic forest, waterfalls and vegetation. And that´s all the luxurious atmosphere of the Serra do Papagaio, in Aiuruoca, a region located almost 270 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro. Even the name of the place is hard to pronounce - and even harder to remember.

With such a conspicuous name, which means On the Other Side www.doladodela.com.br has less than 10 accommodations and those range from standard rooms with shared bathroom up to bungalows with private Jacuzzi. As you have probably guessed, it’s an all-inclusive establishment (there´s nowhere else to eat, anyway!), with honest and simple home-made food cooked in the old fashioned way – on the woodstove.

A destination like Pirenópolis don´t come much more original than that. It´s not exactly in the middle of nowhere, but sure is off the beaten track as a New Year´s hub. But it´s a very attractive colonial town located in the state of Goiás. It´s tiny, genuine, and has small but comfortable pousadas and surprisingly good restaurants.

You can also amuse yourself by digging into antiques shops offering furniture and delicious old bric-à-brac. And, of course, there are the traditional small stores selling all sorts of regional artifacts. But strolling around the town is likely to find locations to captivate the eye.

the cachoeira do Abade, a few miles from the center of Pirenopolis


The local cachaça also is a must-try experience. There are more than a hundred labels waiting for you in several small bars. And, as you´re likely to be using your feet instead of your car ( which should definitely be left in the parking lot of your pousada!) feel free to go wild! But do drive to the nearby sites for amazing hikes and god refreshing plunges in waterfalls. Oh, sorry, I almost forgot: try the pousada O Casarão ( www.ocasarao.pirenopolis.tur.br tel. 62 3331 2662)

A hike in the esoteric national park of the Chapada dos Veadeiros

A hike in the esoteric national park of the Chapada dos Veadeiros

Brasília Chapada dos Veadeiros crystals hikes national park São Jorge waterfalls

adword November 09, 2010 Add Comment

by Antonella Kann

The Chapada dos Veadeiros is one of those places where you can go several times and still feel as if you were in a brand new surrounding. Only 236 kilometers from capital Brasilia, this National Park has the most amazing hiking trails and waterfalls, framed by high peaks and stunning views.

The climate in the park differs a lot from Brasília. It´s more humid, the temperature is always agreeable and it´s sunny most of the year. In winter, you can get really cold. But now, during summer months, it´s hot during the day and cooler at night.

Long trails in the bush, amidst nature and wildlife...

It´s a haven for hikers and trekkers, but remember to be prepared for long walks, so water and sun screen are a must.

And I must warn you about a local inhabitant, the tiny bees, harmless but a nuisance, so a good idea is to have some kind of refreshing towel in your backpack to wipe the sweat off your face and body. It will help to keep them away. And make sure you are the first one to jump into the water when you reach the waterfalls.

To be precise, it´s home to 160 waterfalls, for which you´d need at least five days to really explore, plus get acquainted with the region and enjoy all of its natural wonders.

The most enigmatic sites are the Vale da Lua ( Valley of the Moon), with an incredible rock formation, Águas Quentes ( Warm Waters), which are warm natural pools for you to soak into, plus Janela and Abismo, locations from where you can have a panoramic view of the park, several canyons and other extraordinary secluded spots to have fun, swim, sunbathe and relax.

the view from the "janela", a reward to be reached after 3hrs hike

For esoteric fans, the whole region of the Chapada is known for its crystals and magnetic fields, so the locals assume that there is extraterrestrial power in every corner.
But besides the fact that you might have close encounters with another kind, the Chapada is well equipped with charming pousadas and restaurants where you´ll be served delicious meals.

the pousada Baguá:private luxurious bungalows and jacuzzi

The small town to go is called São Jorge, right at the entrance of the Park, and I´d recommend the Pousada Baguá (www.pousadabagua.com.br) for the best accommodations.

Flexeiras, new kid on the Ceará block !

Flexeiras, new kid on the Ceará block !

Ceará five star resort Flexeiras Fortaleza golden beaches Orixá Hotel

adword October 30, 2010 Add Comment

by Antonella Kann

The year´s not yet over and I´m already planning Easter. That´s what travel addicts do. It suddenly occured to me that I could use this opportunity when my daughter said she had a wedding to attend in Jericoacoara, in the state of Ceará. So, that´s where I wanna go.


As you are already familiar with some places in this state, as well as its golden dunes, my focus is on somewhere else, nearby, but a little further down the coast.

It´s a small fishermen´s village only 120 km (an hour away) north from capital Fortaleza, and its name is Flexeiras. A couple of years ago I´ve been there on my way to Jeri, and found the place stunning.

In 2011, Easter falls on the end of April, when the weather is warm, sunny and the place tourist free. It will be heaven.

Best part is that I discovered, accidentally, that a brand new five star resort has just opened there. Just by browsing the site, I realized that this hotel (which belongs to the Roteiro de Charme chain, which is our brand of luxury and comfort at its top) is one of a kind. Of course, the pretty setting helps, but suites with private jacuzzi also have their share to contribute for a... errh, phenomenal stay. I sure am looking forward to...

The name is Orixas Art Hotel (www.orixashotel.com.br) . Check it out yourself and tell me if it doesn´t give you the itch to go there…tomorrow. And if you do, before me, just post a comment so that I know beforehand what to expect! I´d rely on your opinions, for sure.

A taste of honey: Ilha do Mel , a sweet island.

A taste of honey: Ilha do Mel , a sweet island.

car free island golden beaches hippies Ilha do Mel Paraná surf

adword October 25, 2010 Add Comment

by Antonella Kann

I had heard about the Ilha do Mel a long time ago. Sort of place you tell yourself “one day I shall go”. But it took me ages. Finally, by mid September, there came the opportunity.

Located in the southern State of Paraná, this tiny island is the sort of haven to visit off peak, as in high season its golden beaches are overcrowded by tourists from nearby capital, Curitiba.

Before booking our pousada Grajagan Surf Resort (www.grajagan.com.br) - I browsed the net to search for the more starred accommodations. Unfortunately, there were none to be found.

Note that although I love being pampered, I am not the kind of person to sulk about the rusticity of a hotel or complain easily about whatever caveats there might be found in a room, but I knew that this destination had been definitely launched by hippies and surfers, a brand of visitors whose interpretation of comfort or luxury do not go beyond peaceful sights and perfect waves – respectively.

As we headed in the taxiboat to cross from the continent to the island, the weather turned grey and rainy. I had checked and was aware that we might run into a cold weekend and this worried me. There would be nothing to do if the temperature dropped even a couple of digits. September is not a warm month in the south of Brazil.

If you have a penchant for natural environment and preserved hippie era atmosphere, the Ilha do Mel has it all. The whole island is car free, with sandy streets, scattered villages with fishermen´s houses and a handful of simple inns and lodges, art crafts sold in tourist shops near the harbors.

Lucky us, next morning the sun made its appearance against all predictions. So, after a hearty breakfast we planned our day: a long walk around part of the island, exploring a couple of well known touristic sites like the Encantada´s Cavern. Along the way, extensive stretches of white sandy beaches.

I would call the Ilha do Mel a refuge for those seeking an escape from civilization, but not a place to be in summer or during holiday period. Nature lovers will not want to share the island with hundreds of visitors. If ever there´s a time to go, choose March through November.

A world away from hip seaside resorts and other trendy beach temples, the “honey island” also attracts surfers in search of good waves year-round.

Although we had fun, I left the island with a sweet and sour aftertaste. In order to attract another type of visitors – and more investments - local authorities should reinvent the facilities and give the accommodations as well as the restaurants a makeover.