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).
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 highlands of Minas Gerais are made up of endless rolling hills, some covered with thick Atlantic rainforest where parrots fly free, and others smothered by lush green pastures - punctuated by brilliant white quartz deposits thrust from underground like a treasure chest spilling over with diamonds. Hundreds of cool streams cascade over cliffs to disappear through caves, emerge as tranquil pools begging to be swam in, then meander out through verdant valleys populated by smiling farmers.
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. There are only 8 guest rooms in Engenho Lodge and a seperate three bedroom villa. Magic emanates from this place and draws guests back, year after year, for longer and longer stays. Four additional remote cottages are spread across the reserve, allowing guests to complete lodge to lodge circuits and fully immerse themselves in the beauty and remoteness of the region.
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 and 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. Comuna do Ibitipoca is a 3.5 hour drive from Rio de Janeiro, but also has its own airstrip and helicopter pad should guests choose to fly in.
PROPERTY FACTS
8 suite lodge and one 3 bedroom villa. Then 4 remote houses scattered around the reserve.
6 Engenho Suites, 1 Reserve Suite and 1 Gran Reserve Suite + Carlinhos House (3 bedroom villa)
Full Board with daily Yoga and Guided Walking Excursions included
Yes, Throughout and Complimentary at Engenho Lodge Area - no internet in remote houses
Open Year Round
None
Daily Yoga, Full Massage Offerings, Pilates Classes
Heated Plunge Pool, Dry Sauna, Gym
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RATES
From $575 per room, per night (based on BRL/USD exchange as of Jan 2020)
Starting Full Board
LOCATION: Lima Duarte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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.
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.
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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.
FOR FAMILIES
Comuna do Ibitipoca is a dream for children, a place to run barefoot through the grass, swim and frolic beneath tropical waterfalls and tranquil pools along meandering streams, observe the activity of a rural farm, feed animals such as the friendly toucan who joins guests at the breakfast table and dip their fingers into freshly harvested honey and taste fresh pressed sugarcane.
Children under one year of age are free, and children from 1-8 years old just pay 50% of the rate for an extra bed.
Older kids will love the options for hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, electric mountain bikes and canyoning.
A number of families from Sao Paulo to New York to London have made it a tradition of escaping to Ibitipoca for a week or more, every year, to reconnect with themselves and nature, The detached three bedroom Carlinhos’s House is ideal for a family getaway - providing immediate access to all the amenities of Engenho Lodge but separate private lodging in their own three bedroom house where there is no age limit.
RECOMMENDED LENGTH OF STAY
Two nights absolute minimum to just scratch the surface of everything Comuna do Ibitipoca offers. A 3-4 night stay is more ideal for first time visitors, but will leave you wanting more.
Visitors of a week or more enjoy mixing their stay in the main house, Engenho Lodge, with a night or more in one of the remote houses or community houses spread across the reserve. Lodge to lodge journeys are possible, with each lodging option an easy day journey between one another on foot, horseback or electric-assisted bike.
A large portion of the international guests at Comuna do Ibitipoca are return guests who discovered the magic of the property on a previous short visit, and come back annually for one to two weeks at a time either solo or as a family. Weekends are generally busy with familiar local guests from Rio de Janiero and Sao Paulo who fly in for a break from urban life a few times a year, whereas weekdays are very quiet with mostly international guests.
Comuna do Ibitipoca is an ideal location for a special gathering or event; wellness and yoga retreats, multi-generational retreats, workshops, corporate incentives or just a place to celebrate a special life occasion with a small group of family or friends.
UNIQUE SELLING POINTS
Offer something truly authentic and off the beaten path in Brazil - the inclusion of Comuna do Ibitipoca in any Brazil itinerary will differentiate the guest experience from every other “off the shelf” trip laden with the same old “highlights” - your travelers will love you for sharing a hidden gem.
The 8 suites in the main lodge is absolutely perfect for a buyout for small groups, to celebrate a special occasion or run a retreat or workshop. The separate three bedroom villa for a family getaway is the perfect size for up to 6 people. Chartered aircraft or helicopter arrival/departure together combined with the ability to arrange special outdoor dining events in remote settings with or without entertainment makes this option truly special.
For travelers who seek meaning, education, wellness and cultural immersion in their travels there is no other place like this. Additionally, those that are avid about sustainability, social issues and a positive vision for the future will love experiencing the myriad of initiatives Comuna do Ibitipoca is undertaking.
A visit to the outdoor sculpture garden, the seven massive steel figures originally created for Burning Man by Artist Karen Cusolito is an otherworldly experience.
Incredible local food, there are four restaurants across the property guests can choose from.
Wether you are looking to relax and get away from the world or looking to pack your days with activities and excursions, both are ideal to do here. Combine this with seamless service and a reputation to surprise guests with special touches throughout their stay.
BEST COMBINED WITH
Comuna de Ibitipoca is most often visited to/from Rio de Janiero where travelers can get beach and city time around Rio, or chill out in the coastal enclaves of Paraty or Buzios before mixing it with the countryside and rural mountains of Ibitipoca.
Those interested in history and culture often combine a stay at Ibitipoca with other destinations in the state of Minas Gerais, which is famous for the history behind its exquisite colonial gold rush towns of Ouro Preto and Tiradentes. Starting in Rio de Janiero, visit Ibitipoca, carry on to Tiradentes and Ouro Preto, then finish in Belo Horizonte, where flights can be made to almost anywhere else in Brazil. The most popular destination to combine with Minas Gerais, where Ibitipoca is located, for the cultured traveler is Salvador de Bahia.
A large number of guests coming to Comuna do Ibitipoca are also coming just to stay here, for a week or so, just to get away from their frenetic life at home and reconnect with nature and themselves.
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