Ibitipoca

Reserva do Ibitipoca was created in 1981 with the purchase of Fazenda do Engenho (Engenho's Farm), one of the oldest farms in the region, dating back to the 19 the century, and where today the Ibitipoca Reserve Lodge (guest house) is located. Over time other lands were acquired; most of these had been abandoned or used for cattle grazing in the vicinity of Ibitipoca State Park. The main aim of the Reserve is the reforestation of native flora species and the formation of wildlife corridors, which entails joining fragments of woodlands with reforestation, providing larger spaces and better living conditions for the reproduction of wild animals. Besides the commitment to reforestation, since 2006 another ongoing project has been the reintroduction of wild animals that once inhabited the region but had become extinct there. Today the Reserve is composed of more than 50 properties. Of these, only 4 used to have residents who, by choice, moved to cities with better health and educational infrastructures for their children. Now the Reserve totals almost 4,000 hectares (approximately 90% of which is a protected), embracing three counties: Lima Duarte, Bias Fortes and Santa Rita do Ibitipoca.

Lodging: At Reserva do Ibitipoca, luxury is in the simplicity of each detail. Eight guest rooms are located in the faithfully restored farmhouse of Fazenda do Engenho, which is surrounded by extensive green areas.  Each room has exclusive furniture and a décor that values the local handicrafts and culture. All rooms are equipped with king size beds (some of which can be adapted to twin beds), Egyptian cotton sheets, comfortable armchairs, a nightstand with lamp, and wardrobe. The bathrooms have underfloor heating, warmed towels, a Victorian style bath, heated showers, L'Occitane amenities, personalised havaianas (the original Brazilian flip flops), a hair dryer and bathrobes.

The main house is where the best eight rooms are located and where meals are served for all guests on the Reserve. Six bedrooms differ only in style and decoration, which are either classic or contemporary. Suite 5 has spectacular views and suite 8 is the largest. An extra bed can be added on request. The Lodge has cosy verandas with comfortable couches, hammocks and intimate decor. These are an ideal spot for a drink before meals, to read a good book or magazine, to admire the lake view, to listen to the bird sounds, to feel the breeze and the fresh air of the farm and to have a good conversation with friends. In addition to the main house we also offer other, more rustic options. These offer more privacy to guests, who will also be able to benefit from the overall structure of the Reserve's main facilities. Some of these houses are named after their original residents.

All excursions are accompanied by local guides from the reserve and can be on foot, horseback or by bicycle. Guests can enjoy two such excursions per day. Bilingual guides are available and must be requested at the time of booking. The activities will enable guests to get closer to nature and local culture. All tours are conducted with local guides from the reserve and can be done on foot, horseback or mountain-bike.

The rates are on a full board basis with included daily excursions.