Our founder Sam recently returned from an epic fam trip around Brazil. The goal was to discover fresh and unique experiences for our guests, recce different and off the beaten track regions, and stay in some glorious properties. Among them was The Ibiti Project, which can definitely call itself one of South Americas most unique hotels and best Eco experiences.
Is this the best Eco-Hotel in South America?
The famous giant Ibiti statues
What is the Ibiti Project?
Located in what feels like the most rural reaches of Brazil, but is actually just a four hour drive from Rio, The Ibiti Project achieves that rare feat of combining luxury tourism and community regeneration. It succeeds in this by utilizing what is already there, doing things differently and considering at all times the impact on local people and local environments. Ibiti is a huge 3,000 hectare re-wilding project that was established first as a luxury hotel, then over the years grown outwards to reinvigorate the local town and community; providing jobs, the chance for locals to own their own business, a good quality school, reestablishing wildlife corridors and becoming a model of self -sustainable community living. All this and so much more.
The Ibiti project is all about connecting with nature and outdoor activities
What is the accommodation like at Ibiti Project?
This is not your typical hotel, and the concept behind the accommodation offered reflects this. There are three very different room types, each offering a different experience for different guests. The Ibiti Village ‘Mogol’ offers guests 5 really gorgeous traditional houses peppered around the hill side community. These are full of character and no two are the same. They range in styles and sizes and each combine beautiful soft furnishings from the local community. Secondly, 9km from the village you find the sophisticated and luxurious Engenho Lodge, a restored farmhouse and Casa Carlinhos. Both provide 5* facilities and include daily activities like yoga and guided walks. Finally the more remote option for guests are the three lovely rustic houses, perfect for those looking to connect more with nature and be away from it all. Sam stayed in the village; a newer project of around 6 houses, located alongside local businesses where you coexist with the community. The focus is also on your wellness and the food is innovative, high-end and sustainably produced on site. Its delicious!
The unique and wonderful Ibiti Project, a must-include when exploring Brazil
What activities does Ibiti offer?
When you arrive at the project you will meet the guide assigned to your stay who will run through a bespoke range of activities for your time here. These include (but are not limited to)
🏔️ mountain hikes
🐎 horse riding
🌊 a water circuit
🚴♀️ cycling
🦜 bird watching
🌳 forest treks
Sam’s particular highlights during his stay were the Monkey project (Muriqui’s House) and witnessing the gigantic iron sculptures that need to be seen to be believed. The project is vast, you could easily spend a week here and not even touch the sides of all the activities on offer which makes it an exciting and unique ‘destination hotel’.
One of the unique and more rustic village options for guests to choose to stay in
What makes this such a sustainable hotel?
The owners of the project set out to create a fertile environment for happiness to flourish as well as harmony between people and the environment. This B-Corp awarded hotel is totally aligned to our whole Travel Differently ethos; encouraging guests to explore remote and unique eco-destinations that put the community first, that have a positive impact on local people, that leave no trace for local wildlife and surrounding nature. Ibiti achieves this by its conservation projects (Muriqui Spider Monkey being the flagshi) using solar power and drinking water from sources within the reserve, the regeneration of the Mogol village, encouraging walking and cycling in house, and using all locally grown produce for the restaurants (no meat or saltwater fish are offered to reduce the environmental footprint) Reduce-Reuse-Recycle-Re imagine are watch words, and the growing list of sustainability projects is not limited to these. Guests staying here really do feel that their money is going directly into the land they are staying on, and they are part of something very special.
Summary
As you can see, we are big fans of the Ibiti project and its unique and original concept. We really believe this is the future for sustainable tourism and slow travel, and hope that similar examples of the project can develop across South America and beyond. This is one of the best examples of eco travel and sustainable tourism in South America, whilst also crafting and curating a luxury experience for discerning travelers. In that sense, it offers something for everyone and if time allows we encourage you to include a stay at The Ibiti Project as part of your tailor-made holiday to Brazil, or add this into your bespoke journey around South America. Speak to Sam who was lucky enough to stay at the project, and he can talk you through how best to include this into your stay.
