As Brazil´s economy travels on an exponential upward trajectory its service industry remains stagnant to say the least, however nestled in the south of the State of Minas Gerais a luxurious gem offering European-standard service combined with Brazilian-style warmth is waiting to be discovered.

The Reserva do Ibitipoca was founded in 1981 when abandoned farmland was purchased and regenerated, but was only opened to tourists in 2009 in a bid to train local people and offer them job opportunities to allow them to stay and work in their home town instead of migrating to the big cities.

The result is a sustainable and natural paradise encompassing 300 hectares of preserved lands with a farmhouse dating back to 1715 which has been turned into a boutique hotel offering 8 luxury suites. Imagine soaking in a bath scented with native flowers, galloping through the countryside on Anglo-Arabian horses, eating organic, local produce around a wood-fired stove or wandering through orchid gardens and past waterfalls to be surprised by champagne and nibbles laid out on a picnic table just for you. Enjoy having your every need met by local staff who have been trained by international experts and at the end of a perfect day snuggling down in a huge bed lined with Egyptian cotton sheets with no noise from the city or even a television to bother you with whatever´s going on in the chaotic outside world.

The driest time of the year is from May to September but guests are warmly welcomed all year round. For more information visit: www.reservadoibitipoca.com.br/en/.