Sitio do Lobo
Lying in a hammock at Sitio do Lobo clutching a cocktail, gazing across the clear blue water to the mountains in the distance, it can feel as if you are miles away from civilization. And, in this case, you really are. The hotel is hidden among the scented tangerine treed and exotic flowers of an almost deserted islands two hours south of Rio de Janeiro.
This is definitely an escape from normal modern life. Ilha Grande is 25 miles wide, yet has no roads. The nearest village is almost an hour away by kayak. Sitio is slightly ramshackle, back-to-nature sort of place, with just nine rooms blended into the jungle along the shore. It stands on the Bay of the Stars, the site of nineteenth-century coffee plantation. Nestled among its acre of lush vegetation, the Sitio was a wealthy Brazilian family’s Costa Verde retreat for twenty years. Many rich and famous friends visited, included soccer star Ronaldo and Prince Rainier of Monaco. Only recently has the luxury retreat been opened up to paying guests.
This is absolutely no chain hotel. Sofas are built into giant granite boulders; there are thatched massage huts and wooden verandas overlooking the sea. Bamboo furniture is embedded with tiny seashells and exposed granite is incorporated into the walls. There are interesting ornaments everywhere, from model boats to handmade wooden frogs. Food is simple and fresh, with plenty of seafood and local fruits. There is also a heliport, but guests are encouraged to travel by kayak instead, to explore the surrounding national park and visit empty sandy beaches. Location: Ilha Grande, Brazil.
