22 PA RT N E R S P OT L I G H T B R A Z I L enchantingtravels.com/brazil OFFBEAT BRAZIL Discover two upcoming retreat regions that are soon to join our Brazil collection! Fernando de Noronha PARADISE FOR RELAXATION Fernando de Noronha is in a class of its own! With castaway beaches, dramatic cliffs, picturesque villages, and an incredible underwater life, it is no wonder it is a national marine park and conservation area. The archipelago is located off Brazil’s northeast coast and is made up of 21 islands, and only the main island is home to a human population. The community is dedicated to sustainability, allowing no more than 500 guests to visit each day, thereby ensuring its delicate ecosystem is protected. Many of the divine sandy beaches – such as Baia do Sancho – have been deemed the best in the world in recent years. This tropical paradise provides understated luxury at its best. The accommodation is rustic and often minimalistic, and there are activities for guests of all types and ages. You can engage in an array of water sports in the turquoise waters, such as swimming, diving, surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and even free diving. Newcomers to water sports are welcome too! Choose a short or long hike along Caieira Cove Trail and to the wild, jagged peaks and sweeping oceanic views of Atalaia where you can dip into a natural pool. End your day with a spectacular sunset at Boldro Beach. One of the highlights of Noronha is Baía dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Bay), where hundreds of spinner dolphins congregate to feed and rest. You might be lucky to see an entire pod of dolphins as they leap, spin and plunge back into the water. You can also visit Project Tamar, a conservation project that aims to preserve endangered sea turtles. With such stunning natural wonders and blissful relaxation, Fernando de Noronhha is our secret Caribbean of the south. Minas Gerais HISTORIC FORTUNES Everywhere you turn you will find a smile, as the locals of Minas Gerais welcome you into their world with friendly, sing-song accents. Situated next to the state of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais provides a dazzling window to Brazil’s rich colonial history. The region is also home to a wonderland of wildlife including endangered species like the maned wolf, giant anteater and woolly spider monkey, especially in the Espinhaço Mountains. Ouro Preto, meaning Black Gold in Portuguese, is a stunning city in the region, with 17th and 18th century roots. Once the center of a mining boom for gold, diamond and semi-precious gems, Ouro Preto boasts perfectly preserved baroque style buildings that will take you back in time to Brazil’s golden era. The locals embellished their churches with gold to ensure their own natural riches stayed within Brazil, which you can still see today. Much of the intricate architecture was designed by Brazil’s celebrated sculptor Aleijadinho and today, Ouro Preto is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s easy to stumble upon striking landmarks at every turn, such as churches, museums and colonial houses. Hanging from balconies and windowsills, you will see the popular namoradeira (wistful sweetheart) ornaments. Ouro Preto is home to a famous carnival filled with all-day street parties and live evening shows. The town is also the stage for vibrant religious festivities. At Easter time and Corpus Christi, the cobblestone streets are covered with colored sawdust, creating a carpet of intricate mosaics, geometric patterns, flowers and Catholic symbols. A procession through the town is led by children dressed as angels. During the Congado celebration, a marching band and dancers decked out in regalia take to the streets to celebrate the oldest all black congregation of the city, and share the legend of a Congolese king who was taken as a slave. In the nearby town of Mariana, visit Brazil’s oldest gold mine, Mina da Passagem. A trolley takes you underground to the labyrinth of tunnels and subterranean pools. Also visit the district of Antonio Pereira, where imperial topaz was once mined. It’s easy to find yourself intoxicated by Minas' spell, especially during a visit to one of the many cachaça distilleries, where you can enjoy a tipple of this sugar cane spirit in a delicious caipirinha. Feast on comida mineira, Brazil’s own comfort food, which is characteristically cooked over a wood-fired stove across the region. Enjoy traditional dishes like the renowned queijo minas (local soft white cheese), frequently served with guava paste. COMFORTCUISINE TALK TO OUR EXPERT Nick Gardner nick.g@enchantingtravels.com GO SLOW 23