Brazil

This fiercely protected archipelago 22 miles off the coast of Natal is a treasure trove of Marine wildlife. The warm, crystal-clear waters are alive with turtles, dolphin, fish of every shape, size and colour imaginable and (for now) thriving coral reefs. This has long been a dream destination for marine biologists who are presented with thousands of species to research without having to move a flipper. Keen divers alike will find some of the best diving on the continent here.

The accommodation is charming and friendly but do not expect the high price tag for getting to the island to be reflected in the hotel. It is the park fees and isolated nature of this archipelago that make it expensive to reach and as soon as you have set foot on the golden beaches lined with emerald forests and turquoise water, you will understand why.

As it crashes into the northeast coast of Brazil, the Atlantic Ocean finds miles and miles of unspoilt, golden sand lined with picture-perfect palm trees, freshwater lagoons and quiet Colonial towns that have paused in time. Those lucky enough to visit Bahia in their lifetime will remember it for the delicious ‘moqueca’ fish stews, the stunning beaches and a culture defined by a magical fusion of Afro-Brazilian influences.

From Trancoso to the State capital, Salvador, there is so much to see and do along this coastline and chic and charming places to rest for the night. For those wanting to escape in sumptuous surroundings, we work with a number of private houses designed by some of the world’s finest architects. Others may prefer to immerse themselves in music and vibrant Bahian life with a stay in Trancoso.

Arriving in Paraty you are presented with cobbled streets lined with little white houses and pastel doors and window frames. This quaint and unassuming Colonial town has a sense of timelessness that makes you feel immediately relaxed. The town was founded formally by the Portuguese in 1667 as an important landmark for trading gold between the ever-expanding mines in Minas Gerais and Europe.

Recognised as a World Heritage Site, Paraty has preserved its history perfectly and some of the slave trails that wind their way from the mountains to the cobbled streets of the town can still be explored. Nearby there are some soft, golden beaches including the famous Trinidade Beach, which was infamous in its day for pirate attacks of the gold-laden ships, which eventually led to the demise of the city.

There are some fantastic private houses to rent if you want complete privacy or charming boutique hotels. Best visited in our summer months, Paraty is approximately three hours by car from Sao Paulo or Rio and makes a  memorable addition for those who want to combine a view of the ocean with a sense of culture.

The world’s largest wetland sprawls over an area of about 195,000 square kilometres of pristine landscape teeming with wildlife. The name ‘Pantanal’ comes from the Portuguese word pântano, meaning wetland, bog, swamp or marsh.

The region is home to one of the largest and, thanks to dedicated conservation teams, thriving jaguar populations in the world. The rare Marsh deer and giant river otter are also spotted more frequently along with over 1000 species of birdlife. Nearly 500 species of reptile also inhabit these lands from the iconic caiman to the yellow anaconda.

These wetlands should be on the travel list for all wildlife-lovers as well as those who enjoy walking and the great outdoors. We work with a handful of the very best lodges to ensure comfort alongside exceptional guides and experts.