Description
A truly unique destination, Fazenda do Engenho is without doubt one of Brazil’s most charming properties, full of character in every corner and with a wonderfully serene setting amongst rolling hills.
The fazenda is the centrepiece of Ibitipoca Reserva, a 3,000 hectare preservation and sustainability committed to reforestation and protecting wildlife corridors.
The original farmhouse dates back to 1715 and was rebuilt from 2006, using all recycled materials and furnishings, thus preserving the original character of the property. Accommodation comprises eight individually designed rooms, furnished with local handicrafts and with sublimely comfortable beds! The characterful bathrooms featuring Victorian style claw-foot baths and rain showers.
For those looking to relax and indulge in some pampering there is the rustic-style spa barn, where gentle yoga classes and wonderfully soothing massages are on offer.
The service at the fazenda is truly personalised and the warmth of the local staff, the majority of whom come from the nearby villages, will make you feel like you’ve arrived at a home from home. Meals are freshly prepared in the fazenda’s traditional kitchen, with most of the produce coming from the land. Breakfast on warm pao de queijo and home cooked pastries overlooking the lake and enjoy afternoon tea by the hearth. Meals are often served under the stars, perhaps in the hotel’s central patio or in one of many hidden spots around the reserve.
The fazenda is perfect for those who want to get away from it all who enjoy the fresh air and the outdoors. There are some great trails for hiking and the fazenda has its own stables, with wonderfully cared for Mangalarga and Anglo-Arabian horses, making for some great riding. Visits can also be made to the nearby Ibitipoca state park, with very dramatic scenery of waterfalls and spectacular rock formations.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Reserva do Ibitipoca is in 8 cosy guest rooms, each individually designed and furnished with local handicrafts. Rooms feature Ipod decks, sumptuous beds with Egyptian cotton linens, claw foot baths, Havaianas and L'Occitane amenities.
Childcare
Children over the age of 14 are welcome at Fazenda do Engenho. This is a great destination for families with older children, with wonderfully welcoming staff and many soft adventure activities on offer including hiking, riding and 4X4 excursions.
Facilities
Fazenda do Engenho has various dining areas, both indoors and al-fresco, a rustic-style spa barn offering gentle yoga classes, facial wine therapies and massages and an sauna and outdoor hot tub, perfect for relaxing under the stars. There is also a cosy Tv room, perfect for curling up with a good book.
Activities
There are many trails on the Ibitipoca reserve and guests can enjoy 4X4 excursions, hiking and riding with the reserve's own thoroughbred Mangalarga and Anglo-Arabian horses. Visits can also be arranged to the nearby town of Ibitipoca and to the Ibitipoca National Park.
When to travel
Minas Gerais is a year round destination, but generally hotter, with heavier rain and higher humidity from November to March. Autumn/winter (May to September) is drier, but it gets much colder here than in neighbouring states, with temperatures sometimes dropping to 5C. April, May and June are the best months, when everything is green but it's drier with cool evenings.
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Location and directions
Minas Gerais, Brazil
Fazenda do Engenho is located in the Ibitipoca Reserve, in the state of Minas Gerais.
How to get there
3.5-hours by road from Rio de Janeiro or 1-hour from Juiz de Fora airport.
