The Little Known Green Spaces Of Rio De Janeiro - a knol by Blau Stein

The Little Known Green Spaces Of Rio De Janeiro - a knol by Blau Stein

Dehouche Travel, Brazil Honeymoon, Argentina Honeymoon, Honeymoon in Brazil, Honeymoon in Argentina, Honeymoon Destinations, Honeymoon in South America, IndSEO

The perfect spot for a nightcap on your Honeymoon in Brazil

On a summer’s day in Rio when temperatures can reach 40 degrees and feel like 50 due to the humidity, there’s nothing a Carioca likes more at the end of the day (or even in the morning) than a ‘cerveja estupidamente gelada’, that is, a freezing cold beer. Unlike beer in Europe, which is judged on its flavour, beer in Brazil is judged on its temperature; the colder the better. There may be ice floating in it, but a Carioca will still tell you that it is ‘too hot’.

If you find yourself in Rio on a day when the pavement might at any moment melt below your feet, it’s important to know the best place to find a frozen beer and perhaps, some accompanying nibbles – you will of course have the latest info to hand if you booked your holiday or Honeymoon through local experts Dehouche. The choice of establishments is baffling; add to this the rapidity with which these places fall in and out of favour as the fickle Carioca crowd change their allegiances with as much frequency as they do their other halves, and you realise that a guide book just won’t do. Ask luxury travel specialists Dehouche to organise your holiday however and you’ll be provided with an up to date bible of where to battle for a table and where to avoid at your utmost.

As Dehouche are based in Rio themselves they test out these places on a regular basis (demanding research indeed) drinking the bad beer so you don’t have to. Some current favourites include the traditional ‘Bracarense’. Situated in Rio’s most upscale neighbourhood, Leblon, ‘Bracarense’ is referred to as a ‘pé sujo’, which roughly translates as a ‘dirty drinking hole’. In any other neighbourhood, however, it would probably be considered a place worth dressing up for and you’d be a fool to pass up the tasty snacks with which to wash down your ice cold beer. Dehouche recommend the ‘bolinho de aipim com camarão e catupiry’ that’s manioc balls filled with prawn and cream cheese to you and me. Bustling in happy hour, the efficient waiting staff keep the ‘chopp’ (draught beer) flowing and you’ll soon find your thirst and appetite quenched.

If you’re not a beer lover however, fret not, as there are many other ways to cool down and tantalise your taste buds. It’s impossible to overlook the national beverage, cachaça, and its cocktail manifestation, caipirinha, available in an ever increasing range of fruit combinations. The charming ‘Da Graça’ in Horto, the leafy, tranquil neighbourhood hidden behind the botanical gardens, offers an impressive drinks menu including various tempting cocktail combinations from caipisake (a popular variation on caipirinha made with, you guessed it, sake, instead of cachaça) to the refreshing house mixture of vodka, mint liqueur and pineapple. Admire the eclectically decorated kitsch interior before making yourself comfortable amongst the cushions on the softly lit terrace, admiring the view of Christ the Redeemer. Calmly tucked away from the rush of Rio’s traffic, ‘Da Graça’ is a place to settle down for the evening and is a popular haunt for couples.

A relatively new addition to the Dehouche team’s drinking circuit is ‘Prima’ a ‘Bruschetteria’ in Leblon, where this Italian toastlike delicacy comes in an infinite number of guises, all of which are very pleasantly accompanied by a carafe of house wine. Dehouche can’t are keen to return and try the sparkling wine and limoncello cocktail.

Of course, despite their current popularity, Dehouche won’t guarantee that any of these establishments will still be functioning on your holiday to Brazil, so the best course of action is to ask Dehouche to organise things for you and they’ll make sure you receive the most up to date recommendations in Rio and anywhere else you might choose to visit across the South American continent.

Contact Brazil specialists Dehouche Travel, Brazil Honeymoon, Argentina Honeymoon, Honeymoon in Brazil, Honeymoon in Argentina, Honeymoon Destinations, Honeymoon in South America, IndSEO

Our Honeymoon was fabulous in Santa Catarina, Brazil

Most people when heading to Brazil combine Rio and the beaches of Bahia, but my new wife and I decided to be more adventurous and get away from the majority of other tourists by heading to the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. This is where the majority of European settlers to Brazil headed a century or two ago, attracted by the beautiful beaches and countryside, as well as the less severe climate.

We used the travel company, Dehouche, who consist of Brits, Americans, Brazilains and Argentineans in their head office in Rio. We asked for the honeymoon to be spent in three different destinations. We started off on the Ilha de Santa Catarina, which is more commonly known as Florianopolis. Here we stayed in an incredible villa above the lagoon in the centre of the island. We had a private chef who cooked everything that we asked for to order, not to mention a very well stocked wine cellar with some wonderful value Uruguayan and Argentine bottles. But the best aspect was the boat that was moored at the pier at the bottom of our garden, which was at our disposal for the duration of our stay. The captain took us out of the lagoon via a channel to the sea and we then cruised around the beautiful surrounding islands.

The next stop was on the mainland, in the laidback beach village of Praia da Pipa. Here we stayed in a charming pousada with wonderful sea views. The watersports on offer were excellent - particularly the surfing and kite surfing. We spent the evenings sampling the many lively bars and restaurants – this was a lovely contrast from the busyness of Floripa!

Our final location was Fernando de Noronha a superb island that has consistently been named as one of the world’s best. The service here was certainly the most attentive that I have ever experienced and the accommodation was flawless, our suite had it’s own lap pool, Jacuzzi and sauna - not to mention stunning sea views. On our final evening the staff took us to a private island and prepared the most incredible romantic dinner for us. This really was the ultimate way to end the perfect honeymoon - well done Dehouche we shall return!

Dehouche Travel, Brazil Honeymoon, Argentina Honeymoon, Honeymoon in Brazil Honeymoon in Argentina, Honeymoon Destinations, Honeymoon in South America, IndSEO

Niteroi a great day out when on Honeymoon in Rio!

Most visitors to Rio are blissfully unaware that a whole other city lies across the other side of the bay of Guanabara. Most Cariocas (Rio natives) will tell you that the best thing about this city, Niterói, is the view of Rio. But that view is quite something.

Let local experts Dehouche organise your luxury holiday or Honeymoon to Brazil and ask for a personalised city tour. Your local guide will whisk you around the sights of Rio with plenty of time left to discover what lies ‘on the other side of the bay’. To reach Niterói, you can either take a boat from Rio’s business district (as many commuters do) or drive over the 12km bridge that spans the neck of the bay. During rush hour traffic on the bridge can grind to a standstill, but Dehouche’s insider knowledge means you won’t find yourself stuck in one of Rio’s famous jams.

Aside from the view of Rio (which is undeniably spectacular) perhaps the other most striking thing about Niteroi is the imprint the acclaimed Brazilian architect Niemeyer has left on the city. Born and raised in Rio, Niemeyer rose to international fame in the late 1940s and became involved in many international projects, including the design of the UN headquarters in New York. Exiled during the military dictatorship that began in 1964, Niemeyer spent twenty outside his native Brazil, only to return in 1985. It was then eleven years later in 1996, at the age of 89, that he created what many consider his greatest work.

Poised on an outcrop of rock, the spaceship like MAC (Museum of Contemporary Art) enjoys an unrivalled panoramic view of the marvellous city and the bay of Guanabara. Admiring this unique creation from below, the wind whipping the water from the pool beneath across the forecourt, the onlooker is instilled with a sense of other worldliness and is captivated, awestruck by the scenery beyond.

Niemeyer’s claims that his love of curves, so evident in his work, takes its inspiration from those found in nature, from the mountains of his native city to the famed Brazilian female form found on its beaches. With his very muse as his backdrop, he seems to have created a masterpiece.

For some, entering the museum is not necessary, as enough pleasure can be taken from simply standing outside. Nevertheless, the museum does have a viewing gallery, offering several new perspectives on which to ponder the landscape. The museum pieces themselves however, are too often overlooked, upstaged by the museum building itself and its spectacular setting.

At the end of a visit to Niteroi one should really head back to Rio on a speedboat bound for the small neighbourhood of Urca below the famous Sugar Loaf mountain. It’s like a little fishing village and locals sit along the harbour wall and are served some of Rios freshest seafood snack and glasses of delicious draught beer – the perfect end to a great day of your Honeymoon.

Let Dehouche organise your holiday to Brazil and make sure you don’t miss a day trip to Niteroi!

Dehouche Travel

Brazil Honeymoon

Argentina Honeymoon

Honeymoon in Brazil

Honeymoon in Argentina

Honeymoon Destinations

Honeymoon in South America

IndSEO

Minas

What do you think of when you think of Brazil? Beaches thronging with beautiful people? Outrageous Carnival costumes? Deserted, unspoilt beaches? The seductive beat of Samba? Beaches backed by lush tropical rainforest? Being blessed with 7000km of coastline, much of which enjoys what most Europeans would consider year round summer weather, it’s perhaps difficult not to think of beaches when you think of Brazil.

What do you think of when you think of Brazil? Beaches thronging with beautiful people? Outrageous Carnival costumes? Deserted, unspoilt beaches? The seductive beat of Samba? Beaches backed by lush tropical rainforest? Being blessed with 7000km of coastline, much of which enjoys what most Europeans or Americans would consider year round warm summer weather it is difficult not to think just of beaches when you think of Brazil.

However, it’s too easy to overlook the many other treasures this vast country has concealed within. Venture slightly inland from the state of Rio de Janeiro and you will discover the lesser known state of ‘Minas Gerais’; deservedly considered the gastronomic capital of Brazil and larger than the entire country of France, yet surprisingly absent from the itinerary of many international visitors.

Minas is the country’s largest producer of cheese and luxury travel experts Dehouche can assure you that once you’ve tried the ‘Pao de Queijo’ (Brazilian cheese bread) to be found in Minas, you’ll no longer be content with that made in any other state of Brazil.

The state of Minas Gerais (or General Mines) began to be populated in the late seventeenth century when colonists flocked here in search of gold. Exploiting the region and the slaves they had brought from Africa, they mined for minerals and beautiful towns were built on the fruits of others labour.

Particularly well preserved examples of the unique ‘Barroco Mineiro’ style that developed during this period are the towns of Ouro Preto, Diamantina, Sabara, Tiradentes and São João del Rei, nestled amongst the Mineiro mountains. It may sound remote, but if you’re looking to genuinely escape on your honeymoon or well earned holiday, locally based Dehouche can easily arrange flights and transfers here from other destinations in Brazil.

Let your private driver navigate the winding roads and descend peacefully upon an oasis of tradition and unspoilt splendour. Take your time enjoying the culinary delights this region is famed for, explore the abundance of richly decorated churches and marvel at the oeuvre of renowned Aleijadinho.

Wandering up and down the steep, cobbled streets of these picturesque towns it’s difficult to imagine the suffering and sacrifice that went into their construction. However, for those who are interested, there are many museums dedicated to telling the stories of centuries gone by.

One particular gem of the region must be ‘Ouro Preto’, which at the height of mining exploration was the capital of the state itself and is today still an important university town with many ‘republicas’ or university halls of residence scattered about. Needless to say, the town enjoys quite a vibrant nightlife as a result. Today, Minas is perhaps better known for its festivities and carnival celebrations, which focus around traditional street parties, quite unlike the carefully choreographed samba shows of Rio. Minas may lack the glamour of Rio and the pace of life may seem trapped in time compared to that of São Paulo, but it’s more than testament to the fact that there is not one Brazil, but many.

Dehouche Travel

IndSEO

Brazil Honeymoon

Argentina Honeymoon

Honeymoon in Brazil

Honeymoon in Argentina

Honeymoon Destinations

Honeymoon in South America

Honeymoon in the Pantanal Brazil's other great wilderness

Most people assume that the best place in Brazil to observe animals is the Amazon; they are sadly mistaken in this assessment - that honour belongs to the 140,000 square kilometre (54,000 square mile) Pantanal, which straddles the borders of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay, but the majority of which lies in Brazil. The Pantanal is a tropical wetland and the world’s largest inland swamp; it is therefore a vital natural habitat that is home to an extraordinarily diverse range of flora and fauna. The huge inundation of water during the rainy season, and subsequent drainage during the dry season, allows a vast array of plants to thrive in the Pantanal, ranging from Amazonian rainforest plants to plants normally found on arid Bolivian savannahs; the ecosystem supports 3500 known plant species. It is also home to 1000 bird species, 400 different types of fish (including golden dourado, peacock bass and of course piranhas), 480 species of reptiles including caimans and 300 kinds of mammals like the giant river otters, howler monkey, crab eating fox and the illusive jaguar.

Another advantage that the Pantanal has over the Amazon is that it offers much higher standards of accommodation. There are plenty of Fazendas scattered throughout the region and some of these have been turned into very comfortable lodges. Rio based English travel company, Dehouche, book their clients into an utterly charming lodge deep in the Pantanal, which was only reachable by light aircraft from the city of Campo Grande. The flight itself was a great adventure and provided incredible views over this seemingly endless landscape. Upon arriving at the lodge we were greeted by the very hospitable owners, given a refreshing caipirinha and shown to our lovely bedroom. All food and drinks were included during our stay, as were all of the activities on offer - such as horse riding, canoeing, hiking and even astronomy, the clear night skies providing the most impressive views of the milky way that I have ever been fortunate enough to witness. When combined with Rio, the Iguacu Falls and the beaches of the Costa Verde, such as the itinerary that Dehouche put together for us, the Pantanal makes for a phenomenal honeymoon destination.

Florianopolis is a city that straddles the mainland of southern Brazil and the island Ilha de Santa Catarina, a 45 km long island. It is this island people are generally referring to when they mention Florianopolis. Whether you are after rustic fishing villages and deserted beaches, international cuisine, world class watersports or buzzing nightclubs - or indeed all of the above! - then this is the ideal destination for your honeymoon or luxury vacation.

Upon arriving at the international airport it is essential to hire a car if you intend to discover several parts of this diverse island. I would recommend heading south to begin with, away from the majority of holiday makers. Even in high season, which effectively runs from New Year's Eve to Carnival, there will be very few other people on the delightfully secluded beaches. However, the real highlight here is the fresh seafood, and in particular the mouth watering oysters that are delivered straight from the ocean to your table. The only drawback of this part of the island is that it has no top quality accommodation, so after spending a day exploring the coves and fishing villages it is best to head up to the centre of the island.

There are lots of good hotels around the Lagoa de Conceicao. This is also where the best restaurants are located and it is therefore the ideal spot to stay for a couple of nights. Dehouche, the Rio based British run luxury tour operator compiles tailor made honeymoon itinerary, have access to a few very exclusive villas here that lead down onto the Lagoa. They can even organise for a boat to be moored at the pier for the duration one stays in the luxury villa. If windsurfing is your thing, then few places rival the opportunities provided by the Lagoa and it’s especially good for beginners, and the sea off Praia Mole should prove challenging for the experts.

Praia Mole is a beach on the East side of the island that always has good surf and is a favourite local hangout. There are several excellent bars along the beach and you can happily spend a couple of days relaxing in this mid section of the island.

For the final leg of the honeymoon, Dehouche recommended another 5 star villa by a beach to the North called Jurere Internacional, a town on the north west corner of the island. This is where the famed beach clubs of Florianopolis are located and afternoons are spent eating fresh seafood and sipping exotic cocktails while listening to world class DJs. Watching the sun go down in one of these incredible beach clubs is the ideal way to conclude a Brazilian honeymoon on the beautiful Ilha de Santa Catarina.

Dehouche Travel

IndSEO

Brazil Honeymoon

Argentina Honeymoon

Honeymoon in Brazil

Honeymoon in Argentina

Honeymoon Destinations

Honeymoon in South America

Florianopolis is 'honeymoon island' in Brazil

Florianopolis is a city that straddles the mainland of southern Brazil and the island Ilha de Santa Catarina, a 45 km long island. It is this island people are generally referring to when they mention Florianopolis. Whether you are after rustic fishing villages and deserted beaches, international cuisine, world class watersports or buzzing nightclubs - or indeed all of the above! - then this is the ideal destination for your honeymoon or luxury vacation.

Upon arriving at the international airport it is essential to hire a car if you intend to discover several parts of this diverse island. I would recommend heading south to begin with, away from the majority of holiday makers. Even in high season, which effectively runs from New Year's Eve to Carnival, there will be very few other people on the delightfully secluded beaches. However, the real highlight here is the fresh seafood, and in particular the mouth watering oysters that are delivered straight from the ocean to your table. The only drawback of this part of the island is that it has no top quality accommodation, so after spending a day exploring the coves and fishing villages it is best to head up to the centre of the island.

There are lots of good hotels around the Lagoa de Conceicao. This is also where the best restaurants are located and it is therefore the ideal spot to stay for a couple of nights. Dehouche, the Rio based British run luxury tour operator compiles tailor made honeymoon itinerary, have access to a few very exclusive villas here that lead down onto the Lagoa. They can even organise for a boat to be moored at the pier for the duration one stays in the luxury villa. If windsurfing is your thing, then few places rival the opportunities provided by the Lagoa and it’s especially good for beginners, and the sea off Praia Mole should prove challenging for the experts. Praia Mole is a beach on the East side of the island that always has good surf and is a favourite local hangout. There are several excellent bars along the beach and you can happily spend a couple of days relaxing in this mid section of the island.

For the final leg of the honeymoon, Dehouche recommended another 5 star villa by a beach to the North called Jurere Internacional, a town on the north west corner of the island. This is where the famed beach clubs of Florianopolis are located and afternoons are spent eating fresh seafood and sipping exotic cocktails while listening to world class DJs. Watching the sun go down in one of these incredible beach clubs is the ideal way to conclude a Brazilian honeymoon on the beautiful Ilha de Santa Catarina.

Dehouche Travel

A Brazil Honeymoon is not for shopping, well unless you visit Sao Paulo!

Shopping centres are to São Paulo what beaches are to Rio; a place to pass endless hours of leisure time, meeting friends, drinking beer and discovering potential new love interests. That’s not say that Paulistanos don’t take shopping seriously. São Paulo is the undisputed capital of shopping in Latin America and quite possibly a contender for the world title.

However, to the uninitiated, it’s difficult to know where to start in this megatropolis, especially if you don’t have excesses of time, so why not let luxury travel specialists Dehouche arrange a tailor made tour with a local guide and get straight to the boutiques worshipped by the locals themselves.

São Paulo is home to the shopping mecca of ‘Daslu’, sandwiched between a super highway and a shantytown with a helipad on the roof, this ode to consumerism, where a t-shirt easily costs more than the country’s minimum wage, has to some extent become a symbol of the economic injustice in Brazil and in recent years, shrouded in controversy due to allegations of tax evasion.

Nevertheless, a visit here is quite a unique experience, if only to ponder at the absurdity of it all. The exclusive home of Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Valentino in Brazil and frequented by the likes of Gisele Bundchen and Brazilian football star Ronaldo, the only possible way to arrive is by private car or taxi (or of course, helicopter) Let the doormen sweep you inside the revered ‘villa’ and so your journey into another world begins. The $50 million mansion is home to 120 designer boutiques and is renowned for its service; staff float unobtrusively yet attentively, something quite unique in a country anyone working on commission will traditionally pounce upon you the moment you enter the shop.

Certainly, this approach seems to appeal to Brazil’s elite who have made Sampa their home and ‘Daslu’ their stomping ground; however, if you’re not willing to pay $2000 for a pair of jeans, jump back in your limo and let Dehouche’s guide show you where you can get retail therapy at a more earthly price visiting up and coming designers actually in their studios and getting first bibs on items bound fr the European boutiques – the Dehouche shopping expert Luiza knows how to haggle and get the best bargain in the best craft shops too – time to start worrying about excess baggage!

Contact Dehouche to arrange your luxury holiday and let them arrange accommodation, transfers and insights into one of the world’s most fascinating cultures.

Dehouche Travel

Our Honeymoon was fabulous in Santa Catarina, Brazil

Most people when heading to Brazil combine Rio and the beaches of Bahia, but my new wife and I decided to be more adventurous and get away from the majority of other tourists by heading to the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. This is where the majority of European settlers to Brazil headed a century or two ago, attracted by the beautiful beaches and countryside, as well as the less severe climate.

We used the travel company, Dehouche, who consist of Brits, Americans, Brazilains and Argentineans in their head office in Rio. We asked for the honeymoon to be spent in three different destinations. We started off on the Ilha de Santa Catarina, which is more commonly known as Florianopolis. Here we stayed in an incredible villa above the lagoon in the centre of the island. We had a private chef who cooked everything that we asked for to order, not to mention a very well stocked wine cellar with some wonderful value Uruguayan and Argentine bottles. But the best aspect was the boat that was moored at the pier at the bottom of our garden, which was at our disposal for the duration of our stay. The captain took us out of the lagoon via a channel to the sea and we then cruised around the beautiful surrounding islands.

The next stop was on the mainland, in the laidback beach village of Praia da Pipa. Here we stayed in a charming pousada with wonderful sea views. The watersports on offer were excellent - particularly the surfing and kite surfing. We spent the evenings sampling the many lively bars and restaurants – this was a lovely contrast from the busyness of Floripa!

Our final location was Fernando de Noronha a superb island that has consistently been named as one of the world’s best. The service here was certainly the most attentive that I have ever experienced and the accommodation was flawless, our suite had it’s own lap pool, Jacuzzi and sauna - not to mention stunning sea views. On our final evening the staff took us to a private island and prepared the most incredible romantic dinner for us. This really was the ultimate way to end the perfect honeymoon - well done Dehouche we shall return!

Contact Dehouche Travel for details

Dehouche S.A,
Rua Joao Lira, 95
Leblon 22430-210
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
Tel: +55 21 2512 3895
Tel US: 0800 690 6899,
Tel UK: 0871 284 7770
info@dehouche.com
http://www.dehouche.com

Florianopolis is 'honeymoon island' in Brazil - Dehouche Travel

Florianopolis is a city that straddles the mainland of southern Brazil and the island Ilha de Santa Catarina, a 45 km long island. It is this island people are generally referring to when they mention Florianopolis. Whether you are after rustic fishing villages and deserted beaches, international cuisine, world class watersports or buzzing nightclubs - or indeed all of the above! - then this is the ideal destination for your honeymoon or luxury vacation.

Upon arriving at the international airport it is essential to hire a car if you intend to discover several parts of this diverse island. I would recommend heading south to begin with, away from the majority of holiday makers. Even in high season, which effectively runs from New Year's Eve to Carnival, there will be very few other people on the delightfully secluded beaches. However, the real highlight here is the fresh seafood, and in particular the mouth watering oysters that are delivered straight from the ocean to your table. The only drawback of this part of the island is that it has no top quality accommodation, so after spending a day exploring the coves and fishing villages it is best to head up to the centre of the island.

There are lots of good hotels around the Lagoa de Conceicao. This is also where the best restaurants are located and it is therefore the ideal spot to stay for a couple of nights. Dehouche, the Rio based British run luxury tour operator compiles tailor made honeymoon itinerary, have access to a few very exclusive villas here that lead down onto the Lagoa. They can even organise for a boat to be moored at the pier for the duration one stays in the luxury villa. If windsurfing is your thing, then few places rival the opportunities provided by the Lagoa and it’s especially good for beginners, and the sea off Praia Mole should prove challenging for the experts. Praia Mole is a beach on the East side of the island that always has good surf and is a favourite local hangout. There are several excellent bars along the beach and you can happily spend a couple of days relaxing in this mid section of the island.

For the final leg of the honeymoon, Dehouche recommended another 5 star villa by a beach to the North called Jurere Internacional, a town on the north west corner of the island. This is where the famed beach clubs of Florianopolis are located and afternoons are spent eating fresh seafood and sipping exotic cocktails while listening to world class DJs. Watching the sun go down in one of these incredible beach clubs is the ideal way to conclude a Brazilian honeymoon on the beautiful Ilha de Santa Catarina.

Contact Dehouche Travel for details

Dehouche S.A,
Rua Joao Lira, 95
Leblon 22430-210
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
Tel: +55 21 2512 3895
Tel US: 0800 690 6899,
Tel UK: 0871 284 7770
info@dehouche.com
http://www.dehouche.com

The Little Known Green Spaces Of Rio De Janeiro

The international image of Rio tends to fall into one of three broad stereotypes. Firstly that of perhaps the world’s most famous city beaches – the broad sweep of Copacabana capped by Sugar Loaf or Ipanema’s surf culture, beach wear, and eponymous garotas, secondly the glitz, tail feathers, extravagant floats and tropical hedonism of carnaval and finally that other image perpetuated by the media of the city’s darker side of crime. All of which are to a greater or lesser extent misrepresentations of the real Rio de Janeiro, a multi faceted city with much to offer all types of visitor, from party minded backpackers, to cultural sight seers or honeymoon couples.

One aspect often overlooked in what is South America’s third largest metropolis, is the huge amount of greenery, mountains, jungle, open spaces, public parks and general natural beauty to be found in Rio. First of all the city is home to the world’s largest urban forest, the Floresta da Tijuca, a huge swathe of Atlantic rainforest dividing the city in two, the size of which can only really be appreciated from the peak of one of Rio’s many mountains, the famous Corcovado or the even higher Pedra da Gavea. The forest offers many outdoor pursuits unimaginable right in the middle of a city this size - treks to waterfalls, mountain biking, rock climbing, or perhaps a hike to the top of the Pedra Bonita to hang glide down over the forest and the city landing on Sao Conrado beach, a truly unforgettable honeymoon experience for the more active minded.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, Rio’s botanical garden offers another natural haven from the city. One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, the Jardim Botanico takes up a 140 hectare plot of prime real estate at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain. Its grand palm tree lined avenues, lawns shaded by tropical fruit trees, and tranquil lily ponds offer an idyllic environment for a romantic stroll to escape the afternoon sun and summer crowds of the city beaches.

Contact

Mr P Irvine
Dehouche S.A,
Rua Joao Lira, 95
Leblon 22430-210
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
Tel: +55 21 2512 3895
Tel US: 0800 690 6899,
Tel UK: 0871 284 7770
info@dehouche.com
http://www.dehouche.com

Paraty A Haven for Romantics and Culture Vultures!

Though this year’s line up may not yet be confirmed, there’s every reason to start getting excited about this year’s FLIP. (Paraty’s International Literary Festival) The annual event sees the streets of this charming historical town come alive with literature lovers, locally and internationally acclaimed authors, playwrights, journalists, composers and the odd Honeymoon couple who melt into the sheer romanticism of the setting.

Previous years have seen the likes of Salman Rushdie, Ian McEwan, Martin Amis, Margaret Atwood, Jeffrey Eugenides, Colm Toíbín, Jeanette Winterson and J. M. Coetzee making appearances. Add to this already eclectic mix of international talent, local literary stars such as Ruy Castro and Jorge Amado, top with musical performances from the likes of Chico Buarque and Caetano Veloso and it’s a recipe difficult to resist.

As the festival is held in ‘winter’ when the temperature is a pleasant average of 22 degrees centigrade, events can be held comfortably throughout the day without any need to take refuge from the midday sun (as can be the case in summer). The only downside being that this leaves little time to take full advantage of the many other attractions on offer in this delightful town. Local luxury travel experts Dehouche recommend arriving a few days early or staying a few days later in order to do so.

Situated about four hours drive south of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Paraty was founded in 1667 and is today a world heritage site, celebrated for its colourful colonial architecture. Once a busy Port on the sugar & gold route from Minas Gerais, the historical centre’s cobbled streets remain car free to this day and are a joy to explore on foot.

In addition to its architectural splendour, it’s difficult to ignore the natural beauty the town is surrounded by. Every day, a flurry of boats leave the port bound for the many islands in the bay, making several stops for you to dive right in to the inviting turquoise waters. The awesome backdrop of Atlantic rainforest also conceals several beautiful waterfalls and Dehouche defy you not to succumb to the allure of a visit to the refreshing waters of nearby ‘Pedra Branca’ on a hot day.

After dark, return to the centre where the streets are lit with soft lamplight and the town takes on new golden hues as locals and visitors spill in and out of bars and restaurants soaking up the atmosphere of the festival.

Unsurprisingly, early booking is essential as hotels and guest houses quickly start filling once the dates of the festival are confirmed. Paraty is not short of options in terms of accommodation, so ask local luxury holiday specialists Dehouche for inside advice.

Contact Dehouche

Mr P Irvine
Dehouche S.A,
Rua Joao Lira, 95
Leblon 22430-210
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
Tel: +55 21 2512 3895
Tel US: 0800 690 6899,
Tel UK: 0871 284 7770
info@dehouche.com
www.dehouche.com

Dehouche Travel, Dehouche, Brazil Honeymoon, Argentina Honeymoon, Honeymoon in Brazil, Honeymoon in Argentina, Honeymoon Destinations, Honeymoon in South America, IndSEO

Honeymoon in Style in Brazil by Dehouche

Fernando de Noronha a protected island paradise 350km off the coast of Brazil, with just 400 visitors allowed onto the island at any one time. You have your own beach buggy to explore this magical island; there are many dusty tracks leading to some of the most breath-taking beaches in the world, many of which, you will have to yourself. You stay in one of Brazil's best and most exclusive hotels where you stay in a luxurious chalet surrounded by a wooden deck upon which you can enjoy the sunsets, a glass of champagne in hand.

After the delightful island paradise head back to the mainland and to the picturesque village of Olinda set on a hill overlooking the sea and large bay area, this is Brazil’s best preserved colonial town where you’ll have a chance to see the colourful African influence of culture and music in Brazil’s North East.

Your guide, Joao, will give you a tour of Recife’s splendid old town and Olinda’s stunning colonial churches, and introduce you to some of the local characters.

Your hotel here is a real gem, with beautiful old furniture and four-poster beds. Set on a bluff it enjoys excellent views across the town and out to sea. A champagne breakfast is set on your private veranda in the mornings.

Next it’s off to the marvellous city of Rio de Janeiro, being based here ourselves, we are uniquely positioned to get you closer to the residents and their culture; we are on hand to help you, from organising samba lessons, to local etiquette and where the locals go to enjoy authentic live music.

Your hotel is fabulous, set in an exclusive hill-side neighbourhood where you have our favourite suite; beautifully decorated with a veranda that enjoys panoramic view out to sea and back over the city to Christ the Redeemer on the hillside behind. On you first night we will arrange a private special meal our under the stars on your private terrace.

Your guide, Vitor will arrange a day to give you a personalised luxury city tour, showing you those details often missed by the conventional tours and stopping at an excellent local restaurant for lunch before boarding a private helicopter for a tour of the city from above including getting up close with Christ the Redeemer what better way to start life together?

Contact Dehouche if you would like to construct a similar Honeymoon or vacation in Brazil.

Mr P Irvine
Dehouche S.A,
Rua Joao Lira, 95
Leblon 22430-210
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
Tel: +55 21 2512 3895
Tel US: 0800 690 6899,
Tel UK: 0871 284 7770
info@dehouche.com
http://www.dehouche.com

Honeymoon on South America's best beaches

When most honeymoon couples think of South American beaches, Brazil is top of the list. From chic city beaches like Rio de Janeiro’s Ipanema, to the deserted palm tree lined version found in Bahia, or the island paradise of Fernando de Noronha; Brazil’s seven thousand odd kilometres of coastline certainly have a lot to offer the beach conoisseur.

However, many other South American countries have a great variety of stunning and often largely undiscovered beaches, perfect for honeymoons – from Colombia’s Caribbean coast, to the pretty Pacific coves around Valparaiso in Chile, or Uruguay’s fashionable yet undeveloped beaches north of Punta del Este.

Principally in the summer months of January and February (although come later in the year for coastal walks and whale spotting), Uruguay is one of the best choices in the world for winter sun, staying in perhaps the most fashionable seaside resort in South America. For just a few weeks each year the small village of Jose Ignacio, it’s unassuming sandy streets dotted with luxurious villas and just a handful of stylish boutique hotels, plays host to an A-list international jet set. The likes of Shakira, Bruce Willis et al. regularly come here for New Year’s. Despite its international reputation, chic residences and gourmet restaurants, Jose Ignacio maintains much of its fishing village charm with a remarkably laid back atmosphere, bare-foot dining, and with an unspoilt stretch of sandy beach backed by dunes.

For the perfect honeymoon experience, a week in Uruguay is easily combined with some of Argentina’s many delights – Punta del Este is only a 50 minute flight from Buenos Aires, the perfect stop for three or four days. Stay in one of South America’s most romantic cities with a overwhelming range of elegant boutique hideaways (Dehouche will help you pick the perfect hotel for you) and with its innumerous fashion boutiques, sprawling antique markets, and wine shops (not to mention the relative value of the peso compared to the dollar) its also ideal for stocking up on the latest fashions, souvenirs or a case of Argentinean malbec before heading home.
Contact

Mr P Irvine
Dehouche S.A,
Rua Joao Lira, 95
Leblon 22430-210
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
Tel: +55 21 2512 3895
Tel US: 0800 690 6899,
Tel UK: 0871 284 7770
info@dehouche.com
http://www.dehouche.com

A wonderful Brazilian Honeymoon in the Amazon Rainforest

Although the majority of travellers use Manaus as their gateway to the Amazon - and it is the capital of Amazonas state and boasts several architectural wonders such as the Opera House - I recently discovered a better way to explore the world's mightiest river, setting out from the lesser known city of Santarem. Upon landing at the airport we were met by a driver from the company who operate the river boat, and were delivered to the pier where the boat was moored.

After being welcomed aboard, my new wife and I were shown to our stateroom - where a cold drink was waiting for us. We were the only guests aboard as our British travel agency Dehouche, based in Rio de Janeiro, had booked the boat privately on our behalf. Accompanying us on our voyage of discovery were the skipper, first mate, cook and fluent English speaking guide. We spent 4 wonderful nights cruising along the Amazon and a couple of it's minor tributaries, often in splendid isolation with no other boats or people in sight, making the whole experience feel somewhat pioneering as we bestrode the deck like the great explorers of yesteryear.

The food and service during the entire voyage were of an incredible standard - especially when one remembered that one was in the midlle of the planet's largest jungle; Dehouche had even rung ahead and got the boat stocked up with the wine that I requested! 3 excellent meals a day were prepared with fresh local ingredients, and a snack or drink were always available. The quality of the food was much higher than in any of the Amazon jungle lodges that I had previously stayed in on dry land. The cabin was also extremely comfortable and certainly better than sleeping in a hammock amongst the trees and being pestered by bugs. There was never a dull moment as the crew always had some form of entertainment on offer - although when we wanted to simply relax on the deck with a caipirinha in hand they were perfectly understanding. The activities available range from kayaking to fishing to treks through the jungle. For those who want a real experience on their honeymoon I recommend contacting Dehouche about this trip; when combined with several days on one of Brazil's glorious deserted beaches it really does make for the honeymoon of a lifetime.

Contact

Mr P Irvine
Dehouche S.A,
Rua Joao Lira, 95
Leblon 22430-210
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
tel US: 0800 690 6899,
UK: 0871 284 7770
info@dehouche.com
http://www.dehouche.com
Tel: +55 21 2512 3895

Brazil's Buzios peninsula is an ideal Honeymoon location

If you’re looking for a relaxed, romantic destination for your honeymoon, where you can find stunning scenery and secluded beaches combined with excellent restaurants and luxury accommodation, you need look no further than Búzios.

Situated just 105 miles north of the city of Rio de Janeiro, this beautiful peninsula was originally settled by pirates and slave traders. However, following the arrival of Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s the peninsula was transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a luxury resort, attracting international visitors, and earning itself the label ‘The St Tropez of Brazil’.

Luxury travel experts, Dehouche, based in nearby Rio are on hand to provide transfers from Rio’s international airport and organise everything on the ground for you. Dehouche work with a number of select boutique hotels; from the unfailingly popular ‘Casa Brancas’ to other lesser known, yet equally luxurious, pousadas, hidden away on quieter streets as well as a number of high quality beach villas fully equipped with staff and speedboats.

The peninsula of Búzios boasts twenty four different beaches and as such there is really something for everyone. From the more exposed beaches on the east side, popular with water sports enthusiasts, to the calm clear waters of those on the west. To explore the peninsula properly, let your concierge at Dehouche organise a beach buggy for you.

One of the most popular beaches has to be Geribá, a 4km stretch of golden sand, frequented by a young crowd, who at sundown crowd into the lively ‘fishbone’ bar to take full advantage of the happy hour.

If you prefer to find a quieter spot on your honeymoon, try ‘Praia do Forno’. Unlike its neighbour ‘Praia Brava’, which is popular with surfers, ‘Forno’ is protected from the angry sea, nestled in a picturesque cove and is a particularly tranquil spot.

On the opposite side of the peninsula, ‘Praia Tartaruga’ is perfectly situated to enjoy the sunset and it’s beautifully clear waters make it ideal for diving. Straying further from the main resort, ‘Praia de Manguinhos’ is a great place to try windsurfing. Ask Dehouche to help you arrange lessons or equipment hire.

At weekends, Búzios fills with the well heeled of Rio who flock here to enjoy not only the 24 beaches, but also the 24 hour party scene from beaches to club nightlife Búzios offers. For some, this means dancing into the wee hours at world famous Ibiza chain ‘Pacha’; for others taking advantage of the seemingly infinite shopping opportunities and for others, enjoying a more sedate dinner at one of the many charming restaurants that line the pretty cobbled streets of ‘Rua das Pedras’ and ‘Orla Bardot’.

The peninsula is geographically blessed and somehow manages to enjoy year round sunshine; reputedly enjoying twice the number of sunny days per year as the city of Rio itself. With an average year round temperature of 26c, there’s no real off season in Búzios. However, if you’re in search of peace on your honeymoon, Dehouche say they recommend visiting outside the busier summer season, which runs from December to March.

Luxury Honeymoon in Argentina and Uruguay by Dehouche

Arriving in Argentina the Honeymoon couple will be taken to a connecting flight to El Calafate where a driver awaits to take them on to a luxury lodge.

Los Glaciares National Park, has 13 glaciers, including the Perito Moreno, the only glacier in the world not to be receding. It stands 200 feet high and is 2 ½ miles in length, testament to the amazing power and raw natural beauty of this stunning landscape. Accommodation is in a charming lodge decorated with antiques, set in the grounds of a large working estancia situated in a secluded spot in the unspoilt Andean foothills and with outstanding cuisine and impeccable service. The bedroom selected for the Honeymoon is large and with four poster bed and views out across the foothills to the high peaks beyond – simply breathtaking!

Next the Honeymoon couple will experience the wonderful city of Buenos Aires, European in appearance but with a real South American feel, it is a joy to explore - well preserved historic districts coupled with an excellent nightlife and a relaxed café culture. Honeymooners will have a tailored and extensively researched recommendations on the best restaurants bars and nightclubs and of course a dedicated 24 hour Dehouche concierge on hand and local to the city. As befitting a Honeymoon the accommodation is very special indeed a large suite with private sun deck in a tucked away boutique hotel perfectly located in the chic tree lined streets of the Palermo Viejo district where all the best bars, restaurants and shopping are to be found. The Dehouche local guide Diana will join you for a custom made tour of the city based on your requirements, making sure that everything is done at your pace including all the important sights as well as some little known hideaways off the beaten track.

To end the Honeymoon on a real high head to the beaches of Uruguay one of South America’s real hot spots. When those ‘in the know’ talk about Punta Del Este what they really mean is José Ignacio; a small fishing village that has become frequented by the rich and famous for its laid back, unpretentious cool - where fashion icons and Hollywood stars mix with refreshingly unphased locals. As a result there is a unique mixture of high quality restaurants and laid back rustic bars.

The beach, just 40 yards from the hotel, is beautiful, unspoilt and the perfect place to relax. Kite surfing and windsurfing is available as well as horse riding along the sand. Stay in an exclusive boutique hotel (one of only two in the village) with a beautiful pool area with wet bar and excellent but unobtrusive service. Views from the large bedroom are straight out to sea this will be a wonderfully relaxing end to the perfect Honeymoon in Latin America taking in some of the best of Argentina and Uruguay.

Contact Dehouche if you would like to construct a similar Honeymoon vacation in Argentina.

info@dehouche.com tel US:0800 690 6899, UK: 0871 284 7770

A tailor made luxury Honeymoon in Argentina by Dehouche

The Honeymoon begins in a stylish luxury lodge ideally placed in the heart of Argentina’s wine region, surrounded by award winning producers of Malbec and Torrontes varietals. Stay in a spacious suite with four poster bed, a private plunge pool and a large secluded deck area affording fantastic views of the snow capped Andes on the horizon. The hotel also has a full spa service (including a crushed Malbec scrub). It almost goes without saying that there is a great wine cellar from which one can sample award winning wines. From here Dehouche arrange visits to the excellent Bodegas close by, as well as perhaps some white water rafting, cycling and horse riding depending on how adventurous the Honeymoon couple want to be.

After four nights relaxing in wine country it’s time for some city slicking and no city is more fun whilst being so inherently charming as the city of Buenos Aires, European in appearance but with a real South American feel, it is a joy to explore - well preserved historic districts coupled with an excellent nightlife and a relaxed café culture. Honeymooners will have a tailored and extensively researched recommendations on the best restaurants bars and nightclubs and of course a dedicated 24 hour Dehouche concierge on hand and local to the city. As befitting a Honeymoon the accommodation is very special indeed a large suite with private sun deck in a tucked away boutique hotel perfectly located in the chic tree lined streets of the Palermo Viejo district where all the best bars, restaurants and shopping are to be found. The Dehouche local guide Diana will join you for a custom made tour of the city based on your requirements, making sure that everything is done at your pace including all the important sights as well as some little known hideaways off the beaten track.

It’s now time to enjoy some more of that famous wine and so it’s off to the lesser known wine region of Salta which is a picturesque region of rolling hills and vineyards. The secluded ranch, owned by actor Robert Duvall is the perfect spot for a honeymoon to conclude; nicknamed ‘Salta la Linda’ or ‘Salta the beautiful’ by locals and tourists alike. The Ranch operates a hands off yet courteous service, resulting in a truly relaxed atmosphere. For the adventurous this environment provides the perfect platform for some fantastic hiking and climbing in the mountains and exhilarating rafting on the rivers all of which can be easily arranged. The ranch offers transport to the city of Salta for any exploring or shopping for some souvenirs to take home, and there is also a spa on hand to relax in, welcome respite after roaming the mountains or the aisles, or indeed sampling some of the local nectar. A perfect Honeymoon in Argentina’s wonderful wine regions!

Contact Dehouche if you would like to construct a similar Honeymoon vacation in Argentina.

info@dehouche.com tel US:0800 690 6899, UK: 0871 284 7770

A luxurious Honeymoon in Argentina by Dehouche Travel

Arriving in Argentina you will be met in arrivals in Corrientes by your pilot who will bring you by light aircraft across the stunning landscape of Esteros del Iberá, landing on a grass runway next to the Estancia.

The Esteros del Iberá are one of Argentina’s hidden secrets, a vast swathe of wetlands teeming with abundant animal life. This estancia, originally built in the 18th Century, is part of a conservation and protection project with a resident biologist monitoring the area. The vast estate is allowed to grow wild save the immaculate gardens immediately surrounding the estancia. Without question this is perfect Honeymoon territory being so remote and is the complete opposite of a standard beach Honeymoon – here you are very far off track and in the wonderful wilderness.

The refurbishment of the estancia has been done with a remarkable attention to detail incorporating beautiful antiques and original prints and paintings. The excellent meals of hearty Argentine country food with a contemporary edge are prepared with fresh organic produce from the estancia’s large garden and are simply delicious.

Activities here depend on the Honeymoon couple’s likes and interests but can include trips to the local lagoon (which you navigate by speedboat, stopping for a romantic barbecue at sunset), light aircraft flights across the wetlands and trips across the savannah with an Argentine gaucho on one of the 12 beautiful Criollo horses. The light aircraft remains at the Estancia during your stay and is available for further flight to another two Estancias in this area.

After four days spent on safari at the estancia it’s time to leave and head to the Iguacu falls. Made up of some 275 separate falls that cascade over a precipice 3km wide Foz do Iguacu is, without question, one of the world‘s great natural wonders. Located on the border of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, their beauty and sheer magnificence really are indescribable. Our guide Wilson will arrive to give you an on-foot tour of the Argentinean side before you board a power-boat to get up close to the falls to fully experience this amazing phenomenon. Your luxury hotel is the only hotel actually based within the national park of the falls, a charming hacienda style lodge set amongst tranquil gardens. Fitting of a luxury Honeymoon Dehouche will select one of their favourite rooms decorated in the colonial era with high ceilings and king size four post bed the view from the large windows even allows for glimpses of the waterfall behind the tropical palms.

The next location on this dream Argentinean Honeymoon is the unspoilt land of Patagonia in the South a perfect Honeymoon location to enjoy the outdoor life and to soak up the breathtaking beauty of Patagonian landscapes. Trips can again be organised in these splendid surrounds including horse riding, 4x4 excursions, hiking and fishing. Accommodation is in a luxurious lodge set in the expansive and beautiful grounds of the local estancia which covers over 20,000 hectares, the perfect place to take a couple of horses out and get lost for a few hours. The activities are excellent and can be tailor-made exactly to the couples’ requirements – a wonderful end to a fantastic Honeymoon in Argentina.

Contact Dehouche if you would like to construct a similar Honeymoon or vacation in Argentina.

info@dehouche.com tel US:0800 690 6899, UK: 0871 284 7770 www.dehouche.com

We are,

Dehouche offers its clients the most personalized and farthest-reaching experience of South America available, placing the company in a category of its own. Their unique business model of being wholly based in the region in which they operate allows them to offer unparalleled, all-access journeys through South America. Travelers on luxury vacations and honeymoons are privy to an intimate portrait of this diverse, thrilling, and rich continent, all while being guided individually by hand-picked locals and experts. Each destination on every itinerary has been carefully selected and researched in-depth by Dehouche; these places are discreet, under the radar, and certainly not the tourist meccas described in every guide book. Each Dehouche experience is different, completely personal, and impossible to create without the Dehouche expertise and ‘can do’ attitude.

Founded in 2003 by ex-city workers Paul Irvine and Henry Madden, Dehouche is head officed in Rio de Janeiro from where it runs a dedicated network of fixers across the continent giving them an unrivalled knowledge of the region and the ability to operate itineraries in a smooth uncomplicated way to the highest possible standards, Dehouche knows every hotel room, every wonderful shack selling delicious seafood – and give clients the tools to experience the very best of each location from jeeps to beach buggies or private aircraft or perhaps just a simple surfboard!

The Dehouche philosophy is that luxury travel is about flexibility, space, privacy and those special moments that add up to become a truly magical experience. Whether it’s swimming in a freshwater pool on a private island in Brazil, riding across the pampas with a Gaucho at sundown in Argentina, or dreaming under the night sky on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Dehouche understands that pure luxury is achieved only through a perfect set of wonderful experiences.

Contact Dehouche at info@dehouche.com

Paul Irvine
Dehouche Travel
Rua Joao Lira, 95
Leblon 22430-210
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
Tel: +55 21 2512 3895
http://www.dehouche.com