Arquivos Travel | Camila Coelho

OCTANT VILA MONTE IS SYNONYM OF ELEGANCE IN THE ALGARVE

Claudia Liechavicius — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:24:41 +0000

The European summer has arrived in full force and Portugal has been doing well, especially in the extreme south, where the famous beaches of the Algarve are located, with cinematic landscapes. A destination that has everything to please: beautiful nature, lots of sun, unbeatable cuisine, great golf courses, excitement for those who enjoy the excitement, and secret corners for those looking for peaceful days. It was exactly in one of these corners that I took refuge to enjoy the most elegant, luxurious and quiet side of the Algarve, at Octant Vila Monte.

The hotel is located in Moncarapacho, in the municipality of Olhão, close to the border with Spain. The access road, lined with flowers and accompanied by beautiful cypress trees, tells guests that it is time to slow down and live unforgettable days.

The welcome is given by an extremely kind staff, in a very high ceilinged room, facing an impeccable lawn where a lemonade with kombucha is served. It won me over right away. The hotel’s exterior design was developed by architects Jorge Guimarães and Teresa Barão combining classic Portuguese elements with avant-garde features amid nine hectares of landscaped property, full of olive and orange trees, and with two swimming pools.

The interiors incorporate the traditional Algarve architecture, with all white masonry. I stayed in Secret Suite 7, in the new wing of the hotel, called Casa de Cima. Obviously my jaw dropped when I went up the steps, passed by the heated pool inspired by the lakes of the south of the country and found myself in a simple and elegant room stocked with lots of pampering and a wine from the region that had my name on the label. In the bedroom, a skylight let in a warm lighting and the wooden and straw decoration objects took care of the coziness. For dinner, the À Terra restaurant is close to perfection, both for its setting, with tables on the lawn, and for its rustic cuisine with seasonal ingredients, many of them coming from the garden itself.

I imagine you have realized that the hotel is a perfect getaway for those who want to visit the famous beaches Benagil, Dona Ana, Ponta da Piedade, São Rafael, Fuseta, the natural park Ria Formosa and the many charming villages of the region such as the white town of Alte and the capital of the Algarve Faro, without neglecting sophistication and tranquility.

Take note of this tip for when you go to the Algarve.

XoXo

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EXPEDITION TO ANTARCTICA

Claudia Liechavicius — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 20:28:35 +0000

It had been a dream of mine to embark on an expedition to Antarctica. And even though the expectations were high, the surprise was even greater. The images of the vastness of the coldest continent on the planet will forever be registered among my best memories. It was the most untouched place of nature that I have ever had the privilege of visiting in my life. What spectacular scenery!

Did you know that Antarctica is not a country, but has a territory so vast that it encompasses almost twice the size of Brazil? It is a gigantic continent. And that’s not all… the White Continent is full of peculiarities. It is home to the largest reserves of ice and water on the planet. It is the meeting point of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is home to thousands of penguins, seals, and whales. And it’s where the lowest temperatures in the world have ever been recorded – 890C. Therefore, tourism is quite restricted. Expeditions leave only from late November to early March when the weather is friendlier. In December I caught temperatures between 4 and – 40C. Polar summer.

My starting point for this 10-day expedition aboard the SH Vega – one of the new boutique ships from British cruise line Swan Hellenic – was Ushuaia. The ship is spectacular. It has only 75 cabins with very elegant decor. Added to this, the state-of-the-art navigation equipment, including powerful stabilizers, was a decisive factor for me to board safely. After all, to reach Antarctica you have to cross the Drake Strait, one of the roughest seas on record.

Two days later and I could hardly blink so as not to miss anything. Sailing in the caldera of a dormant volcano, walking on the great mass of ice watching cute penguins nest, observing unusual shapes of gigantic icebergs, visiting old abandoned scientific stations, kayaking on the edge of glaciers, spotting dozens of whales, and revering the sunset of the Lemaire Channel, known as one of the most impressive places of natural beauty in the world, is mesmerizing.

With this destiny that entered my life with such force and has come to be among the Top 10 on my never-ending list, I wish you all a wonderful new year full of beautiful surprises. Happy 2023!

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TIERRA PATAGONIA

Claudia Liechavicius — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:53:06 +0000

If there is a place of unbeatable natural beauty in this big beautiful world, it is Patagonia. And there is nothing better than an incredible hotel amidst meadows, glaciers and mountains for the experience to be perfect. Totally integrated with nature, Tierra Patagonia is spread out in front of Lake Sarmiento and the Torres del Paine National Park, considered a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.

The concept of comfort, well-being and communion with the landscape is enchanting upon arrival. Large windows connect the welcoming atmosphere of the hotel body to the snow-capped peaks of Paine as if it were a big painting. But this visual is not restricted to the public spaces, just enter the rooms and even the pool and the horns of the mountain range make the perfect frame.

Tierra Patagonia has 40 rooms with décor that refers to local traditions. Plenty of wood, fur and a big woolen shawl confirm the arrival in the south of Chile and guarantee that the nights will only be cold outside. The rooms have a bathtub, as well as a large shower. Excellent for relaxation after trekking through the park. In addition, the UMA spa is sensational and should be booked daily. Next to the spa is Tierra Patagonia’s iconic indoor heated pool.

The excursion itinerary for each guest to the Torres del Paine National Park, to the farms, lakes and pampas in the region is defined on the day of arrival according to the interest and physical fitness of each one. There are many options, more than 30 tours ranging from 20-kilometer treks to wildlife observation and horseback riding. Everything is included in the daily rate, as well as meals always accompanied by incredible wines produced by Matetic or a classic pisco sour.

A unique experience that deserves to be added to your agenda between the months of October and May, when temperatures are milder in Patagonia. The time is now! Arrival is via the Puerto Natales airport, which is an hour’s drive from the boutique hotel.

Add it to your bucket list right now. Patagonia is sensational!
XoXO

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Hakuna Matata

Claudia Liechavicius — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:16:56 +0000

It is very likely that this expression has already passed through your ears. Especially if you have children in the family and Disney cartoons are a part of their lives. The two magic little words became famous with the release of the movie The Lion King. In the African Swahili language, Hakuna Matata means “no worries” and I can only say that I was completely enveloped by this motto as soon as I arrived in Tanzania, where I stayed at the sensational Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge.

The Serengeti National Park is famous for its landscapes of great natural beauty and for being the largest wildlife sanctuary in Africa, especially during the Great Migration period. Let me explain. Every year, large herds move on a circular route that spans Tanzania and Kenya. The animals move across the plains in search of water and food. To give you an idea, the group of animals is made up of more than a million wildebeest, 500,000 zebras, as well as gazelles and several other species. An impressive phenomenon.

I chose to stay at the Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge, located inside the national park, to witness the spectacle of migration. The hotel has 77 accommodations, is extremely safe, sophisticated and comfortable. It welcomes children from 2 years old and up and offers an immersive, all-inclusive experience, from meals to safaris in a closed Toyota 4×4 accompanied by local guides who are very well prepared for unexpected encounters with wild animals.

As I was at the lodge in late September, during the Great Migration period, it didn’t take much effort to be surprised by hundreds of animals: wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, giraffe, lion, hippopotamus, leopard, elephant, hyena, monkey… Each safari was a spectacle more exciting than the other. I also took a balloon flight to see the Serengeti from another angle and it was sensational.

Another nice experience was visiting a Maasai tribe, a semi-nomadic ethnic group that wears colorful clothes and adornments and wanders between northern Tanzania and southern Kenya. I was welcomed by the chief of the tribe, Alais Kishau, a very nice person. I was invited into their houses and danced with the group. Unforgettable.

To travel in Tanzania is to find a lot of generosity, sweet people, big smiles, as well as the possibility to make a strong connection with nature and to stay in extremely elegant lodges in the middle of the savannah.

I return some of what I received, wishing you a happy and generous month of November.

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The Art Of Being “Unique”

Claudia Liechavicius — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:43:49 +0000

Stunning. Odd. Unique is the perfect blend of Ruy Ohtake’s genius architecture with the luxury of being a hotel with a unique soul. For almost 20 years its unmistakable outline draws attention in the São Paulo scenario and its striking personality has become a mirror that reflects the quintessence of hospitality. Being in São Paulo, at Unique, makes a big difference.

Starting with the unprecedented facade in the shape of a half moon that almost floats in the air, adorned by circular windows spread over six floors that hold 94 incredible apartments, a few steps from Ibirapuera Park, on Avenida Brigadeiro Luis Antônio, in Jardins.

Then step into the huge glass-enclosed hall that houses the sky-high lobby connected to the charming library and The Wall bar to understand that your experience will be unique. An extremely kind and professional staff will be attentive to your every move, personalizing the services during your stay. The symphony is led by Wellington Melo, a brilliant professional who has lived the hotel’s daily routine since its opening, when he was hired as a busboy and is now the general director.

To get to the rooms, the dark elevator invites you to take a ride through the universe of sensations. Until reaching the rooms, the corridors offer a succession of curves. Suddenly the door opens to a private universe. The rooms have elegant design, total comfort, and a lot of pampering.

On the rooftop, the Skye restaurant has established itself as an icon in São Paulo’s gastronomic scene, both for its wonderful cuisine and for the breathtaking view it offers of the city. And it is exactly on this rooftop that the red-tiled pool entered the hall of fame for being ultra instagrammable. But that’s not the hotel’s only pool. Next to the gym is a heated pool with a fun slide.

I imagine you have already noticed that Unique is a gem in the form of a hotel. It has contemporary lines, elegant interior design, innovative cuisine and the coolest rooftop in São Paulo. It couldn’t be more special.

Make a careful note of the tip.
XoXo and see you next week,

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BISATE LODGE, A LOVE NEST IN RWANDA

Claudia Liechavicius — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 20:36:56 +0000

Today I chose to bring you one of Mama Africa’s most amazing destinations, Rwanda. The tiny country is home to countless families of gorillas, beings that share 98% of their DNA with humans and whose main characteristic is the sweetness of the mothers’ love for their young. Exactly in the week that Kai arrives to the world to bless the life of Camila Coelho and Ícaro, I couldn’t choose a destination that overflows more love than the “country of a thousand hills” to celebrate this date.

An encounter with gorillas in the mountains of Rwanda is sure to be a remarkable and heartwarming experience. They currently live safely in Volcanoes National Park after being almost extinct in the past by poachers. Their luck (and ours too) changed with the generosity of the American Dian Fossey who dedicated her life to the preservation of gorillas and even lived in the forest with them, becoming almost a member of the group. This beautiful story was portrayed in the movie “Gorilla Mountain” starring Sigourney Weaver.

To immerse yourself in this culture and discover its full power, I recommend the sensational Bisate Lodge. The luxurious lodge opened its doors in 2017 with the intention of partnering with local communities, assisting in the preservation of the region’s species, and ensuring that the benefits of ecotourism bring more opportunities to the residents of Rwanda.

Bisate Lodge is ideally located in Volcanoes National Park with views of the peaks of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes towering in the forest. The lodge has six exclusive, extremely cozy and spacious villas with modern design that emphasizes elements of regional craftsmanship.

You know one of those trips of a lifetime? Rwanda is like that. Memorable, strong, and unforgettable.

And it is with a destination full of peculiarities that I want to mark the month of August, a very special date for the Coelho family.

Congratulations Camila, Ícaro and Kai for the love that overflows in you.
I wish you many blessings and millions of joys.

With love,

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EXPLORING THE ATACAMA AND UYUNI

Claudia Liechavicius — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 15:30:42 +0000

It’s adventure time. At the end of August, Explora opens the season for the Atacama to Uyuni crossing from Chile to Bolivia, lasting from 7 to 11 days. A trip that promises unforgettable memories in the white immensity of the largest salt flat in the world combined with the driest desert in the world. It is a guarantee of crossing fascinating landscapes.

Explora is known for offering experiences in remote destinations in South America. On this route the journey follows the ancient Inca trail, Qhapaqnan, through mountains filled with volcanoes, vibrant lagoons, rock formations and steaming geysers. The program includes hikes and walks through isolated villages where travelers will come into contact with local farmers to learn about quinoa cultivation and taste the local cuisine.

The route passes through two Explora Homes – Ramaditas and Chituca, designed by architect Max Núnez. The buildings are prefabricated, minimalist, made to accommodate up to 8 travelers in 4 rooms and to have as little interference as possible with the ground and the surrounding terrain. A trip that promises strong emotions. Who would like to get on board?

I wish you all a week full of adventures.

XoXo

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Hot News In Veneza

Claudia Liechavicius — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 18:26:07 +0000

I bring you first hand some hot news coming directly from Italy. The traditional Hotel Danieli, in Venice, will undergo a major restoration and will open its doors under the administration of the Four Seasons group. If it was already good, it will be even better.

Starting with its privileged location, close to Piazza San Marco and the Gran Canal, in the Riva degli Schiavoni region. The hotel is made up of three historic buildings, with Venetian Gothic architecture and full of works of art, one of which is the 14th century Palazzo Dandolo, in addition to the 19th century Palazzo Casa Nuova and the 19th century Palazzo Danieli Excelsior. A luxury!

Venice is a wonderful labyrinth formed by 100 small islands, connected by some 400 bridges, in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. There are no cars, only pedestrians. This is its great differential. Venice is a true landmark celebrated for its art and architecture, and for this very reason it deserves to be visited on foot, without the slightest hurry, so that its treasures may leap out at every corner. It is a true open-air museum.

To get to the hotel you have to take a boat. The adventure starts there. The accommodations overlook both the canal and the bay of Venice. Renowned designer Pierre-Yves Rochon will lead the renovation of the interiors. During the refurbishment period, the hotel will remain open. What a dream!

I wish you a beautiful week!

XoXo

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GUARDA GOLF HOTEL, THE BEST OF CRANS MONTANA

Claudia Liechavicius — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 19:28:24 +0000

Switzerland is always a reason for dreams and sighs with its unbeatable landscapes, charming hotels, cuisine full of personality and a lot of sophistication, whether in winter or summer. One of the most hyped corners of Switzerland is definitely the village of Crans-Montana.

In fact, this is considered one of the most beautiful regions in Europe and is exactly where the elegant Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences is located, with its famous golf course designed by the American Jack Nicklaus that annually hosts the traditional Omega European Masters competition in August/September. Do you understand how special it is?

Now I’m going to tell you what few people know… the sensational Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences belongs to a Brazilian, born in Bauru, Nati Felli. Yea! This determined woman has been showing her strength for 12 years when she started her big life project.

The hotel opened its doors in December 2009. It quickly became known as one of the most elegant hotels in Switzerland and has been a tremendous success ever since. Nati constantly walks around the hotel to make sure everything runs smoothly.

The Guarda Golf impresses with such good taste and sophistication. The accommodations are spacious, with wooden furniture and decor in tune with the Swiss Alps. During winter, it is possible to venture out on 140 kilometers of ski slopes for all levels, as well as a 26-kilometer course for cross-country skiers. But if your intention is simply to relax and enjoy the mountain climate, don’t worry, you’ll be in the perfect place.

In summer, the fairy-tale scenery can be reached by hiking through green fields and crystal clear lakes.

With the incredible spirit of Guarda Golf – a nice hotel for couples, families and groups of friends – I wish you a wonderful week.

XoXo

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THE DISCREET LUXURY OF THE FILHA DA LUA ECOLODGE

Claudia Liechavicius — Tue, 24 May 2022 15:26:10 +0000

Without making a fuss, Filha da Lua Ecolodge was born during the pandemic, the fruit of an European couple’s passion for Brazil, and soon became the big star of the Rio Grande do Norte coast.

Let me explain better. It all started seven years ago when the beautiful Polish model Inga and her kitesurfer husband Fred decided to put down roots here. At first the idea was just to build a base to escape the European cold. But the passion spoke louder, not only for the breathtaking landscapes and the good winds, but mainly for the simple people who make the Brazilian northeast shine.

That’s how Fred and Inga focused on an incredible socio-environmental project to make a difference in the world. They founded two schools to teach English and vocational activities for the local community (today with 600 students), created a Kite school to insert a part of these students into the job market and built Filha da Lua based on a project totally focused on sustainability , whose cuisine is gluten free and supplied with organic food produced at Fazenda Pachamama, also belonging to the group, since Inga is celiac and this subject is taken seriously. A beautiful project with proposals totally in tune.

I imagine you have already noticed that the Son of the Moon came into the world to shine. Its 17 suites are immense and distributed among 9 wooden and straw bungalows in Balinese style. The construction was done on stilts so as not to harm the soil, with reforested wood, and the waste station is 100% ecological. The property is surrounded by green on all sides, with the sea as horizon. And what a sea! Praia das Minas beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil and is protected for nesting sea turtles.

Now let me tell you the details. I was greeted with a personalized card, fruit basket and flowers all over the room. The decor of the suites is beautiful and the furniture all came from Bali. Want more details? Four-poster beds, two types of bathrobes, double sinks, amenities made by hand with biodegradable products (including toothpaste) and plastic packaging were completely abolished, even the shower caps. Sensational!

One of those little corners of the world that deserve our reverence. May it serve as an inspiration for us to leave a better world for our children and grandchildren.

XoXo and a week full of love!

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