Elite Traveler November-December 2017

elite traveler NOV/DEC 2017 107

Cordilheira Lodge CAIMAN ECOLOGICAL RESERVE

Set on 130,965 acres of private reserve, the first eco-tourism lodge in Brazil’s Southern Pantanal remains its most luxurious. Tucked away eight miles from the main lodge, this self-contained villa combines five suites, each complete with individual living rooms, bathrooms and balconies, designed in contemporary African prints featuring black-and-white photos of the reserve’s abundant wildlife. Along with a private swimming pool that overlooks the lake, the lodge comes with its own private chef and a bilingual naturalist to guide guests through horseback riding, birdwatching, night safaris and canoe trips through the magnificent wetlands. Additional highlights include special excursions with biologists to track jaguars and hyacinth macaws. Special amenities Regular activities accompanied by Caimaners (bilingual guide Portuguese/English) and field guide, bar and private restaurant Number of bedrooms Five Nightly rate from $4,198 Contact caiman@caiman.com.br, +55 113 706 1800, caiman.com.br

Casa Eugênia UXUA CASA HOTEL

Expertly designed by Diesel’s former creative director Wilbert Das, Casa Eugênia is the most palatial of standalone houses at beach hotel Uxua. Two light-filled bedrooms are set on split levels for maximum privacy, complete with king-size beds, secluded terraces and vintage bathtubs. Eugênia is the epitome of tropical chic, with a secluded emerald-tiled plunge pool, open-plan living room and kitchen leading straight into the garden, perfect for private cooking lessons from Uxua’s master chefs. Traditional white walls and thatched roofs combine with exceptionally curated design handcrafted by local artisans and Pataxó Indians. Eugênia is so in harmony with its natural surroundings that an ancient Eugenia tree peeps through the dining room roof, littering the garden with brilliant lilac petals when in season. With the Uxua Casa Hotel set on the evocative grassy square of jet-set beach village Trancoso, addresses don’t get much more exclusive than this. Special amenities Packing and unpacking service, tropical flowers and homemade dessert upon arrival, elaborate Bahian breakfast, personalized guestbook, private beach shuttle, pre-reserved bed at Uxua Beach Lounge Size 2,454 sq ft Number of bedrooms Two Nightly rate from $1,090 Contact Piero Zolin, managing director, info@uxua.com, +55 733 668 2277, uxua.com