Comuna do Ibitipoca (The Mission)

Comuna do Ibitipoca ultimately defies description and has been a well guarded secret of the global jetset who seek meaning, connection and transformation in their travels. Created by one of the wealthiest families in Brazil starting in the early 1980s, their private reserve now totals 13,000 acres (20+ square miles).

Comuna do Ibitipoca is equal parts luxury lodge, sustainability initiative, art gallery, conservation project, wellness retreat, rewilding initiative, wildlife sanctuary, adventure center, rural regeneration project, organic farm, historic preservation site and model community. All these aspects are interconnected. In their own words; “We aim to create a fertile environment for happiness to flourish, and we believe that this must be done holistically, involving the fauna, flora and local communities.”

The highlands of Minas Gerais are made up of endless rolling hills, some covered with thick Atlantic rainforest where parrots fly free, and others smothered by lush green pastures - punctuated by brilliant white quartz deposits thrust from underground like a treasure chest spilling over with diamonds. Hundreds of cool streams cascade over cliffs to disappear through caves, emerge as tranquil pools begging to be swam in, then meander out through verdant valleys populated by smiling farmers.

The centerpiece of a visitors experience here is staying at the Fazenda do Engenho, a rural farmhouse built in 1715 that was meticulously restored in 2006 to retain its history and charm while incorporating modern luxuries. There are only 8 guest rooms in Engenho Lodge and a seperate three bedroom villa. Magic emanates from this place and draws guests back, year after year, for longer and longer stays. Four additional remote cottages are spread across the reserve, allowing guests to complete lodge to lodge circuits and fully immerse themselves in the beauty and remoteness of the region.

Guests explore this magical landscape by day; on foot, atop mangalara horses, via a modern fleet of electric assisted mountain bikes, stand up paddle boards and jeeps. Surprises await at every turn in this paradise, which include a sculpture garden of 30 foot tall steel figures by Californian artist Karen Cusolito, originally displayed at the Burning Man festival, remote vista points where freshly squeezed juices and snacks are left mysteriously by the staff in advance of your arrival, at the base of thundering waterfalls exotic swimming holes ringed by crystalline quartz beaches, where again, fluffy white towels are left for you, just in case you want to cool off. On the conservation side - there is a fully staffed rehabilitation center for the northern Muriqui monkey, the most critically endangered primate species on earth which is being rescued from extinction. On the cultural side, you will come across small mountain communities and farms populated by jovial and welcoming locals who are growing organic produce, distilling cachaca, and creating incredible handicrafts.

Comuna do Ibitipoca is a great destination alone for a small gathering of friends or family, can be turned into a simple beach and highlands combination with Rio de Janeiro, or included in a fascinating itinerary traversing the colonial gold mining towns of Ouro Preto and Tiradentes in Minas Gerais State. Comuna do Ibitipoca is a 3.5 hour drive from Rio de Janeiro, but also has its own airstrip and helicopter pad should guests choose to fly in.

https://ibiti.com/en/

Видео Comuna do Ibitipoca (The Mission) канала Clark Kotula Representation