Flexeiras, very secluded hub for New Year´s Eve

by Antonella Kann

Just take a deep breath - and a good look! - at the picture, then at the tiny swimming pools behind the coconut trees, then at the sandy beach, the translucid sea...Yes, it´s real. Doesn´t it make you want to transpond yourself immediately into that pretty setting? Now, just fancy yourself arriving in this fishing village called Flexeiras - just about 40km from capital Fortaleza, Ceará - which, did I mentionned before, is my favorite state in the whole of Brazil. Chances are that after reading this post you´ll have the urge to consider spending New Year´s Eve there, just splurging but also enjoying one of the most privy place on earth. The resort is called Orixas Art Hotel ( www.orixasarthotel.com.br) and is relatively a new kid on the block - oops! sorry, on this beautiful fragment of sandy beach located a world away from the agitated places.

But, even if it can cost you a leg and an arm ( which usually happens during high season and specially the end of the year), you´ll need to look no further than a few feet to unearth the best unspoilt beach ever. From your suite - which bear names like Babalaós, Oxum, Yemanjá , Obaluayá, all deities from Afro-Brazilian culture, revered by locals of the northeastern coast - you can have peerless views of the sea, coconut grove and the jangadas, the typical fishermen´s boats. Ah, by the way, you can go for a nice ride on one of them, I guarantee you´ll enjoy it.

Blissfully unpeopled, pocket size Flexeiras is not for an urbanite. It´s been a while since I´ve known this small village, and was impressed. Hopefully, it has maintained its characteristics, so that you´ll have the feeling of being a traveller instead of a tourist. Hopefully.

Papagaio, a refuge under the southern sun

by Antonella Kann

In the southern state of Santa Catarina, only 40 kms from the airport of capital Florianopolis, there is an island called Papagaio - which means parrot. It´s not exactly Fantasy Island, but almost. Framed by abundant tropical vegetation, it´s home to one and only property, the exclusive Pousada Papagaio, member of the Conde Nast Johansens chain as well as Brazil´s Roteiros de Charme, which selects the best establishments in the country.

An ideal spot for those seeking coziness and complete privacy, allied with comfort and pampering. Only 20 bungalows are spread out within a huge setting, some have seaviews and others garden views. I suggest either number 1 or 2, as they almost drop into the water and from your private veranda you can watch the sunset - it´s really awesome. Fireplace, internet, plasma TV, dvd, you name it – they´ve got everything on the list to make your stay memorable.

Although you may expect an early winter, with cooler temperatures around 20º C , you can still lounge on the pousada´s private beach, have a swim in the sea or the pool, enjoy watersports or do a bit of exploring walking through trails around the island. At some point, there´s a chance of spotting migrating whales.

You´ll be agreeably surprised by local gastronomy : the pousada has its own restaurant where guests are offered Thai specialties, Japanese and Italian food, plus a signature dish, the home made paella.

The climate there is always cooler and the sea hosts the most reputed quality of oysters and clams. Be sure to visit one of those farms and enjoy the best seafood for incredible prices.

Pousada Ilha do Papagaio.
www.papagaio.com.br