Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
We believe in the true power of nature, natural healthy food, exercise, yoga and meditation as keys to transforming people’s minds and lifestyle, leading to a stronger environmental and social commitment.
Our tourism business has a positive impact on our local communities' development while minimising the impact on the environment. The island itself is a natural preserved area. All our trekking trails are officially opened and maintained by the local environmental authorities. Ilha Grande does not allow private cars. We work under strict conditions to maintain low environmental impact, and as much as possible employ local community members as trekking guides, lodge staff, massage therapists and boat crew. All of them live nearby and are part of our team.
Most of our staff is from the local community or long term residents, including the boat transportation that we use for staff, supplies and transporting guests on local trips around the island. We encourage our local providers as well as our staff to develop the skills needed to offer a high level of service and provide them an opportunity to work locally, eliminating the need to migrate to bigger cities looking for employment.
Our food and supplies come from the mainland closest to us and we do our our shopping using grouped, community boats. Our fish is bought fresh from local fishermen who provide us with their catch of the day. Our lodge has only 9 rooms and has been built using predominantly local supplies. It is well integrated into its natural surroundings, built around trees and waterfalls and causing minimal impact on the environment. Our water supply comes from the numerous water streams found on the the property.
We promote ourselves almost entirely through the internet and do not use printed brochures. We print minimally and use recycled paper. We strive to find local suppliers that use recycled materials. For instance, all our table linens and business cards are made from recycled plastic.
All the waste that we create is duly separated. Organic waste is used for compost and to feed our neighbour's hens who in turn provides our eggs. Non organic waste is separated and removed from the island by boat to the mainland and given to garbage recycle companies. We encourage our guests to reuse water bottles and change sheets and towels every three days. All rooms have a private bathroom connected to an anaerobic sewage system.
We started a project to support a local school, located in the nearby town of Saco do Ceu, where 58 children study (ages ranging from 6 to 12). The school counts on three teachers paid by the City Hall, and an annual budget of BRL $1200 (approximately US $600). The school building is old and needs repair and reforms, to separate the kids of different forms. The school has only one old computer and a small library for its 58 students. Our project aims to help the school through donations made by visitors from all over the world. Donations can be made in cash, books, school material, computers, printers, and everything related with the school improvement.
Our guests have a chance to visit the local village of Abrao and learn about the history of the island and its culture, introducing them to a small part of the vast Brazilian culture. We also introduce Samba and Capoeira, two different types of brazilian dances. This gives local community artists the possibility of making a living by performing their own culture, by providing the guests a great insight of the local culture diversity.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
