Adventure Honeymoon to Brazil

What better place to kick off a honeymoon than in one of the world’s most beautiful cities? Rio, with its dramatic mountain backdrop and sweeping beaches, is simply irresistible. Venture onto the famous sands of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, and take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with quintessential Rio views. At sunset, sip a caipirinha or two in a trendy rooftop bar, overlooking the city and the sea. After immersing yourself in everything Rio has to offer, the Hotel Santa Teresa MGallery by Sofitel, surrounded by exotic gardens in the chic neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, and offering panoramic city views, is an idyllic retreat which makes it easy to shake off any jet lag. Have an exquisite dinner at Restaurant Térèze, one of the best hotel restaurants in Rio, which looks out over Guanabara Bay – a perfect start to your honeymoon.

Manaus sits on the banks of the Rio Negro in north-western Brazil, surrounded by the tropical Amazon rainforest – a city in the midst of the jungle. Villa Amazonia inhabits a historic mansion in the centre of Manaus, and you can try Amazonian specialities such as tucuma fruit for breakfast and fresh seafood for dinner. As well as having a theatre, shops, bars and restaurants on the doorstep, it’s no surprise that Manaus itself is green and leafy – stroll through urban parks and forests, and visit an open-air museum that showcases the Amazon’s distinctive flora and fauna. You also shouldn’t miss the Encontro das Aguas – the Meeting of the Waters – where the black waters of the Rio Negro meet the lighter waters of the Amazon, and run side by side for a moment before merging. For a unique experience in the Amazonian jungle, climb towering trees in the forest, admire the views from the treetops, and cool off with a swim in a waterfall afterwards.

A scenic plane flight will allow you to appreciate the sheer vastness and beauty of the Amazon and the Anavilhanas archipelago. Venture into the heart of the rainforest to Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, which overlooks the Rio Negro and sits at the gateway to Anavilhanas National Park.   Explore the Amazon with a guided trek through the rainforest, learning about the trees, fruit and medicinal herbs, and keeping an eye out for its eclectic wildlife and colourful tropical birds from howler monkeys to macaws. Go canoeing between trees through ever-changing scenery, and visit local communities to find out about day-to-day life in the jungle. There will also be plenty of time to relax on your veranda or on the floating deck over the river, where an inquisitive pink dolphin may appear.

Natal, on Brazil’s north-eastern tip, is home to beautiful beaches, reefs, freshwater lagoons and numerous sand dunes that stretch across the coast, as well as a 16^th-century Portuguese fortress. Ride a buggy over the dunes, and make the most of the secluded, unspoilt beaches. Stay at Manary Praia, an elegant villa on Ponta Negra Beach, overlooking the Atlantic. Relax in a hammock on your balcony and feast on the delicious menu at the poolside restaurant.

Fernando de Noronha, according to Lonely Planet, is a ‘guaranteed highlight of any trip to South America’, and we’re inclined to agree. Lying 200 miles off the coast of north-east Brazil, it’s the country’s most remote island, and the largest island in the Fernando de Noronha volcanic archipelago. It is a haven for snorkellers and divers, who come for the rich marine life in the warm, crystal-clear waters, including reef sharks, dolphins, rays and giant sea turtles. Meanwhile, for beach lovers, there are some simply stunning (and deserted) beaches here – enjoy scenic hikes between them - and the Atlantic coastline is punctuated with rocky, verdant crags. Visitor numbers are limited to ensure it stays unspoilt and beautiful, so be one of the lucky few to set foot on its shores. Pousada Maravilha offers seclusion and privacy in its luxury bungalows, which come with hot tubs on private terraces and sweeping ocean views – enjoy a glass of champagne at sunset.

Sao Paulo is an attractive mix of cultures, and combines historic churches and mansions with buzzing bars where the locals hang out, cutting edge galleries, arthouse cinemas and avant-garde theatres, which showcase the vibrant and distinctive arts scene. The elegant Fasano in the fashionable Jardins district is the hotel of choice for those in the know, including the local movers and shakers, and it’s not hard to see why – there are museums, theatres, trendy boutiques and restaurants all a stone’s throw away, its Art Deco rooms are dreamy, the restaurant is considered one of the country’s best, and we recommend lingering in the bar in the evening, sipping cocktails while listening to sultry jazz.