Fasano Boa Vista: The ultimate country estate

Most of the people think of beaches, sun, pretty women wearing sexy bikinis when they think of vacationing in Brazil.  In other words Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro.  Little do they know what they're missing when they choose the beach over the countryside.  Two weekends ago we spent a weekend at FasanoBoa Vista, a country estate at merely one hour and 15 minutes outside of Sao Paulo and my amazement can’t be put into words but, I'll try.  It's without a doubt one of the most beautiful places I've been.  The stunning architecture, which perfectly blends with its site, was accomplished by the very renowned Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld.  It covers 100 acres of secured and preserved forest with 15 lakes, groves and gardens, 18-hole golf courses, a polo field, stables, tennis and soccer courts and a kids activity center.  The hotel also offers real estate inside the property and a lot of wealthy proprietors owned second or third "French-looking" homes there.  You can see the families relaxing among adults while their babas (nanies) spend time at the kids club where there is usually a lot of fun happening.   There were instances that while we were biking around its beautiful century-old trees-lined-uphill-boulevards I thought I was in Provence.
And if you don’t believe me then believe Hermes.  Yes, "In 2012, Boa Vista hosted the Hermès Cup, in association with the centenary French saddlery, marking the first time the organization has given its approval to an equestrian event outside of France." Fasano Website

 The entrance to the reception of the Hotel is just beautiful.  Couldn't help to take a picture.

 The veranda was one of my favorite spaces of this place.

The infinity swimming pool.

 Love this place for breakfast in the mornings. Below, how it looks.

 The decor has a very Scandinavian influence. 

 

 One of the restaurants. 

 The decor is minimal but so cozy you feel home as soon as you walk in the rooms.

 The view from the room.  All of the rooms have a beautiful view out to the country side.

 My hubby biking with our little one.

 Our little one at the stables.

The Hotel has a huge and great selection of design books.

 Adorable ponies.

The swimming pool restaurant. Below, two of the beautiful homes.

most pictures by me others Fasano website

Quick check in and Thank you

After a long and fantastic weekend, reality is coming quickly to meet me and bother me in my comfort zone.  This morning we´ll have an interview at Lucas´s future school and hopefully (cross fingers) everything will go smoothly so he can start school soon.  Kids like it when there is a routine that gives them a sense of security and safety.  We are still in a hotel while we make arrangements for a few security issues in the apartment (all windows and the balcony needs safety netting) are taken care of before we move in.  We won´t be able to have our stuff for the next two months because there is a security number we need to get and the whole process is very long and bureaucratic.  So, I´m afraid things won’t be as easy as in the US but, we´ll take whatever is thrown at us.  Of course that´s a saying...
I wanted to thank all my fantastic Facebook friends and my lovely bloggers friends for your beautiful wishes for my birthday this weekend.  It means a lot to receive all your beautiful thoughts and kind words.  Have a great week!
photo above of Enseada Beach in Guaruja, Sao Paulo, Brazil by  me.

Transition

As you read this we're already in Sao Paulo.  The days prior to our flight were crazy busy and overwhelming.  Moving is not an easy job but, moving overseas while trying not to forget the smallest detail takes the whole experience up a few notches.  It was hard to see our home empty again like the first time we walked into it and I have to admit that as exited as I am with our new home, my heart ached a bit, well okay maybe more than a bit!  This home we left behind was the home were we had our fist son, we saw him start walking and talking and we had a great time in it sorrounded by family and friends.
I've been dealing with farewells since I was a little girl but I'll never get used to it.  It's soo painful! On saturday we went to visit my family and we cried a river when it was time to say good bye. Above all I'll miss my mom dearly.  She has always been there for me all my life and it's hard to know that she won't be close by.  As my husband and I say "the best and sweetest baby sitter possible"  My dear friends have been awesome as well, hosting farewell dinners and get togethers for us and it's been extremely moving and comforting.  Some of them already have dates to come and visit.  I know that adjusting to a new country is going to be hard mostly because I don't have anyone in Brazil but, I'm pleased and happy for this new begining and looking forward to the future, as always!

My mom in 1992

Below, shots of our trip.

Crazy LOCO! ah?  And there was more sent by air container!

photos by me

To Rome with love: Palazzo Margherita

Can I just say how much I appreciate the magical touch in Woody Allen movies.  We went to see To Rome With Love late last night and even though I enjoyed every scene and vision watching the beautiful Italian architectures and ruins, it was probably not the best of the ideas.  It just made my yearn for Italy a lot more profound.  Whenever we go I need to pay a visit to Palazzo Margherita, owned by Francis Ford Coppola, located in an unconventional town called Bernalda.  The Hotel was designed by Jacques Grange, another reason for me to visit it, and it's authentically old school Italian.  It's not in a very touristic town.  This is a place more in tune for people who want to experience the real Italian small town life, but even if there is not much to do, I would be perfectly content drinking Margarita's by the pool or simply walking around the town and enjoying the beautiful medieval hilltops. 

images from WSJ and Palazzo Margharita.

W Retreat in Thailand!!

Oh my! Can we please talk about how incredible this place looks!! W Hotels are known for their luxurious accommodations and stylish decor and the W Retreat in Koh Samui (by MAPS Design) is no exception. Fantastic views of the gorgeous landscape abound and glistening waters surround you. Enjoy a spa day, curl up with a book in the W library or take a nap on an outdoor lounger by the pool. On my long list of places to visit!
(photos via Contemporist)

Vivanta in the Maldives!!

Oh Maldives.... how do I love thee?? While I have never been there, this is definitely somewhere that I WANT to go! I came across a new hotel there, the Vivanta by Taj, and it's incredible! See if you don't want to go too after looking at these pictures!
(photos via freshome)