Sunday, March 21, 2010

Getting To Know the Fruits of Brazil!


On arrival in Brazil you can’t fail to be awed by the impressive range of fruit on display in all its colorful glory; how is it that in Europe a passion fruit is small and shriveled and brown and yet here it is enormous, yellow, shiny and smooth? The choice of fruit is baffling, including both varieties that are imported to Europe and never seen before curiosities and believe us, once you’ve tasted pineapple in Brazil; you won’t be eating those immeasurably inferior artificially ripened versions in Europe anymore.

It’s hard to believe that the ubiquitous banana, (here not just a banana but a ‘water banana’ or a ‘gold banana’ or an ‘earth banana’ or one of many other varieties) is not actually a native Brazilian but emigrated here some 500 years ago with the Portuguese. For truly native Brazilian fruit, head to the Amazon, where you’ll find a smorgasboard of superfoods. From the now universally known Açaí to Acerola, a berry with 80 times as much as vitamin C as an orange. Eat a few of these on your holiday and you can bin a year’s supply of supplements.

However, these berries are not only good enough to eat, they can also make you Brazilian beautiful. Despite a tendency to hand over undisclosed amounts of cold hard cash for anything imported with beauty products no exception, there’s a growing trend here for home grown natural products.

Luxury travel experts Dehouche who are based in Rio are actually situated dangerously close to one very such producer (who have in fact been in business for some 100 years) and some members of the team have to be held inside at lunchtime to prevent them from buying up the delectable store. Take a tailor made holiday to Brazil with Dehouche and if you can be trusted with a credit card, they’ll share the address with you. A great place to pick up presents, but Dehouche defy you not be tempted into a little something for yourself too.

Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.

Dehouche S.A.,
Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.
www.dehouche.com

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Monday, March 15, 2010

Who To Book Your Luxury Vacation To Latin America With?


Since the birth of the package holiday in the mid 19th century, the travel industry has seen some peaks and troughs, but overall, has basically burgeoned and then mutated almost beyond all recognition. The first appearance of travel guides in the 1970s saw a growing move towards independent travel whose popularity has done little to dwindle, but what if you could combine the best of both worlds? That is, what if you could have the freedom to design your own holiday and yet not have to spend hours comparing flights and reading through review after online review of different hotels? What if there were a company who would could help you create your own specialized holiday by marrying your wishes with their inside knowledge of your chosen destination? Since 2003 Dehouche’s international team based in South America have been doing just this day in day out making sure clients get right to the heart of the matter, direct to the hidden gems of the Latin American continent.

But surely this must be more expensive? One of the main motivations for independent travel is not just the freedom it affords you, but the money it can save you by cutting out the middle man. What may come as a surprise, however, is that letting Dehouche organise your tailor made itinerary in Latin America will actually save you money. A British run travel agency, Dehouche provide holidays for an international client base, but as they are based in Brazil themselves, are able to offer more competitive rates than if you were to contact the hotels directly, find the best villas, engage the best guides and drivers etc.. So why waste your time struggling with dropped internet calls to unworthy guest houses when you can simply call Dehouche who can not only book you that off the beaten track boutique hotel or private villa or even their own Penthouse apartment in Rio and Buenos Aires and all for the best value possible, they can also make sure you stay in their favourite room and that your local guide and driver most of whom work exclusively for Dehouche know all your likes and dislikes before you even arrive. Even if you got lucky and got all the right elements it would still work out about 15% more expensive than going direct with Dehouche.

And should you do the really crazy thing and go down the street to your local travel agent to book the trip (how very last century...) then don’t be surprised if things start to go wrong and cost a good bit more. Let me explain the new model, Dehouche, a local firm pays local negotiated prices and unlike it’s competitors it doesn’t have to fund expensive offices in New York or London (which are of course added to their itinerary costs), and importantly they cut out the middleman Dehouche actually operates all its trips itself, its operations team is based in the same office as the destination experts that create the trips, in the Rio office – of course travel agents based outside Latin America have to employ a local ground operator to book and then operate their trips, and these guys cost good money and don’t have the same idea of quality!

So if you’re looking for ways to save money on your luxury vacation to Brazil, Argentina, Colombia or indeed any other country in South America, don’t waste your precious time trawling price comparison websites, talk to Dehouche in Rio on their toll free number, it’s that simple!

Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.

Dehouche S.A.,
Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
www.dehouche.com

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Saturday, March 13, 2010

Bring your dancing shoes on your vacation or honeymoon in Latin America!

No one could accuse Latin Americans of not knowing how to throw a party and the incredible divergence of cultures that meet on the continent of South America means that at almost any given time of the year, there’s a very good reason to celebrate, how wonderfully convenient! Invitations generally aren’t necessary, so if you want to be part of the festivities, try talking to luxury travel experts Dehouche who are based in Latin America themselves. They’re no strangers to the party scene (well, you have to adapt to the culture of the country you choose to live in after all) and are ideally placed to advise you on where to visit and when, depending on your taste.

The image of carnival queens sashaying through the sambodrome in downtown Rio has to be one of the scenes most commonly associated with Brazil and there’s no doubt that this holiday before lent (technically one day, but generally stretched into one week) is a time to forget social norms in the pursuit of pleasure. However, the wild extravagance and general debauchery that abound in the mêlée that is carnival is not to everyone’s taste. If you’re looking for something a little more refined, Dehouche have the inside info on other celebrations that receive less international attention, fewer attendees and don’t involve quite the same consumption of alcohol. Or so the story goes.

Winter in Brazil sees the arrival of yet another reason to don crazy costumes, dance with abandon and generally indulge in good things. At first sight, Festa Junina seems to resemble a sort of harvest festival, but it’s also a celebration of rural life, so black out your teeth and get your straw hats at the ready, it’s all in good spirit. Many Brazilians organize their own Festa Junina at home, but there are also many held for the public and its foodie heaven. Both the food and the music are a reflection of that typical in the North East, with which Festa Junina is most closely associated. Dehouche recommend the decay inducing treats of Paçoca and Canjica for starters. Once you’ve nibbled on these, grab yourself a ‘batida de amendoim’ (alcoholic peanut drink) grab yourself a partner and get stuck into the quadrilha (Brazilian square dance)

For those year round party seekers, Dehouche suggest heading to Argentina post Brazilian carnival in anticipation of Argentina’s answer to the aforementioned world famous festival. ‘Vendimia’ is a sort of Argentinean Carnival with a splash of France’s vendanges thrown in for good measure (no denying the European influence in Argentina), a celebration of wine and wine making occurring in the Mendoza province of Argentina which sees many artists and performers, not to mention tourists, flock to the region to watch parades of dancers perform in the street. The defining ingredient is perhaps the beauty pageant element as these parades are led by ‘queens’ who represent the individual departments and compete for the ultimate title of ‘National Vendimia queen’; a concerted effort from Argentina to steal the kitsch crown from the head of Brazil’s carnival queen.

Of course, this is just a mere taste, for more ideas talk to Dehouche who can help you arrange a tailor made holiday taking in as little or as much party action as you prefer.



Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.

Dehouche S.A.,
Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
www.dehouche.com

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Bariloche with Dehouche - Ski fast, make choc, indulge après!

If you’ve skied ‘Les trois vallées’ inside out and are looking for a new mountain playground, it’s time to talk to luxury travel experts Dehouche, who specialize in tailor made holidays and honeymoons in Latin America. Dehouche unreservedly devote themselves to traversing this exciting corner of the globe in search of new adventure, putting them in an ideal position to tell exactly where you can find spectacular scenery and outdoor thrills aplenty.

Dehouche are based in Brazil celebrated for its beaches and with no shortage of either sunset postcard views or activities for the adrenaline seeker. But if its sub zero temperatures that really get you going, Dehouche suggest you look further afield, that is, to Brazil’s chillier neighbor, Argentina.

If you take a luxury holiday with Dehouche to Argentina’s lake district, you will still need to bring your sunglasses however, if not just for the vivid blend of colors created by the unique juxtaposition of rocky peaks generously dusted with brilliant white powder snow, wild expanses of forest covered mountains, iridescent glacier fed lakes and blue, blue skies.

Located in the very South is undeniably romantic, Bariloche, the region’s principal destination. Gracing the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi and located within the national park of the same name, whether covered in snow or in full bloom, this alpine style resort enjoys unparalleled views in every direction you look, thanks to the deep blue lakes and soaring peaks that encircle it.

Founded in 1902 Annecy-esque Bariloche was modeled on the style of a European Alpine village, yet with a Patagonian flair, owing to the use of local hardwood and unique stone construction. Perhaps the best known example of this is the Centro Civico, a square at Bariloche’s heart, whose buildings, despite being constructed in the 1930s, have a distinct mediaeval air.

Like many of its Alpine predecessors Bariloche offers a wealth of both summer and winter activities. Dehouche can advise you on the best time to visit according to your interests. For winter sports enthusiasts, Bariloche is a veritable wonderland, enjoying up to two meters of snow from June through October even at the end of the season there is plenty to ski on. Summer brings opportunities for rafting, trekking, climbing, horse riding, the list goes on… It’s at this time of the year that the beautiful beaches also welcome sun worshippers and some brave swimmers. Thanks to the melting snow, the lake waters maintain a refreshingly cool temperature.

True to its Alpine aspirations, Bariloche is also a great place to curl up in front of a log fire and indulge in a glass of wine (anyone fancy a malbec?), a romantic fondue for two and of course, that well known Alpine treat, chocolate. Having earnt itself a reputation as Argentina’s chocolate capital, an immeasurable amount of window space is given over to this delectable delight in all its manifestations. After a hard day on the slopes, Dehouche can’t see any good reason to resist the temptation, so why not pretend to be learning something and do on of their chocolate making 1 hour courses and retreat back to the chalet with a brick of Bariloche’s finest. Enjoy.

Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.

Dehouche S.A.,
Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
www.dehouche.com

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The Joy of Rio's far flung beaches! Explains Dehouche

The perfect curve of Copacabana beach is one of Rio’s most famous landmarks, closely followed by the daily applauded (quite literally) sunset over the Dois Irmãos, as seen from Arpoador. Luxury travel specialists Dehouche who are based in Rio are no strangers to these beaches, yet suggest that if you have a little more time in Rio, there are other beaches well worth coating yourself in factor 30 for.

Venture beyond Zona Sul and out towards the never ending stretch of white sand that is Barra, where Rio’s nouveau riche play amongst the kite surfers. Continue past the beaches of Recreio and Macumba, beloved of the ‘surfista’ until the high rise apartment bocks finally give way to Atlantic rainforest, covering the impressive peaks that now rise up from the ocean. Follow the winding coastal road with the dramatic mountains looming above you and as you round the bend the small cove of ‘Prainha’ or ‘Little beach’ finally comes into view.

Dehouche are firm believers that Prainha’s stunning natural setting is well worth the drive and defy you not to be awed by the scene which presents itself before you. The waves too are fittingly wild and Prainha is something of a Mecca for Rio’s surfers. Despite its more remote location, Prainha has a devoted crowd of Bohemian sun worshippers who on sunny weekends descend to soak up its splendor and rustic appeal, but it’s still a tranquil haven compared to Ipanema’s posto 9 and the people are just as beautiful.

If you’re looking for an unspoilt and deserted beach however, Dehouche suggest you keep driving. Continue along the mountain road and you will eventually reach the larger expanse of Grumari. This is still a popular spot, but thanks to the smooth large rocks that are a feature of the beach here, the sea forms natural lagoon like swimming pools which are enjoyed by bathers who want to take advantage of the clean, clear, crystal waters, without being knocked over by those huge waves.

After the exertion of playing in those waves (or simply turning over in the sun) Dehouche recommend continuing on to Barra de Guaratiba and the excellent restaurant of ‘Bira’ whose privileged location affords it unrivalled views of the bay. Appropriately, Bira serves traditional and tasty Brazilian seafood dishes, though Dehouche can also vouch for the caipirinhas and ‘pasteis’ (delicious deep fried crisp parcels of meat, fish or cheese) should you find yourself waiting for a table at the bar in this popular post beach haunt.

Before heading home, don’t forget to stop in at the country retreat of landscape architect Burle Marx, located not far from the restaurant. Admire the 365,000m2 collections of 3,500 species of tropical plants, before visiting the studio and former home of the late artist. At the end of a difficult day, let your Dehouche driver take you back to the comforts of your boutique hotel, as you ponder schemes of how you, like Dehouche’s founders, can make Rio your year round home.Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.

Dehouche S.A.,
Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
www.dehouche.com

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Friday, March 12, 2010

IndSEO

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IndSEO

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Rio it's about finding your way to the best of the neighbourhoods


Copacabana and Ipanema must be the most famous neighborhoods of Rio, garnering more than their fair share of international attention. Copacabana, although flooded with both hotels and people (curious fact: Copacabana’s streets could not actually accommodate all its residents should they all leave their apartments at the same time), but its heyday is well and truly over at the moment, no doubt it is set to return in the next years but for now it is best left to those who don’t know any better.

Less crowded and leafier Ipanema has its appeal and today plays home to beautiful boutique hotel ‘Fasano Rio’, but Rio has other neighborhoods that are equally worth discovering. Luxury travel experts Dehouche base themselves in the more exclusive Leblon, which in recent years has surpassed Ipanema in terms of both aesthetic appeal and price, owing partly to the number of ‘novelas’ (Rio’s trend setting soap operas) which have been based here, partly to the concentration of celebrities this has attracted and partly to the increasing number of upscale drinking and dining options that continue to spring up in this exclusive neighborhood.

Most international visitors gravitate towards these beachside areas, yet
Dehouche confess that Leblon does not yet possess a hotel to really meet the needs of the discerning traveler. Take a luxury holiday with Dehouche however and they can help you discover other neighborhoods that can in fact offer even more character and charm and, if you’re looking to escape on your honeymoon, perhaps more importantly, a degree of privacy. Dehouche know the city inside and out, the entire team being resident in Rio some for all their live and other who have called it home just for a few years, so if you’re looking for a unique experience, Dehouche can help you find it.

Rio is celebrated for its incredible juxtaposition of the urban and the natural, but in Ipanema you’re more likely to hear the rush of traffic than the call of a monkey and its easy to forget the incredible environment you’re in. Dehouche work with several luxury boutique hotels, villas and even mansions based in more unusual locations, without compromising on convenience, so whether you want to be close to the action or relaxing in a secluded getaway, Dehouche know the perfect place.

Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.

Dehouche S.A.,
Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
www.dehouche.com

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Discover the joys of Argentinean wine and steak


The wines of Argentina have been gradually emerging on the global stage for the past decade (the Argentine wine industry is now the 5th largest producer in the world), but few people have sampled their delights at the source. The Spanish first brought vine cutting to Argentina in 1557, but Argentina’s most famous grape - Malbec - was brought by the French (it was known as Auxerrois at the time). Most of Argentina’s wines are produced at high altitude in areas with low humidity and low annual rainfall, meaning that the Bodegas (vineyards) rarely have to deal with problems such as fungi and mould that effect the crop in other countries; indeed, few pesticides are needed and even organic wines can flourish.

Latin America Travel experts Dehouche can organize part of your tailor made vacation or honeymoon to ensure that you really get to tap into the wine industry and learn from the local experts. You will stay in one of their favorite boutique hotels in the trendy Palermo Viejo district of Buenos Aires, a casual stroll from the city’s best bars and restaurants. Dehouche will arrange for a sommelier to come to your hotel and give you a private tasting session of his favorite Argentinean wines. Once armed with this knowledge you will be flown to Mendoza, one of the world’s 8 wine capitals that nestle in the foothills of the majestic Andes. Here you will stay in an exclusive wine lodge that is on its own bodega, which you will be taken on a tour of; there are also tastings of the produce each evening before an excellent dinner is served. Dehouche will also arrange for their local expert guide to give you a private tour of the best bodegas in the area, with lunch and tastings included.

You will then fly to Salta in the north east corner of the country - a landscape of arid semi desert punctuated by vineyards. You will stay on an old colonial ranch and once again a local expert who is exclusive to Dehouche will show you the best bodegas in the region and ensure that you get to meet the important people in each operation and learn from them. Dehouche will ensure that you return from your vacation or honeymoon as wine experts, brilliantly equipped to wow friends and family and perhaps host dinner parties in your new marital home where the Argentinean steak and grape can be matched to perfection. When combined with other parts of Argentina, such as the Iguacu Falls, and some of Brazil’s tropical beaches, then Dehouche will have created the luxury tailor made itinerary of your dreams.

Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.

Dehouche S.A.,
Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
www.dehouche.com

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The best Argentinean beaches are of course in Uruguay!


There’s little contest between Brazil and Argentina when it comes to beaches. However, fortunately for Argentinean sun seekers, this does not mean they are obliged to patronize the neighbor they love to hate so well when the holiday season arrives. Heading instead to Argentina’s other, slightly smaller neighbor to the East, Uruguay.

Want to know where in Uruguay those who like the finer things go? Then let luxury Latin America travel experts Dehouche direct you: Pass the once glamorous, aesthetics obsessed and now overdeveloped Punta del Este; letting the gossip drift on the breeze as you accelerate past the yacht choked harbor and the faded glory of the Miami cityscape fades into the distance. Continue on past brash la Barra and leave the bland high rises behind as you head somewhere altogether more exclusive.

35km later, you finally arrive at the fantasy playground of the rich, famous and downright brazen. If Búzios is Brazil’s answer to St Tropez, then Jose Ignacio is Argentina’s answer to Búzios. Dubbed the ‘Hamptons’ of South America, this secret destination of the bohemian jet set, is these days graced by the likes of Naomi Watts, Gisele Bundchen, Mario Testino and Shakira and boasts whimsical houses belonging to the likes of Martin Amis.

The problem is that this place is still so undiscovered; it’s difficult to know you’ve arrived at all. Refreshingly unspoilt and unassuming, with the wild backdrop of the Uruguayan Pampas and not an ATM or visa sign in sight, you may be wondering exactly how the wealthy dispose of their cash here and just why you’ve travelled so far.

Electricity only arrived in Jose Ignacio in the 1990s, but the international visitors were quick on its heels. For just two months a year, this once sleepy fishing village is now turned into a whirlwind of exclusive parties. Want to know the only time to go? You’ll just have to ask Dehouche .

Jose Ignacio may be discreet, but it’s unashamedly snobby and private parties are just that. Social networking on the beach during the daytime is essential if you don’t want to spend the evening sipping overpriced cocktails alone. With most of the social action taking place behind closed doors, there are still just a handful of restaurants to wait on the moneyed elite who frequent the resort and getting a table at the sole seafront lunch destination ‘La Huella’ is quite a feat. If you want to mingle with the well-heeled clientele, ask Dehouche to help you make a reservation. Equally, if you fancy dining barefoot in the sand, surrounded by torches at ‘secret restaurant’ Dehouche can tell you how and where.

As Jose Ignacio continues to grow in popularity with cash laden Americans, Europeans and Brazilians, it’s difficult to say just how much longer it will retain the low key charms which attracted so many in the first place, especially with the imminent opening of both Fasano and Setai resorts. Dehouche recommend making an appearance before Jose Ignacio becomes the new Punta Del Este.

Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.

Dehouche S.A.,
Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
www.dehouche.com

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Washed out in Rio? Pick up the phone!


Think of Rio and you probably think of days of endless blue skies, taking refuge from the blisteringly hot sun beneath your parasol, whilst you sip on refreshingly cool coconut water.

Imagine your surprise then when you arrive on you sumptuous hotel at the start of your perfect honeymoon in Brazil and you are greeted not by sunshine but a torrential downpour – it is a tropical country you remind yourself, but still this is almost inexcusable. Fear not, luxury travel specialists Dehouche will come to the rescue! Dehouche have been based in Rio for a few years now and they can tell you that though Rio enjoys an extremely generous number of sunny days per year, it is by no means immune to a rainy one. If you’re truly unfortunate, you may find that one of the days you choose to spend in Rio, is one such day.

It’s easy to feel disillusioned when you wake up to see the view from your balcony all but obliterated by low hanging grey cloud. What on earth did you leave home for and what is there to do in a city where life revolves around the outdoors; from sashaying up and down the beachfront in your sexiest outerwear, to scaling plinths of rocks in search of the stunning views this city can afford. (On a clear day).

Take a tailor made trip with Dehouche however and you won’t find yourself short of inspiration on such a day. If you wake up on rainy morning and can’t find the 20 pages of tips they sent you before your holiday, you can simply call your Dehouche concierge (free and exclusive to Dehouche clients) for suggestions and they’ll be happy to assist. Whether that means rescheduling your helicopter flight and booking a massage at one of the city’s most exclusive spas or providing up to date listings for Rio’s many cultural centers, Dehouche are just a phone call away. Need last minute lunch reservation? Phone Dehouche and they’ll book you their favorite table. Decide to leave the sunset views from Pão de Açúcar for another day and want to know where Rio’s latest Samba sensation is playing instead? Do we need to tell you who to call?


Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.

Dehouche S.A.,
Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.
www.dehouche.com

Dehouche Travel, Dehouche, Argentina Honeymoon, Brazil Honeymoon, Honeymoon in South America, Honeymoon in Argentina, Honeymoon in Brazil, IndSEO, Dehouche – Art of Travel, Brazil Honeymoon


A Diverse Brazilian Honeymoon By Dehouche Travel

A Diverse Brazilian Honeymoon By Dehouche Travel

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Marvellous Rio has order and progress!


It may be known as ‘A Cidade Maravilhosa’ (The Marvellous city) to its residents, but Rio de Janeiro has long suffered from bad press, both nationally and internationally.

The loss of status as the nation’s capital to purpose built Brasilia in 1960 led to a decline in confidence, coupled with an increase in destruction of the once splendid surrounding natural environment. The once glamorous capital seemed to be entering a downward spiral and this did not go unnoticed abroad. Rio started hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Nevertheless, Rio never stopped attracting international visitors and several years ago luxury travel experts Dehouche made Rio their home, seeing a city of world beating beauty and many clear reasons to be optimistic about the city’s future.

Certainly, on October 2nd 2009 the city entered a new phase in it’s development as a loud roar even greater than that during a football cup final, swept through the city shaking the Dehouche office with the announcement that the underdog Rio, would in fact play host to the Olympics 2016. Soon after followed a flood of promises from the government; the city would be cleaned up; there would be investments in infrastructure.

Though the ‘Cariocas’ Rio’s residents may be the butt of national jokes; more often than not it’s the Cariocas themselves who are making the jokes, lamenting the perceived deficiencies of their city. Perhaps it’s not surprising then that many of these jaded residents were quick to dismiss these as yet more empty promises. However, with the long awaited opening of new metro stations, work beginning on the revitalisation of Rio’s port and fish swimming in the lagoon once more, some are beginning to be persuaded that perhaps there will be lasting changes this time.

As Rio residents themselves, Dehouche are excited about the positive effects on the city and they are not alone. According to a recent survey commissioned by ‘Veja’ magazine, ‘Cariocas’ are more optimistic than ever about the future of their city and this is thanks to seeing these promises gradually being fulfilled. Life for residents in the favelas of Rio’s zona sul is certainly changing, with the installation of police units and a general clean up taking place.

On the 1st of March Rio was 445 years old and its maturity gives reason to celebrate. With so many changes abreast and a sense of promise in the air, Dehouche will tell you there hasn’t been a better time to visit this city and indeed bookings for their tailor made luxury family holidays and Honeymoons in Brazil were on the increase right through the economic gloom of 2009 up on every year and up again in Q1 2010 – Rio is on the rise and this time for good!


Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.

Dehouche S.A.,

Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.

www.dehouche.com

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Water and wine - a fabulous Argentinean Honeymoon


As people constantly focus on the fact that Brazil takes up nearly half of South America it is often overlooked that it’s southern neighbor Argentina is the world’s 8th largest country in terms of landmass. This inevitably means that there are several very diverse ecosystems to explore, and South American travel experts Dehouche can ensure that you see the best of them on your luxury tailor made honeymoon. One possible itinerary could involve you flying into Buenos Aires, Argentina’s buzzing capital city, and staying in the Alvear Palace, which is in the heart of the up market Recoleta district. You would be given a private tour of the city by Dehouche’s local guide, and on a night of your choice the two of you would be picked up and driven to La Faena, where you will have a table at the best tango show in town. You will be served dinner with a selection of champagne and wines whilst enjoying the show. This is the best way to get a feel for Argentina’s famed national dance; if you really enjoy it then Dehouche can arrange for the 2 of you to have a private tango lesson as well! Nothing is impossible for these noted fixers with contacts spanning a continent.

Once you have spent 5 nights in the capital it will be time to explore more of Argentina’s delights. You will fly to Posadas and switch to a light plane for a flight across the Argentine wetlands, which are called the Esteros del Ibera. A very similar ecosystem to the better known Pantanal in Brazil, but the advantage of staying here is that the estancia Dehouche recommends provides a much higher standard of accommodation and food than anywhere in the Pantanal. The landscape is stunning and there are lots of activities that guests can get involved in - from horse riding to boating to animal spotting from 4x4s. There are very few guests here and the owners are personal friends of Dehouche, and so will ensure that you get the most out of the rural part of your Argentinean honeymoon.

After 6 nights in the romantic wilderness the light plane will fly you to Iguacu, providing you with unparalleled views of the awesome waterfalls as you come in to land. These are the largest waterfalls in the world by volume of water cascading over them and are a truly magnificent spectacle. You will be staying in the only hotel that is located within the National Park of the Falls - just a 200 yard walk away from the gushing spectacle itself. Dehouche will arrange a private walking tour, before boarding a speedboat for a ride over the white water to the very base of the falls providing you with even more angles from which to appreciate these natural wonders - they will undoubtedly be one of the many highlights for a truly amazing honeymoon.

You will then fly to Mendoza, the capital of Argentina’s globally respected wine region. You will be staying on a bodega (vineyard), which you are free to explore both the vineyard and the wine itself. On a day of your choice the Dehouche local expert will take you around several of the best bodegas in the area, introducing you to the key people in the operations. Crucially, there will also be a driver so that you can enjoy tasting the wine of each bodega! The natural setting of Mendoza is spectacular and you can also go riding, hiking or rafting in the foothills of the nearby Andes. This is the ideal spot to end your luxury honeymoon in Argentina, although if you would like to experience more of South America Dehouche will no doubt be delighted to help.


Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.

Dehouche S.A.,

Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.

www.dehouche.com

Dehouche Travel, Dehouche, Argentina Honeymoon, Brazil Honeymoon, Honeymoon in South America, Honeymoon in Argentina, Honeymoon in Brazil, IndSEO, Dehouche – Art of Travel, Brazil Honeymoon


Find the perfect bottle to go with that steak

Buenos Aires may be known as the Paris of South America and there’s no denying the legacy of European cultural influence; however, with its first aspirations of winemaking, Argentina fell far short of the standards set by those difficult to please ‘Viticulteurs Français’. In its infancy, the emphasis of Argentine wine production was most definitely on quantity rather than quality and 100% of the consumption was domestic.

As the Argentines are almost as proud as their Parisian counterparts, the initial disgust of the French (and a large part of the rest of the world) at their winemaking attempts, must have stung a little and recent years have seen attempts to clean up their act.

Luxury travel specialists Dehouche uprooted themselves from Europe and planted themselves in Latin America some years after the first European vines, but they didn’t leave their taste for good wine at home. Dehouche are constantly searching for palatable producers, at less than ridiculous prices; quite a feat in Brazil, where Dehouche are based.

Though wine is produced in Brazil, it’s still got a way to go to really compete on the global stage and so Dehouche continue to applaud the Argentine move away from mass production towards the creation of fine wines, fit even for export. Even to Brazil.

Argentina is in fact blessed with both weather and soil conditions more favourable than that of Europe and with a shift in focus, Argentine wine production is finally starting to draw the right kind of attention.

Dehouche offer tailor made packages to Brazil and Argentina (and just about any other country in Latin America you may choose to sample), giving you the perfect opportunity to come over and make up your own mind.

A typical trip can include several days in Buenos Aires, (with full wine tasting of course) from where you can take a direct flight to Mendoza, which today the produces the vast majority of Argentina’s exported wine. In Mendoza, Dehouche can arrange accommodation inside the vineyards themselves, so that you can easily visit different wineries in the surrounding area and of course taste, taste, taste!

Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.

Dehouche S.A.,

Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.

www.dehouche.com

Dehouche Travel, Dehouche, Argentina Honeymoon, Brazil Honeymoon, Honeymoon in South America, Honeymoon in Argentina, Honeymoon in Brazil, IndSEO, Dehouche – Art of Travel, Brazil Honeymoon


The many attractions of a luxury vacation in Brazil


Dehouche, a British run travel company that specializes in getting discerning clients under the skin of South America be it a family holiday in Peru or a romantic Honeymoon in Argentina asked 500 of it’s recent clients what was the number one attraction of Brazil and found out that surprisingly it wasn’t beaches or fun loving people or natural landscapes or tourist attraction sites... it was in fact good food.

So Does this mean that Brazil doesn’t have nice beaches or that the people aren’t fun loving and that there is nothing for the tourist to see and do? Of course not in fact all these things scored in the top 5 of the list it’s just that food was seemingly most important to luxury travellers and Honeymooners and perhaps surprised as to just how fabulous the cuisine of Brazil actually is.

However let’s not dwell on the fabulous seafood, meat and fruits of Brazil and look a little closer at number 4 on the list; the ‘attractions or sights of Brazil’ as a great many were listed by Dehouche clients (now back at home and dreaming of Brazil no doubt) here are a few of the most popular -

The Baroque splendour of Minas Gerais, Dehouche steer clients away from the more touristy town of Ouro Preto and focus on smaller more off track locations particularly the villages of Congonhas and Tiradentes which are a maze of cobbled streets and wonderful Basilica’s. Both families and Honeymooners seem to love this location to experience the culture and history of a different era and all set in amongst gorgeous rolling hills great for long walks.



Christ the redeemer in Rio de Janeiro as one might expect featured very strongly in must do attractions and got a bigger thumbs up than its competitor the mighty Sugar Loaf. Dehouche clients receive a fast track entrance past the tourists waiting in the 2 hour line to get up the hill – that’s the benefit of local contacts (Dehouche are based in Rio) the view from the top is simply breathtaking.

Beaches (well they had to feature) in Brazil are plentiful and varied from studded palm backdrops to thick virgin rainforests Brazil has it all, two favourites amongst the many were Praia Lopes Mendes on Ilha Grande and Espelho in southern Baiha – the first is accessed by speedboat or helicopter direct from Rio (Dehouche organise this with a lobster BBQ thrown in) the second is reached by beach buggy from the idyllic village of Trancoso a spot favoured by Dehouche Honeymoon clients.

The sand plains of Lencois Maranhenses is a spectacular area of sand banks and blue water in the valleys a massive flood plain that is breathtaking to fly over in a light aircraft – Dehouche can organize this as part of a very adventurous tour of far flung villages and beaches in the remote North East of Brazil at one point you perform your own hotel transfer by quad bike!

Salvador the capital city of Bahia and formerly of Brazil features highly on the list, Dehouche recommends a 2-3 night stay here and a tour of the old historic centre with their guide Gabriella who knows all the secrets of this stunning and vibrant town. Think architecture, beer and samba beats...

Iguacu falls in the South of Brazil was the number one must see of the natural attractions of Brazil on the list it seems that Dehouche clients even go back on second and third trips to Brazil – it’s not any old waterfall you know, it’s the most voluminous on the planet in terms of water, oh and the most spectacular! A real hit with families and Dehouche recommend highly especially for itineraries combined with Argentina.

So yes the food of Brazil is very good but don’t spend all your time in a restaurant get out and take in the sites!



Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.

Dehouche S.A.,

Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.

www.dehouche.com

Dehouche Travel, Dehouche, Argentina Honeymoon, Brazil Honeymoon, Honeymoon in South America, Honeymoon in Argentina, Honeymoon in Brazil, IndSEO, Dehouche – Art of Travel, Brazil Honeymoon


Carioca fashion


When you first arrive in Rio, you may be a little puzzled by the wardrobe choices of the local residents. Exiting the airport you find yourself dazzled not only by the brilliant sunshine but all those bright colours. What’s wrong with the typical palette of black; grey; white; brown and (for the experimental), blue you wonder?


While Europeans may adhere to colour choices that mirror their urban background and similarly colourless skies, Brazilians adorn themselves with the colours that reflect the vibrant tropical environment they inhabit; black, is strictly for mourning. Just ask luxury travel experts Dehouche, who’ve been based in Rio for several years themselves; black is about as popular in Brazil as Argentine beef.


Needless to say, however little time you spend here, you’ll be sure to find that you too want to dress like a traffic light; but with few recognisable international brands, choosing where to buy your bright new clothes could mean precious hours wasted deliberating in the high street, when you could instead be sporting your colourful new look at ‘Posto 9’ on Ipanema beach. Take a tailor made trip to Brazil with Dehouche however and they’ll provide you a list of all the best addresses worth your valuable time not only do they provide a free concierge service offering help and advice as well as the legwork of bookings and arrangements to all their clients, Dehouche also have a personal shopper on hand to guide you to the up and coming designers studios and help negotiate the best bargains in town.


Once your eyes have adjusted to the light, you may also begin to wonder why women, who seem to take such good care of themselves in every other respect, are wearing what seems at first sight, rather shapeless t-shirts. However, once you feel the 40 degree heat on your back you may begin to understand why. European summer clothes may pass in Rio’s ‘winter’, (which lasts from July to July), but with the arrival of summer, you too will be rushing for the air conditioned shopping centres, in the hope of relief from your sweltering garments.


Though beloved of the Carioca, both as a place to do damage to their credit cards and just generally pass the time, Rio’s shopping centres are by no means the only place to find impossibly small bikinis and shapeless t-shirts. Thanks to their inside knowledge, Dehouche can tell you exactly where to find a bikini that, when you pop out for your morning run along the beach, you won’t see a thousand others wearing too – it’s very important to get these things right!



Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.


Dehouche S.A.,


Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.


www.dehouche.com


Dehouche Travel, Dehouche, Argentina Honeymoon, Brazil Honeymoon, Honeymoon in South America, Honeymoon in Argentina, Honeymoon in Brazil, IndSEO, Dehouche – Art of Travel, Brazil Honeymoon



Rio's beaches the inside track past the mayhem!

The beaches of Rio de Janeiro are where all city life takes place and the ideal place to watch the Cariocas, those charming Rio residents, at play. On a sunny day at the weekend, the sand becomes a hive of activity as girls preen and boys pose, friends reunite to recount the events of the night before, families play ‘frescobol’ and vendors weave their way in and out of the chaos, hollering the names of their wares. It may all seem a little confusing to the uninitiated: should you be donning swimwear in the local style? ; How exactly to play in those waves without losing said swimwear or being knocked down into the sand face first? ; Is it safe to eat the prawns? ; Why does everyone seem to have left their towels at home? For answers to these questions and many more, contact locally based luxury travel specialists Dehouche who have all the answers.




Dehouche have been based in Rio for the last seven years and know all too well how easy it is to fall into the trap we all want to avoid: looking like a gringo. Dehouche’s years of experience however, mean that they are well placed to help you avoid making such embarrassing mistakes as asking for a ‘cocô’ instead of ‘coco’ (beware the syllable stress!)

Book a tailor made trip to Brazil with Dehouche and they will provide you with a whole host of up to date recommendations, from where to buy your swimwear, to where to lay your ‘Canga’ (or sarong) down, to what’s actually inside the ‘Matte’ that seems to be so popular down at ‘Posto 9’ (then you decide if you still want to drink it)



However, Dehouche are by no means complacent and their research is ongoing, continually testing out new bars and restaurants and visiting the beach as often as possible, all so that they can tell you about the latest bikini styles and the local mayor’s latest beach ruling in order to instil ‘order’ in this sometimes crazy city. This is why Dehouche are the market leader when it comes to luxury tailor made family vacations and fabulous Brazil Honeymoon itineraries for the discerning traveller.



The guidebook your cousin lent you may have been published three years ago, and written by someone on a tight budget and deadline but Dehouche are in Brazil today and everyday and spend ruthlessly in the name of research! Let the expert team take care of your travel arrangements and instead of searching the streets for a restaurant which closed down six months ago and wasn’t up to much anyway, be mistaken for a local as you relax on the beach, safe in the knowledge that you have a reservation at the city’s hottest new or consistently perfect venue that night.





Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.



Dehouche S.A.,


Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.


www.dehouche.com



Dehouche Travel, Dehouche, Argentina Honeymoon, Brazil Honeymoon, Honeymoon in South America, Honeymoon in Argentina, Honeymoon in Brazil, IndSEO, Dehouche – Art of Travel, Brazil Honeymoon






Rio de Janeiro, the world's most romantic city in the world!


Those proud Parisians may claim that Paris is the most romantic city in the world and the Italians may long have insisted on being the world’s greatest lovers, offering up the undeniably charming Venice as a contender for the very same title. Nevertheless, it’s time to acknowledge that both of these cities have a new challenger to deal with: nicknamed the ‘marvellous city’, blessed with stunning natural scenery and an even more breathtaking sunset view for each day of your honeymoon, Rio de Janeiro is today the new ascendant to the throne.


Recent years have seen a surge in luxury tourism in this city; no one can have failed to notice the opening of ‘Fasano’ in 2007, today the celebrities’ choice over and above the once legendary ‘Copacabana Palace’. However, if you want to do more than scratch the surface of this city then contact locally based luxury travel specialists ‘Dehouche’ who can help you make a reservation at one of a selection of boutique hotels dotted around the city, that may be a little more off the beaten track.


Dehouche began a love affair with Rio many years ago and few visitors to the city escape being seduced by the charms of this captivating place; with year round summer weather, little need to ever wear more than a pair of ‘Havaianas’ and a t-shirt (ok maybe a pair of shorts or some swimwear too) Rio is a city where you can forget city woes. No wonder those residents of São Paulo are so jealous.


Marvel at the panoramic views from Corcovado; sigh as you watch the sunset from Pão de Açúcar whilst you enjoy another intoxicating, yet incredibly moreish, ‘Caipirinha’; stroll along the famous beachside walkway with it’s unmistakeable curvaceous black and white design, seemingly mirroring the shape of the mountains above and settle down on Arpoador rock to enjoy yet another unsurpassable sunset over the ‘Dois Irmãos’. Rio is a city to both fall in love with and fall in love in, again and again and again. Reservations and inhibitions can be left at home; public displays of affection here are as common as days of endless blue skies. Ask Dehouche to organise your tailor made honeymoon in Brazil and make a stop in what is today, the world’s most romantic city.



Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.


Dehouche S.A.,


Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.


www.dehouche.com


Dehouche Travel, Dehouche, Argentina Honeymoon, Brazil Honeymoon, Honeymoon in South America, Honeymoon in Argentina, Honeymoon in Brazil, IndSEO, Dehouche – Art of Travel, Brazil Honeymoon




Bin the guide book! - All clients have a free concierge service across South America with Dehouche


From the worldwide rendered lyrics of Samba and its smooth sister Bossa Nova, to the frenetic rhythms of Maracatú and Frevo, music has to be one of Brazil’s biggest cultural exports. If you’re planning a vacation or honeymoon in Brazil, it’s likely you’ll want to take advantage of at least one live performance during your visit to this vibrant country.



However, finding up to date listings information is not as easy as you might think, especially if like many, you don’t speak Portuguese. In a country where venues fall in and out of favour as often as the soap stars change their outfits, a guidebook just won’t cut it. There may be up to date websites and listings magazines published weekly, but as yet there is nothing which caters to the international tourist, that is to say, nothing in English.



So instead of wasting hours typing ‘querida por jovens e velhos, gente simples, moderninhos, morro e asfalto, subúrbio e zona sul’ into google translator and trying to work out which of the above you are, ask luxury travel specialists Dehouche to help you organise your holiday as they provide lucky clients travelling with them in Brazil all the up to date information on whats on in each location over the dates their around – brilliant! Whether it’s a Samba show or a Baile Funk that makes you want to put on your dancing shoes, Dehouche can tell you exactly what’s on offer for the nights you’ll be in each particular destination you choose to visit.



Dehouche are based in Brazil themselves and can tell you about their personal favourite places to hear new sounds, learn new moves and soak up the atmosphere of an altogether different culture, where dancing with abandon is by no means confined to the bedroom. That said, if you’d rather leave the samba to the sambistas and prefer to find somewhere you can grab a table and a beer and simply marvel at the innate talent of these people, Dehouche also know just the place. So if you want to spend less time trawling the internet and more time enjoying the best your chosen destination has to offer, your tailor made luxury holiday or Brazil Honeymoon with Dehouche is just a phone call away.






Let Dehouche arrange your luxury boutique hotel and enjoy a whole host of insider tips on where to truly escape from it all on your honeymoon.



Dehouche S.A.,


Leblon,
Rio de Janeiro ,
Brazil.


www.dehouche.com



Dehouche Travel, Dehouche, Argentina Honeymoon, Brazil Honeymoon, Honeymoon in South America, Honeymoon in Argentina, Honeymoon in Brazil, IndSEO, Dehouche – Art of Travel, Brazil Honeymoon