Serendipity at Ibiti: when chance transforms experience
Serendipity: “Allow luck to manifest itself” By Joaquim Monteiro* In an increasingly predictable life, where apps anticipate traffic, the weather, love, fashion... Ibiti Projeto teaches us that analog life is more fascinating than digital life. Here I've learned that ”chance” pulses strongly and how important it is to leave free time in the schedule to simply allow luck to manifest itself. There is an English word that sums up the ”ability to find pleasures by chance“: Serendipity. It's, for example, allowing yourself to walk along a trail and coming across a fascinating waterfall. It's getting lost on a bike and discovering a fantastic route. It's having a coffee at Gaia and, at the next table, finding guests with so many points in common. In other words, it's that unexpected discovery thanks to wit and attention to detail. It's the ability, or art, of accidentally noticing and taking advantage of happy discoveries. It's that unexpected encounter with people, ideas or moments of pure beauty. The SP-Ibiti flight, for example, is not just an air bridge between the Stone Jungle and Paradise: it's a connection with opportunities to experience innovation and sustainability first-hand. Each landing is a spontaneous invitation to discovery, allowing small coincidences to generate great learning, both for the visitor and for the project itself. Allowing yourself to experience the unexpected is a gesture of affection for yourself. It's about trusting and making tangible what life has in store for you. So, as only nice people come here, rest assured that nature has reserved something valuable for you. The most profound discoveries are often found in the unexpected. That's why I strongly believe that staying at Remote or doing programs like Travessia are an invitation to well-being or a path to positive surprise. I recently met Mrs. Nair on a ride to Lima Duarte. Think of a pleasant conversation. I was struck by the genuineness and sincere hospitality of this resident. Nair's accent should be registered as an intangible heritage of Mogol. It's practically a dialect that deserves to be heard. This all happened by chance, and today I think that talking to Mrs. Nair is undoubtedly a great program for anyone visiting the Village in search of authenticity. She has a sensitivity that would make any happiness expert jealous. In other words, providing free time while in Ibiti is a necessary activity for true encounters to happen and become a memorable moment of the trip. The word serendipity - created in 1754 by the English writer Horace Walpole, inspired by the Persian tale The Three Princes of Serendip - is celebrated in the world of creativity and innovation, valued for its ability to turn the unexpected into an opportunity. In popular competitions in the UK, serendipity was voted one of the public's favorite words, reinforcing its symbolism of happy and unexpected encounters, of insights that arise when least expected. At Ibiti, serendipity seems to spring from the earth. That's why it's worth being open to perceiving, valuing and making the most of the unexpected. It is in this combination of coincidences, conscious choices and chance encounters that ideas flourish, partnerships are formed and the project grows. Every gesture and every presence carries the potential for something extraordinary. And it is in this continuous flow of discoveries that Ibiti reveals its magic, always ready to surprise. *Joaquim Monteiro is a partner at Sertões and an advisor to Ibiti Projeto.
Ibiti Journal: What's new in the mountains this spring | summer 2025/2026
The Ibiti Journal is getting another edition, made to be enjoyed preferably next to a good cup of coffee, in a hammock or in the middle of nature. The big news this time is that Ibiti Journal No. 4 is also printed in English, in addition to the Portuguese version, guaranteeing the complete experience for foreigners visiting Ibiti and for those accompanying us from other continents. Large-scale regeneration Among the highlights of this issue is the full article on what Bioflore researchers have found through satellite monitoring: Ibiti has already regenerated more than a thousand hectares of native forest. The study, commissioned by Ibiti, proves, in data and images, what the eyes of the community already saw: where there used to be pasture, there is now forest and a new model of a possible future. International voices English traveler Henry Cookson answered our questions from the other side of the world, explaining why he wants to build a house in Ibiti. World-renowned scientist Marcelo Gleiser talks about spirituality and nature over breakfast at Yucca, after spending five days immersed in the project with his family. Local voices Directly from Mogol, Dona Nair enchants those who stop to listen to her stories with a unique accent that won over Joaquim Monteiro, a member of the Ibiti Council and author of the article on Serendipity Curious? Open the Journal at the link below to read it! We also visited some of the families who left the Engenho to find out how they live today, and had a good time reminiscing with Seu Benjamin, Seu Artur, Darinho and Celeste! From the Engenho's kitchen, Dona Odette reveals some of her secrets for preparing the traditional canjiquinha. Juninho, a guide and photographer, tells his stories about learning English in the United States. Natural art: banana mandalas And to top it all off, this issue is illustrated with banana mandalas. Have you ever heard of them? The idea came about during an unexpected meeting in the Ibiti Village cafeteria. The intention was to have mandalas made by the Life School children illustrating the newspaper, and the project came to life when the couple Isabela and Luiz Adolpho, parents of little Elis, got together to create the banana tree mandala workshop.Go and see how it's done, we'll teach you too. And that's it: lots of meditation on the mantras of Minas Gerais: ommmmmmm uaaaaaai sôôôôôô... Read the Ibiti Journal #4 Portuguese Version (PDF) English Version (PDF) Read the other editions in Portuguese and English News from the mountains: Read the Ibiti Journal - Autumn | Winter 2025 Ibiti Journal 2: What's new for spring/summer 2024 Ibiti Journal: Discover the first edition of the Ibiti Projeto newspaper
News from the mountains: Read the Ibiti Journal - Fall | Winter 2025
The third edition of Ibiti Journal comes with inspiring stories and content that connects nature, regeneration and culture. Produced in black and white and printed in standard format, Ibiti Journal values the essential and invites you to recover the habit of reading a newspaper calmly. In times of visual overload, we have invested in clarity, the written word and the power of stories that connect. The proposal is to transmit content without excess - but always with depth and inspiration. The cover story, the Travessia program, is an invitation to explore paths, overcome challenges and immerse yourself in the essence of Ibiti. See the highlights of this issue: Travessia - A journey that transformsThe main story presents Travessia, an immersive experience that covers around 100km of trails through Ibiti Projeto. For six days, visitors experience three different accommodation concepts and cross landscapes of forest, lakes and waterfalls, on a journey that transforms both body and soul. The regenerative taste of Café GaiaMeet the 100% Arabica coffee grown with respect for the soil and biodiversity, an experience that goes beyond the palate. Regenerative tourism on the agendaClaudia Baumgratz, from Engenho Lodge, shares her vision of the challenges and purposes of tourism that not only preserves, but regenerates. Deep rootsSeu Nilo presents the jequitibá he planted in the village, a symbol of the longevity Ibiti seeks to build. Biodiversity and rewildingMeet Bambu, the tapir cub that enchants visitors, and understand the impact of rewilding on Ibiti's ecosystem, in an exclusive article by UFV professor Fabiano R. Melo. Zero Waste: an invitation to reflectRethinking habits and reducing waste is one of the challenges of our time. How can we consume and dispose of waste more consciously? Flavors of IbitiLucinha, who takes over the kitchen on the night shift at Engenho Lodge, shares the recipe for the classic broinha de angu, a delicacy at afternoon coffee in Minas Gerais. Stories, curiosities and inspirationDiscover the origin of the name Mogol, learn the secrets of Areião and check out a special selection of books and films that relate to the Ibiti lifestyle. The digital version of Ibiti Journal | Autumn-Winter 2025 is now available to read and has links to other information. Ibiti Journal Fall | Winter 2025 - Portuguese Ibiti Journal Fall | Winter 2025 - English Happy reading! Read also: First edition - Ibiti Journal Fall/Winter 2024 - Portuguese Second edition - Ibiti Journal Spring/Summer 2024 - Portuguese and English
Ibiti Journal 2: What's new for spring/summer 2024
Leafing through the pages of a newspaper brings back the pleasure of quiet, reflective reading, far removed from the rush of the digital world. In times of obsolescence and immediacy, Ibiti Journal 2 delivers stories and messages that stand the test of time, bringing deep and inspiring content to celebrate spring and summer 2024. In this issue, you'll discover:🌼 The freshness of edible flowers in a surprising recipe and the vibrant beauty of the yellow ipê, symbol of the season.🌱 The story of Carlinhos Repetto, the "seed man" who started Ibiti Projeto.📚 Tips on books and films connected to the preservation of the planet and the values of love and freedom that inspire Ibiti.🚴♂️ The therapeutic benefits of cycling in an exclusive chat with Doc from @Psycle.🎤 A chat with Felipe Anghinoni (@souofil) about the regenerative values of Burning Man and how to apply them to events like Ibiti. Also discover the innovative education projects, biodiversity and other initiatives that make Ibiti a unique and transformative territory. 📖 Read Ibiti Journal 2 and immerse yourself in stories that connect people, nature and inspiration. Download the PDF and enjoy reading! Available in Portuguese and English Reservation Center: (32) 98449-2200
Ibiti Journal: Discover the first edition of the Ibiti Projeto newspaper
Ibiti Projeto innovates once again and presents Ibiti Journal, a printed newspaper that brings back the classic format and the pleasure of leafing through pages filled with inspiring stories. The first edition, Fall/Winter 2024, marks the arrival of a new season and brings rich content that connects sustainability, culture and experiences in the mountains. 📰 What You'll Find in the Ibiti JournalWith eight pages in black and white, the newspaper presents: 📖 A Newspaper That Stands the Test of TimeThe Ibiti Journal is more than a newsletter - it's a celebration of the connection between nature, culture and sustainability, with a retro look that delights readers. The ads for Ibiti's developments complete the experience, bringing charm and nostalgia. 🗞️ Download the Full Edition PDFTo access the digital version, click here and discover how Ibiti Projeto is transforming lives, preserving biodiversity and inspiring change. Happy reading! 🌱