Conheça o viajante inglês que quer comprar uma casa no Ibiti
Henry Cookson já acampou com um grupo de turistas dentro de um vulcão nas Ilhas Galápagos, rodeado de tartarugas gigantes pré-históricas. Já caminhou até o Polo da Inacessibilidade da Antártica, onde, a 90 graus abaixo de zero, encarou face a face o lendário busto de Lênin. Cortou a Groenlândia de Sul a Norte em pranchas de snowkite. Levou o Príncipe Harry e um grupo de veteranos de guerra ao Polo Norte geográfico na expedição “Walking with the Wounded”. Foi pioneiro a levar turistas em um superiate e em submarinos à Antártica. Levou gente a escalar as alturas do Kilimanjaro e do Aconcágua. Mas foi na Serra do Ibitipoca que o viajante inglês decidiu construir sua primeira casa do zero. “Eu não fazia ideia da magia que nos esperava”, admite o explorador britânico, fundador da Cookson Adventures, empresa especializada em turismo em áreas remotas ou de condições extremas. Ele conheceu o Ibiti em julho de 2023, quando esteve no Rio de Janeiro para um casamento. “Eu nem era convidado, um amigo que me chamou para vir, e eu disse ‘por que não?’. Não podia imaginar a mudança que aquilo causaria na minha vida.” Os amigos de Cookson haviam programado uma estadia de duas noites em um “lugar no campo”. E esse lugar era o Ibiti. “Em questão de horas eu já me sentia em casa. Algo ali me fez querer pertencer àquele lugar.” Embora tenha estado em localidades vistas de perto por poucos olhos humanos, de ter excursionado pelas mais paradisíacas e desafiadoras paisagens da Terra, Henry Cookson não havia ainda encontrado esse local de pertencimento. Há muito tempo ele procurava um lugar onde sentisse que “pertencia”, que fosse único, autêntico, dotado de natureza, senso de comunidade e integridade. Segundo Cookson, embora existam lugares no mundo “mais bonitos e com mais vida selvagem e cachoeiras maiores”, é tudo uma questão de equilíbrio. E nessa balança, pesou ainda a favor do Ibiti a existência de uma comunidade liderada pelo “visionário Renato (Machado), que reuniu pessoas apaixonadas”. Mais que um “gringo empolgado” Henry Cookson se apaixonou à primeira vista pelo Ibiti, esse “pequeno paraíso”, nas suas palavras. “Eu falei das minhas intenções com o Renato em minha primeira visita, mas ele deve ter pensado, ‘ah, é só um gringo que está empolgado’. Só que uma semana depois eu já estava no telefone com ele, que me convidou a voltar. Depois disso, em dois anos eu já vim umas oito ou nove vezes.” Em suas estadias no Ibiti, Cookson fica dez dias, duas, três semanas, mas “nunca é o suficiente”. Por isso ele decidiu construir uma casa. “O Ibiti é uma combinação de arte, da filosofia por trás de tudo isso, de natureza, de trazer a vida de volta e das pessoas maravilhosas que trabalham lá e são uma verdadeira comunidade. É um modelo de como a sociedade realmente deveria ser.” Convidado a fazer parte da família do Ibiti, o aventureiro foi encorajado a encontrar um local que parecesse certo para ele. Cookson passou muitos dias e horas explorando a paisagem, se perdendo e encontrando “becos sem saída”. Ele quer construir a casa não apenas para si, mas para receber amigos e “pessoas interessantes” do mundo todo, para que possam compartilhar a visão e a filosofia do Ibiti. Ele acredita que esse modo de vida é “essencial para o futuro de quem somos como espécie”. Cookson não tem pressa. Quer apenas ter certeza de que fará a coisa certa. “Quando descrevo o Ibiti aos amigos, digo que é a Goldilocks Zone da vida: um termo que cientistas usam para planetas encontrados no universo que são ideais para sustentar a vida. O Ibiti não é chique demais, não é hippie demais, é simplesmente o ponto perfeito em tantos aspectos: as pessoas, a arte, a natureza. Não é selvagem a ponto de ser desconfortável para se adaptar, nem remoto demais para se sentir isolado da chamada civilização, mas, ainda assim, você se sente em uma bolha protegida do caos do resto do mundo. As pessoas lá também são maravilhosas, tão gentis e prestativas, uma verdadeira comunidade de almas unidas em uma visão de como devemos tratar uns aos outros, de como devemos largar nossos celulares e nos reconectar com nós mesmos e com a natureza. Do ‘countryside’ britânico à Antárctica A ligação de Henry Cookson com a natureza nasceu na infância, em Wiltshire, na zona rural da Inglaterra. “Eu e meus amigos construíamos casas nas árvores e saltávamos sobre os arbustos”, recorda o explorador. Adolescente, viajou ao Quênia e conviveu com tribos locais e animais do Planalto de Laikipia, uma experiência que acendeu sua conexão com o mundo natural. Depois do colégio, trabalhou como guia em um safári na Reserva de Masai Mara, experiência que plantou a semente da aventura e o fez perceber que a vida podia ser muito mais do que um escritório. Mesmo assim, seguiu o caminho convencional: estudou, entrou para a Goldman Sachs e odiou cada minuto. “Depois de três anos, pedi demissão decidido a seguir meu sonho”, conta. O destino mudou em uma noite regada a uísque, quando, por impulso, se inscreveu em uma corrida de esqui até o Polo Norte magnético. Contra todas as probabilidades, venceu, e o feito o levou à Antártica, onde, em 2007, alcançou o Polo de Inacessibilidade e entrou para o Guinness Book. A partir daí, dedicou-se a explorar e guiar outros aventureiros pelo mundo. O sucesso o levou a fundar a Cookson Adventures Dívida com a Terra Muitos dos clientes de Cookson são famílias que saem em períodos sabáticos pelo mundo, como uma que navegou em um iate de 60 metros ao longo de cinco anos após vender seu negócio. “Nós sempre tentamos linkar a questão da conservação e dar um retorno através das nossas jornadas. Somos privilegiados de ter pessoas muito poderosas, ricas e influentes entre nossos clientes, e tentamos educá-las em relação à fragilidade e à importância de nutrir e cuidar do nosso planeta e dos seres humanos.” Nesse compromisso com o
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.
Discover Ibiti and experience nature like you've never imagined
On the edge of the Ibitipoca State Park in Minas Gerais, there is a place that is not just a destination for regenerative tourism with luxury accommodation. Ibiti is a 6,000-hectare socio-environmental project that brings together the regeneration of the Atlantic Forest, exclusive sensory experiences, art, science and its own way of living and celebrating, in the time of nature. Here, former grazing areas have given way to living forests. And each experience stems from the same question: how can we live better, with less impact and more meaning? Art that touches the sky High up in the mountains, monumental sculptures created for the Burning Man Festival in California come to life in dialog with the landscape of Minas Gerais. The setting is ideal for sky watching, intimate programs such as meditation and sound healing, bike or horseback riding, picnics with groups of friends and family or even celebrating a special date in total privacy. Gastronomy from the land With more than 100 varieties of organic food grown by Ibiti Gaia within its own territory, Ibiti practices the concept of garden to table on a daily basis. What arrives on the plate is born there, respecting the soil, the weather and those who produce it. Music in the village At dusk, a 19th century piano echoes in the Gaia Café, in a small mining village called Mogol. There's no rush. No excess. Just music, scenery and the rare feeling that time has stopped so you can listen. Muriquis: science, courage and hope Ibiti is home to one of the most important projects in the world for the conservation of muriquis, the largest primates in the Americas and critically endangered. This is an unprecedented effort that combines science, cutting-edge research, care and long-term commitment. Personalized programs that connect to your essence From the first rays of the sun to nightfall, Ibiti invites you to experience nature at every pace in itineraries developed exclusively for you and whoever else is by your side: bike rides along trails, waterfall baths, special therapies in the spas, with heated pools, outdoor baths, art scattered across the landscape and viewpoints for sunrise and sunset, as well as stargazing. There is also a school, oca, orchard, nursery, café, restaurant, cinema, freshwater beach, lake and much more. Families, children, couples, singles... Everyone is very welcome to visit this “portal of possibilities”. Ibiti has hosted the Sertões MTB Ibitipoca for five consecutive years. It is also home to Muriqui Sounds - a music, art and gastronomy event at the Statues, which is going to its fifth edition in 2026. The Ibiti way of being We often say that Ibiti is almost a country, with its own way of being, thinking and speaking. Here, Portuguese and English mix with an accent full of mineirice. Classical philosophy coexists with community knowledge. Entrepreneurship goes hand in hand with local traditions. At Ibiti, you learn from the past, celebrate the present and reimagine the future. Sleeping is also an experience The types of accommodation reflect different ways of relating to Ibiti Engenho Lodge - an elegant farmhouseVillage - comfortable houses integrated into the village and local lifeRemote - quiet refuges in total connection with natureOca - built by indigenous people from the Xingu, it welcomes groupsGlamping - comfort under a starry sky Worldwide recognition Ibiti shows that it is possible to unite excellence, comfort, culture and real positive impact Sistema B - since 2017 Robb Report 2023 - among the 50 best hotels in the world Condé Nast Johansens 2024/2025/2026 - Excellence in sustainability The Long Run - tourism with purposeWhere it is On the edge of Ibitipoca State ParkLima Duarte - MGHow to get there - Exclusive SP-Ibiti flights on Ibiti's private landing strip Projetoflyflapper.com- Exclusive helipads- By car: access via the LMG-871 highway Find out more ibiti.com @ibitiprojeto @ibiti.village @ibitiengenho Reservations (32) 98449-2200 (32) 99984-7626 IBITI A place to feel and leave different
Casa Einstein: stay in Ibiti and watch the sky sleep with you
There are places that seem suspended between time and space. High up in the mountains in Vila Mogol, part of the Ibiti Village concept, Casa Einstein (or Glass House, as it is also known) is one of those places where nature is not just around, but everywhere. The sunrise comes through the glass walls, the moon rises on the horizon in front of the bed, and the wind crosses the deck as if it were part of the architecture. Modern, minimalist and transparent, the Einstein House invites you to an essential kind of experience: to look outwards and, at the same time, inwards. A tribute to curiosity and creation Named after Albert Einstein, the house celebrates the physicist's free, creative and contemplative thinking. Its transparency is also philosophical. Every detail seems to spark thought. A space where the privilege is to watch the sky sleep with you. Residence in Alto Mogol With 170 m² of fluid, integrated space, the house accommodates up to two people with total privacy and 360º views of nature. The bedroom opens onto the forest and the Victorian bathtub facing the green invites you to immerse yourself in nature. Outside, a trunk-shaped shower massages the body with just the right amount of pressure: a real ritual. The hollow iron spiral staircase is another decorative element on the façade of the house, leading to the green rooftop, designed to contemplate the sun and the moon, the sky and the stars. And time seems to expand. A call to contemplation, to observe the slow movement from dawn to dusk. Eco-conscious comfort Casa Einstein combines privacy, design and purpose. Ideal for couples, it welcomes both those looking for a regenerative weekend and those who want a creative season, between the inspiration of the landscape and the comfort of a cozy home. The project translates Ibiti's minimalist spirit into pure lines and design pieces in contrast with exclusive ones made in the project's own joinery. The entire sustainable structure involves responsibly managed wood, solar energy and ecological sewage treatment. Automated curtains and intelligent lighting balance technology and simplicity. The space is also equipped with a king size bed, functional kitchen (fridge, coffee maker, water purifier), bathrobes, ecological amenities, towel warmer and Wi-Fi. Casa Einstein - Ibiti Village, Vila Mogol 170 m² | 2 people | 1 suiteRooftop with moonrise and sunrise viewsOutdoor shower Daily rate includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Yucca restaurant in Ibiti Village, as well as morning yoga classes Book this experience! Reservations Center: (32) 98449-2200
The Long Run: Ibiti hosts global meeting on regeneration
Development and nature go hand in hand. This is the motto of the Annual Members Meeting 2025 of The Long Run network, which will take place from October 26 to 30, 2025 at Ibiti Projeto, in Minas Gerais, bringing together some of the most committed destinations on the planet with conservation, culture, community and conscious commerce: the 4Cs that guide the network's philosophy. Founded under the umbrella of the Zeitz Foundation, The Long Run connects and supports enterprises that act as guardians of ecosystems and agents of social transformation. Today, the network protects millions of hectares of natural areas around the world and influences policies, practices and investments aimed at positive impact tourism. The central theme of this year's meeting is “Resilient Commerce for Lasting Impact Across the 4Cs”. For five days, Ibiti will be the setting for panels, immersions and experiences that unite business and nature, exploring themes such as “Entrepreneurship and inclusion as drivers of regeneration”, “Connecting landscapes and leaders for systemic change”, and “Ethics, integrity and the future of conservation”. Participants Among the names confirmed are Stephan Bruckner (Wolwedans, Namibia), Roberto Klabin (Caiman Pantanal, Brazil), Thais Corral (Sinal do Vale, Brazil), Michael Dyer (Borana Lodge, Kenya), Philippa Roe (Six Senses Laamu, Maldives) and Wouter Jordaan (Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa), as well as representatives of biological reserves, private islands and regenerative initiatives from Latin America, Africa and Asia. The meeting's experiences include sunrise yoga, trails through Ibiti's waterfalls and forests, visits to Vila de Mogol, meetings with local entrepreneurs and a special stop at Casa dos Muriquis, where biologist Fabiano de Melo presents the pioneering assisted reproduction project for the largest primate in the Americas. The “Beyond the Obvious” panel will feature Claudia Baumgratz (Ibiti Engenho Lodge), Joaquim Monteiro (Sertões MTB) and Alex Soderberg (Ibiti Vegan), discussing how Ibiti extends its mission of regeneration through events and experiences that inspire different audiences. On the right track “Hosting The Long Run meeting at Ibiti is confirmation that we are on the right track. We share with this community the belief that regenerating is a verb that is conjugated with actions, and that tourism can be a powerful force for transformation.” “Regenerative destinations lead by example, showing that tourism can be a force for good. Our members are not afraid to ask tough questions, talk about failures, share lessons learned and build on them, because real progress requires honesty and courage. After all, the value we offer guests lies in the uniqueness of our landscapes and the authenticity of our connections, which makes us natural guardians of ecosystems, cultures and the communities that protect them.” Regarding the future and the impact of the event, Johanna Barba says: “We hope that participants will leave Ibiti inspired by both the place and the people. The program has been designed to reflect Ibiti's bold spirit, its creativity in building community, its deep respect for nature and its celebration of culture in all its forms. These days are designed to spark new ideas and challenge us to think differently about regeneration in practice. But more than that, we hope everyone leaves with a renewed sense of connection to each other and to the shared mission we have as members of The Long Run. What makes this community special is its authenticity: a space for honest exchanges, without ego or pretension, where we can reconnect, recharge our energies and strengthen our collective capacity to create positive change.” The closing speech will be given by Hugo Cambraia, CEO of Ibiti Projeto, presenting the Ibiti Regenera program, a long-term initiative that symbolizes the project's commitment to the next 2,000 years of regeneration. The meeting of The Long Run in Ibiti represents the convergence of a community that collectively dreams, works and plans for the future.
