DEHOUCHE- The premiere Latin American tour crafters

Whether you’re a Latin American first-timer or looking for the holiday of a lifetime, Latin American travel specialists Dehouche have it covered. With offices in Rio and Buenos Aires, Dehouche is the ultimate travel service that can create any trip you dream of, from kayaking down the Amazon to swooping across Antarctica by light aircraft. Being based on the ground allows them to create tailor-made trips studded with a unique selection of Insider Experiences, from impromptu champagne breakfasts overlooking Christ, to polo lessons from an ex-Argentine champion and jamming sessions with a Brazilian Bossa Nova legend. Having spent years scouring Latin America for the coolest off-the-beaten track boutique hotels and hidden beaches, they have established an extensive web of local experts and eccentrics who will open your eyes to the beating heart of the culture. Testament to their passion and unparalleled customer service, Dehouche won both Best South American Tour Operator and Best Small Tour Operator at this year’s prestigious British Travel Awards and Dehouche's founder Paul Irvine has been selected as a Conde Nast Specialist for Brazil for 3 years running. The go to for ‘those-in-the-know’ for their in-depth insider knowledge, slick service and VIP treatment, Dehouche have the Latin America experience wrapped up.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book a tailor-made trip and Dehouche will provide you with a complimentary Insider Experience, from helicopter rides over Sugarloaf mountain in Brazil to private cooking lesson with a famous Peruvian chef. For more details contact Dehouche at info@dehouche.com or visit their website www.dehouche.com and, as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

ILHA DE TOQUE TOQUE BOUTIQUE HOTEL- Brazil
Toque Toque (or Tap Tap, depending on where you’re from) is about as far away from the hectic yet beautiful chaos of any Brazilian metropolis. It’s a tiny haven in the middle of lush, relatively uninhabited nature reserves, serving as home to this spirited boutique hotel so remote that you’d find it hard to believe Sao Paulo is a mere 3 hours away. 10 rooms in the middle of 17,500 square meters of landscape fits quite comfortably as you’d well imagine. And here, you’ll find dirt roads, not paved- the artesenal work of caiçaras fishermen, not commercial boats nor yachts trawling the shoreline...and total, complete privacy in an ultra-romantic setting.

Couples will dig the startling views, the private hot tubs designed for deliciously sublime baths, the seclusion of it all. Eco-friendly travelers will dig the owners’ commitment to the Earth- no trees were harmed in the construction of this hotel, water here is collected from a waterfall, and the only energy here is solar powered. There’s even a nutritionist and spa therapist on property to help restore your balance. http://www.ilhadetoquetoque.com.br/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- 15% off of the Honeymoon Package including 3 nights in an Essencial Suite with private Jacuzzi, daily breakfast, 1 romantic candlelight dinner, one hour-long massage per person and totally romantic decorations and goodies en suite upon arrival, plus complimentary Natura sunblock for those days in the Brazilian sun. Valid for travel June through September, 2010, rates starting at US $699* . Click HERE for more info and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

*Photo by www.hiddenpousadasbrazil.com

A TREE GROWS IN SAO PAULO

As if the chaotic pace, hectic traffic, imposing buildings, cacophonous echos of horns and frenetic streewalkers weren't enough to boggle your mind, we've got another that will leave you quite curiously intrigued...a gigantic fig tree in the middle of a restaurant. Yes, that's right- this famous plant is over 130 years old, is impeccably manicured, and grows right up through through the skylight windows of this hip, swish eatery which is a scene you'd never expect to see in the middle of Sao Paulo. A Figueira Rubayat is favorite of local chic Paulistas who want to be seen, and a fab choice for some authentic Brazilian fare. Their specialty of the house is the feijoada, a heavy bean and beef stew which is a local favorite, and their massive woodburning oven set within a modern glass-walled kitchen makes good work of some of the local meats that are out of this world. Save room to sample the the dessert buffet that stretches across about 25 feet of beautifully carved wooden tables too. Despite it's modern sleek chic aura, the food is tremendously good, the wine list is extensive, and it's one of the best spots in the city for some great people-watching! Rua Haddock Lobo 1738, Sao Paulo
Subscribe our online luxury travel guide and find the Exclusive Hotel and restaurant, theExplorateur recommends the Figueira Rubaiyat Restaurant to enjoy your days in Brazil