Vinacea

Named for the Vinacea parrot which is native to this Mata Atlantica sub-tropical temperate region of São Paulo state, Brazil, adjacent to Lymington Foundation ecological preserve, site of international ecological studies and projects. Vinacea is an entire house available, surrounded by protected environment, with capacity to host up to four guests. It is part of a complex of three available houses, neighboring the Lymington Foundation, offering flexibility to host up to 12 guests. The other two houses are listed at Air bnb under "Chalet" in Juquitiba, and later in 2016 under "João de Barro" in Juquitiba. This complex faces a lake and river system, the culmination of three valleys. For longer stays and/or larger groups, Vinacea shares common areas with laundry facilities, covered gazebo with barbecue and brick pizza oven and porch with abundant seating areas and hammock hooks. The distance between the houses are close enough for easy access of common areas but far enough for guests preferring independence and privacy. Property is gated, which offers privacy and control of access to projects and research area associated with the foundation. Access will be coordinated once guest estimated time of arrival is established. Located one hour from São Paulo as the crow flies. However roads and traffic common to this city mean transit time of 2 hours or more. If traveling directly from international locations and landing at Guarulhos International Airport, a rental car is advisable and have some local currency for toll roads. The last 6km (20 minutes) to the property is dirt road. Vinacea, located within an ecological preserve, is part of an active projects and research area and farm. Depending on season, projects and work cycle, there may be guests in the adjacent houses associated with researchers, academics, passing through on their way to other parts of Brazil. Therefore Vinacea is offered primarily for autonomous and independent stays including meals, entertainment, logistics and medical support, but the groups mentioned above are always great people and enjoyable interaction and a civilized cocktail hour at sunset may be available depending on calendar, at guests discretion. This area of Brazil is unique for two primary reasons: it is the one of the last and the largest contiguous piece of Atlantic coastal cloud rainforest remaining and thus serves as primary watershed for São Paulo. The second characteristic is this watersheds' proximity to the third largest and very cosmopolitan and business-active cities in the world. The contrasts of these two environments is valued by travelers visiting Sâo Paulo. Juquitiba 30-35 minutes away is the nearest town with supermarkets, pharmacy, dentist, and service stations on the way. One hour toward São Paulo is the historical colonial town of Embu das Artes notable for arts, crafts, authentic indigenous crafts from the Amazon and Mato Grosso and minerals/semi-precious stones from Minas Gerais. Embu also has excellent restaurants and even a biergarten from local german tradition. Cell phone coverage is weak or unavailable in certain areas. Internet service not available except through own provision (mifi).