Japao Private Island
A short helicopter flight from the hip-swaying rhythms of Rio de Janeiro lies a region of Brazil where the beat shifts to a more languorous pace. It’s an area of iridescent water, where swirls of green and blue samba slowly around untouched pockets of white sand. Lush rainforests hug the steep coastline, keeping it shrouded in an air of mystery. This is Angra dos Reis — part of Brazil’s aptly named Green Coast—an archip ...
A short helicopter flight from the hip-swaying rhythms of Rio de Janeiro lies a region of Brazil where the beat shifts to a more languorous pace. It’s an area of iridescent water, where swirls of green and blue samba slowly around untouched pockets of white sand. Lush rainforests hug the steep coastline, keeping it shrouded in an air of mystery. This is Angra dos Reis — part of Brazil’s aptly named Green Coast—an archipelago of 365 islands and more than 2,000 beaches that create a haven for marine life, birds and affluent travelers seeking respite from the urban shuffle.
It’s also the carefully curated location where the team from Private Islands has unveiled the latest offering in its luxury island portfolio — a first for South America. Japao Private Island (“Japao”) is quintessentially Brazilian, yet unlike anything accessible on the mainland. Operated as an all-inclusive island escape for one group of 2-8 guests, this magnificent retreat delivers a 6.1-acre tropical playground with its own private beach, swimming pool, hot tub and 7,000 square feet of living space of jaw-dropping design.
After flying into Rio’s well-connected Galeão International Airport, you’re greeted with a VIP customs experience that whisks you through immigration without standing in line, continues to baggage collection, and ends about 20 minutes later on the tarmac for the 35-40 minute helicopter ride to Japao. Round-trip helicopter flights between Rio and Japao are included in the private island package, taking the all-inclusive concept to even greater heights. It’s also possible to extend the flight to include a sweep around Rio’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue on the peak of Corcovado mountain.
Upon arrival at Japao, you’ll find a villa that stretches from a cloak of towering coconut palms into the sun. Its master suite and king suite, each with full bath, are a marvel of gleaming Brazilian and Balinese hardwoods from floor to ceiling, with stone accent walls and furnishings. A modern kitchen and cozy, art-filled living room complement the stylish bedrooms. It’s as if the surrounding jungle reimagined itself as contemporary architecture—and the picture windows that are a feature of every room ensure that nature is on full display at all times. The indoor/outdoor Sonos sound system throughout the property sets the perfect tone. Three open floor plan sea-view bungalows, each with king bed and bathroom, are adorned in equally luxurious hardwood and stone and connect via pathways to the main house.
The villa’s large outdoor dining terrace with barbecue extends to a sizable pool with lounge-dotted sundeck, creating a communal area that is at once spacious and intimate. Daily Swedish massages are included, increasing the relaxed ambience. An ocean-view Jacuzzi and multi-level fishpond sculpted in indigenous stone elevate the outdoor spaces further. Meandering stone paths cross the island, ascending in spots to boost the already stellar views. At night, after the last reflection of violet dusk has vanished from the sea, the illuminated pool and deck take on a warm glow, creating an inviting lantern effect against the forest backdrop.
Japao’s charming sandy beach is framed in bromeliads, a scenic spot to launch the island’s paddleboards and kayaks in search of resident dolphin pods or to wade in the shallow, clear water. Local experiences and numerous waterfront restaurants are plentiful and within easy reach, thanks to an on-site speed boat and full-time captain, also included. Colorful snorkeling and scuba spots are 15-20 minutes away. Whitewater rafting, canyoing, zip lining, surfing and jungle hikes are among the many other available adventures, all less than an hour from the island. The closest mainland village, the high-end, gated community at Frade, is also a quick boat ride, and has an exceptional restaurant at the new 5-star Fasano hotel. But customizable cuisine with distinctive Brazilian flair is available daily courtesy of Japao’s caseiros, a couple that unobtrusively caters to all of your on-island desires in collaboration with the additional 4-6 support staff.
Japao grants you the keys to your own private Brazil: a sanctuary close enough to Rio for international access, but operating entirely in a world of its own.
For booking inquiries call 1 416 728 4989 or email [email protected]
Visit www.japaoprivateisland.com
A short helicopter flight from the hip-swaying rhythms of Rio de Janeiro lies a region of Brazil where the beat shifts to a more languorous pace. It’s an area of iridescent water, where swirls of green and blue samba slowly around untouched pockets of white sand. Lush rainforests hug the steep coastline, keeping it shrouded in an air of mystery. This is Angra dos Reis — part of Brazil’s aptly named Green Coast—an archipelago of 365 islands and more than 2,000 beaches that create a haven for marine life, birds and affluent travelers seeking respite from the urban shuffle.
It’s also the carefully curated location where the team from Private Islands has unveiled the latest offering in its luxury island portfolio — a first for South America. Japao Private Island (“Japao”) is quintessentially Brazilian, yet unlike anything accessible on the mainland. Operated as an all-inclusive island escape for one group of 2-8 guests, this magnificent retreat delivers a 6.1-acre tropical playground with its own private beach, swimming pool, hot tub and 7,000 square feet of living space of jaw-dropping design.
After flying into Rio’s well-connected Galeão International Airport, you’re greeted with a VIP customs experience that whisks you through immigration without standing in line, continues to baggage collection, and ends about 20 minutes later on the tarmac for the 35-40 minute helicopter ride to Japao. Round-trip helicopter flights between Rio and Japao are included in the private island package, taking the all-inclusive concept to even greater heights. It’s also possible to extend the flight to include a sweep around Rio’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue on the peak of Corcovado mountain.
Upon arrival at Japao, you’ll find a villa that stretches from a cloak of towering coconut palms into the sun. Its master suite and king suite, each with full bath, are a marvel of gleaming Brazilian and Balinese hardwoods from floor to ceiling, with stone accent walls and furnishings. A modern kitchen and cozy, art-filled living room complement the stylish bedrooms. It’s as if the surrounding jungle reimagined itself as contemporary architecture—and the picture windows that are a feature of every room ensure that nature is on full display at all times. The indoor/outdoor Sonos sound system throughout the property sets the perfect tone. Three open floor plan sea-view bungalows, each with king bed and bathroom, are adorned in equally luxurious hardwood and stone and connect via pathways to the main house.
The villa’s large outdoor dining terrace with barbecue extends to a sizable pool with lounge-dotted sundeck, creating a communal area that is at once spacious and intimate. Daily Swedish massages are included, increasing the relaxed ambience. An ocean-view Jacuzzi and multi-level fishpond sculpted in indigenous stone elevate the outdoor spaces further. Meandering stone paths cross the island, ascending in spots to boost the already stellar views. At night, after the last reflection of violet dusk has vanished from the sea, the illuminated pool and deck take on a warm glow, creating an inviting lantern effect against the forest backdrop.
Japao’s charming sandy beach is framed in bromeliads, a scenic spot to launch the island’s paddleboards and kayaks in search of resident dolphin pods or to wade in the shallow, clear water. Local experiences and numerous waterfront restaurants are plentiful and within easy reach, thanks to an on-site speed boat and full-time captain, also included. Colorful snorkeling and scuba spots are 15-20 minutes away. Whitewater rafting, canyoing, zip lining, surfing and jungle hikes are among the many other available adventures, all less than an hour from the island. The closest mainland village, the high-end, gated community at Frade, is also a quick boat ride, and has an exceptional restaurant at the new 5-star Fasano hotel. But customizable cuisine with distinctive Brazilian flair is available daily courtesy of Japao’s caseiros, a couple that unobtrusively caters to all of your on-island desires in collaboration with the additional 4-6 support staff.
Japao grants you the keys to your own private Brazil: a sanctuary close enough to Rio for international access, but operating entirely in a world of its own.
For booking inquiries call 1 416 728 4989 or email [email protected]
Visit www.japaoprivateisland.com
