FEATURE EVENT samba magic Enjoy the holiday of a lifetime in Brazil at the 2014 FIFA World Cup with our guide to the top VIP travel packages By Damon Syson
The entire globe is poised to go football mad this summer as the World Cup returns to its spiritual home, Brazil where, from 12 June to 13 July, a total of 64 matches will be played in 12 cities. Few nations embrace football with quite the same passion as Brazil, and as a holiday destination it also has plenty to offer well-heeled travellers, but if it s a luxury experience you re after, it might be prudent to opt for one of the VIP packages on offer from travel companies. Journey Latin America, for example, has a 15-day Highlights of Brazil Special Football World Cup 2014 tour that visits Rio de Janeiro, Iguazú Falls and Salvador with some relaxing beach time at Praia do Forte built into the itinerary. The trip coincides with World Cup matches in Manaus, where England take on Italy, and the Salvador da Bahia area. Cover: ipanema football (black tomato). ABOVE left: Iguazú Falls. above: SALVADOR de BAHIA (JOURNEY LATIN AMERICA)
The company also offers a similar tour that cuts out Rio, allowing you time to explore the northeast coast, where some of the country s best beaches are located. This tour coincides with games in Salvador, Recife and Natal. For a more exclusive travel experience, Dehouche is on hand with all manner of VVIP arrangements for its clients. To give you an example of the kind of all-round gorgeousness you can expect from this award-winning operator, feast your eyes on the spectacular Rio de Janeiro property Dehouche is renting for the month of the World Cup. Fully serviced, with a staff of three, it s one of the city s most luxurious penthouses, boasting a wraparound terrace with views of Rio s most stunning sites: Christ the Redeemer, the Dois Irmãos mountains and the entire stretch of Ipanema and Leblon beaches. And if you tire of drinking in the view, ABOVE: rio penthouse (dehouche), ipanema (blue parallel)
Dehouche s 24-hour concierge offers activities ranging from kite surfing lessons to helicopter flights to art tours with a prominent Rio artist. While football may be the prime focus of your trip, even the most die-hard fans might want a break from the beautiful game, in which case it s well worth checking out what s on offer from Blue Parallel, highly respected providers of offthe-beaten-path Brazil experiences. Whether it s
swimming with dolphins in Fernando de Noronha, a volcanic archipelago off the northeast coast boasting amazing beaches, or exploring the Amazon on a luxurious cruise ship or private charter, Blue Parallel can tailor-make the experience according to your individual requirements. If you plan to focus your stay on Rio de Janeiro, take a look at luxury travel company Black Tomato s impressive VIP offering, which includes seven nights at Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro, in a three-bedroom ocean view suite, along with VIP match tickets including hospitality in the ultraexclusive Bossa Nova lounge. Added to this you ll have a private host and a car at your disposal, plus a range of tours and excursions available including a private plane and yacht charter if you fancy a day s sailing in beautiful Paraty Bay. The package also includes bespoke options like personal shopping in Rio s best stores, customised sightseeing tours, cookery courses, tables in the city s best restaurants and of course plenty of Samba dancing. Should you so desire, Black previous page: statue of christ the redeemer (dehouche) ABOVE: HOTEL FASANO Rio De Janeiro (BLACK TOMATO) Tomato can also organise professional security throughout your stay. The one thing they can t arrange, sadly, is for the England team to win. journeylatinamerica.co.uk dehouche.com blueparallel.com blacktomato.com