Ilha Grande is just off the coast of Rio de Janeiro and is often called Rio's other wonder ( the others being Christ the Redeemer and the habour). It is almost untouched by the modern world, it has one large town (which is barely more than 2 roads and a few roads connecting those roads) and electricity and internet rivalling the internet we had in the UK in the 90s. There's no cars, no banks and most definitely not a starbucks or ATM in sight. It's home to some amazing species of animal, including the maned sloth and howler monkeys. The seas are filled with beautiful fish and turtles (which I dived in with and swam along side on every possible occasion).
The island was originally homed to a high security prison homed to Brasil's most notorious criminals, think of it as the Alcatraz of Brasil, but this was shut down in 1994 and the island quickly became a hotspot for travellers flocking to the island for a little peace of unspoilt rainforest.
If you know me at all you'll know I'm most happy when I'm at sea so island life suits me down to the sand at the bottom of the clear green seas. Island life consists of sunbathing on golden beaches, floating in the sea, snorkelling and reading books in between naps and stops at floating restaurants. My favourite day we spent on a speedboat zooming around the island stopping on whichever beach looked nicest, although some are protected by law so we couldn't stop on them. Island life is lived in a bikini, sarong and havianas and island life is just perfect.
We've spent 4 days in total on the island, one being very very wet and rainy (see last post) but the rest were beautifully sunny and I've developed some stunning white tan lines on my back.
I really dont want to come home.
xox