Casa Caiman in Caiman Ecological Refuge

Originally part of its billionaire-conservationist owner's home, the Casa Caiman is charming to the core. Cowskin rugs and saddle chairs are a nod to its roots, while glossy photos of the Pantanal provide a glimpse into the adventure to come. Tuck into hearty Brazilian fare in the dining room or on the twinkling terrace, and, on at least one morning, enjoy a traditional 'cowboy's breakfast'. In between activities, snooze in one of the hammocks or wander towards the pond, where caimans bask on the shoreline. Amongst the pretty gardens, you'll also find an inviting pool and, for the evenings, a firepit.

Set within a century-old ranch and restored to ensure the utmost comfort, the Casa has 18 suites filled with warm textiles, hand-crafted wooden furnishings and vivid photographs of the flora and fauna. All have a king-size bed and open onto a spacious terrace, but if you're looking for added privacy, the six-room Villa Baiazinha is in a separate area of the property and has its own pool and deck overlooking a bay where birdlife flutters and capybaras swim by.

Unlike the Northern Pantanal, most of your activities will take place on (relatively) dry land. Led by a dedicated guide and local experts, you'll set out on foot, vehicle or even horseback in search of the Pantanal's phenomenal wildlife. There's a chance to see everything from tapirs to giant anteaters to the famed jaguars, as well as an entire menagerie of birdlife, including the rare hyacinth macaw (another of the refugio's conservation success stories). You can even shadow the conservationists and see them at work.