5 best beach breaks in Bahia, Brazil

Brazil’s northern state of Bahia has seen an enormous increase in popularity amongst international tourists seeking a secluded, luxury beach retreat. For many years, the golden sands and crystal blue waters of this sun-soaked Brazilian paradise were neglected by visitors from abroad; the international tourists favouring the glossy resorts surrounding Rio de Janeiro. No longer the secret of Brazilian celebrities and the South American elite, Bahia offers its visitors some of the most picturesque beaches in the country along with stunning luxury accommodation, excellent cuisine and plenty of vibrant Brazilian character. Here, we have listed 5 of the best luxury beach hotels on offer in Bahia. Uxua Casa, Trancoso A unique blend of ultimate luxury and relaxed, bohemian style, Uxua Casa offers exquisite accommodation that tells the story of the sleepy beachside town of Trancoso. Set around the town’s historic Quadrado, Uxua offers guests the possibility of staying in historic homes, some of which date back hundreds of years to the founding of the village, redesigned with unparalleled artistic flair by the designer Wilbert Das. This gorgeous selection of high-end 1-3-bedroom cottages captures the spirit of their former inhabitants through thoughtful design touches using natural, reclaimed materials, creating an unmistakably Bahian, tropical atmosphere for guests to relax in. Offering gourmet cuisine, an outdoor pool lined with sparkling aventurine quartz and the 5-star services of the Almescar spa, Uxua Casa is the perfect place to unwind and indulge. Txai, Itacaré This stylish beach resort, situated on an idyllic coconut and cacao farm, surrounded by 100 hectares of exuberant Atlantic forest, is a paradise for those who wish to escape the dullness of modern life in the city. Placing exclusivity, sustainability and wellness of body and mind at the centre of its concept, Txai offers exclusive bungalows and apartments finished with natural materials, some of which also treat guests to private pools, calming outdoor showers and sublime ocean panoramas. A world within itself, Txai spoils guests for choice when it comes to dining and leisure options. Boasting five outdoor pools, three gourmet restaurants, four sophisticated bar areas, a luxurious spa and a specialised tour house complete with experienced local guides – guests want for nothing in this exemplary luxury beach retreat. Etnia, Trancoso Offering a secluded getaway, shrouded by lush tropical gardens just 1.3km from the pristine sands of Trancoso, Pousada Etnia is masterpiece of sophisticated design and high-end service. This chic property made up of 8 bungalows and 4 stunning private villas features original and playful design that evokes the exotic cultures that have shaped the history of the region. Every guestroom has a unique personality – ‘Gypsy’ celebrates the bohemian legacy of the hippy communes that rediscovered Trancoso, whilst ‘Goa’ presents a sensual tribute to the age of Portuguese maritime exploration, using Indian textures, raw wood and Asian inspired objets d’art. Upgraded rooms boast intimate private gardens and private sun-soaked terraces where guests seeking ultimate luxury can unwind undisturbed. For relaxation, guests of Etnia can enjoy the hotel’s fabulous facilities including a fully furnished terrace, a gorgeous outdoor pool, refreshing fitness classes or a myriad of calming treatments available in the spa. For an oasis of tranquillity in Trancoso – Etnia is a fantastic option. Campo Bahia, Santo André Campo Bahia is an exquisite luxury getaway on a stretch of peaceful Bahian coastline near the tiny fishing village of Santo André. Alongside their well-appointed 4-6-bedroom villas, Campo Bahia offers wonderful facilities, beautiful natural surroundings, attentive service, and fresh, innovative local cuisine. Each villa features luxurious décor with spacious living areas and breath-taking views out to the gardens or Atlantic Ocean. At Campo Bahia, guests can pamper their skin in charming outdoor showers, immersed in the sensual sounds and smells of the forest. For leisure, guests can take advantage of the wide range of activities on offer. Swim in the large outdoor pool, make use of the tennis courts, visit the L’Occitane spa or hire the private yacht available to guests for trips around the islets that dot the Bahian coastline. Focusing on health and freshness, Campo Bahia offers a carefully curated menu from Chef Caio Silva, combining cutting-edge haute cuisine with organically grown produce from the hotel’s own garden. Fazenda São Francisco, Corumbau Tucked away in palm groves between the crystalline sea and the unspoilt paradise of the Monte Pascoal National Park, Fazenda São Francisco offers visitors their own little slice of Bahian paradise. This upscale eco-lodge is situated amidst incredible natural beauty, with guests able to explore colourful coral reefs, the tropical forests of the Pataxó indigenous reserve and endless white sand beaches. Composed of 10 stylish lodges and bungalows, Fazenda São Francisco infuses the freshness of the sea breeze and the brightness of the Bahian sun into the light and airy décor of the accommodations. Boasting designer amenities, gorgeous balconies, private terraces and secluded gardens – the lodge places harmony with nature at the forefront of its operation. The hotel’s restaurant excels at offering guests fresh and ethically-sourced local seafood combined with organically produced herbs and vegetables from the hotel’s own land. Offering a huge range of leisure activities in this coastal wonderland, whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation – São Francisco could be the perfect destination for you. Simon Williams is Director of Humboldt Travel. Humboldt Travel is a luxury travel company specialising in tailor made holidays to Latin America. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.