UXUA Casa

UXUA Casa is in the fishing village-come-fashionista hangout Trancoso on Brazil’s north-eastern Bahia coast, in a tropical spot where the rainforest meets the beach. It is right in the centre of town - the perfect spot for trying out Trancoso’s great restaurants and bars.

There's just a handful of one, two and three-bedroom casas are set in lush gardens right on Trancoso’s main square (the historic UNESCO-protected Quadrado), guaranteeing privacy and seclusion. They are rather unique and historic, and come with plenty of character: some date back 500 years to when the village was founded. Exhibiting a strong eco-friendly ethos, they feature rich woods, reclaimed materials and vintage furnishings, with special touches courtesy of the skills of local artisans, while the king-sized four-poster beds with crisp, quality linen keep you in the lap of luxury.

Each casa has its own style. Live out your Robinson Crusoe fantasies at Casa da Arvore, a one-bedroom split-level deluxe treehouse with a traditional thatched roof, an outdoor tub and a private patio with antique wooden swings, looking out over secluded gardens. Meanwhile, the two-bedroom Gulab Mahal is housed in a historic home overlooking the Quadrado, and has carved wood features, stained-glass windows and a sunken outdoor kitchen set in tiered gardens.

With the option of self-catering or making use of your own kitchen, eating at Uxua Casa is flexible - and also a real treat. Most of the casas come with a kitchen or kitchenette and grocery stores are just a stroll away.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the restaurant and are both fresh and delicious – although you’ll want to try one of the excellent Trancoso restaurants during your stay too. Down on the beach at UXUA's beach lounge, order a tropical cocktail from the bar, fashioned from an old fisherman's bar on an antique wooden boat. 

The pool is a highlight - it is made entirely with thousands of green aventurine quartz crystals, a native Bahian stone. This therapeutic mineral is considered to have powerful healing qualities, and reflects the sunlight during the day and glow softly at night. A visit to the spa is also a must: relax and unwind with blissful organic treatments that use centuries-old techniques and healing products from the Amazon, such as a pure resin from the almescar trees - or opt for a Bahian hot stone massage. Also on offer are yoga and pilates. 

If you don't want to miss your daily workout, there is a fitness room, and personal trainers are on hand. You could also enjoy a capoeira class and learn how to dance like the locals - capoeira originated in Bahia. Brazilian forro dancing is also much loved in Trancoso. 

Just being in attractive, laid-back Trancoso keeps you occupied enough, whether you’re hanging out on the beach, heading out on the water for a spot of surfing or kayaking, shopping in the surprisingly good boutiques on the main square, trying out the excellent restaurants or simply soaking up the wonderful atmosphere. There are tennis courts, a golf course and mountain biking available in the local area too.