UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa

The stay of choice for trendy travelers flocking to northeastern Brazil’s bohemian beachfront town of Trancoso is undoubtedly this chic boutique property. And it’s easy to see why. From artful rooms designed by international tastemakers and realized by local craftspeople to its dreamy, jungle-y outdoor spaces, the property is the perfect balance of sophisticated style and local character.

Hidden among overgrown foliage, the hotel’s 16 casas and villas are a mix of historic dwellings that have been around for hundreds of years and fresh, new creations. Dutch designer Wilbert Das teamed up with the artists and makers of this creative community for each space, with inventive results like treehouses straight from old-school adventure novels. Ceramic ateliers and fishermen’s homes are now chic, curated spaces with textured walls of creamy white or soft pastels, rustic woodwork, repurposed timber furniture, and funky artwork. Large doors and open-sided rooms bring the outdoors inside, filling rooms with salty air and bright sunshine. Feeling lived-in yet perfectly poised at the same time, many casas have special amenities like private pools, hot tubs, rooftop decks, and personal gardens. Even outdoor spaces brim with artwork like the mosaic swimming pool.

Meals are laidback, casual affairs, best enjoyed out in the gardens or on the square for people-watching. Fruit-laden breakfast spreads can be brought right to your casa for a leisurely start to the day, while lunches and dinners celebrate Brazilian and Bahian cuisine with fresh-from-the-ocean seafood and seasonal goodness.

While the hotel itself is located in town on the main square, it has its own beach club within walking distance. Divide your day between downtime by the shore and strolls around town, a former hippie haven populated with colorful characters running cafes, galleries, and restaurants. When you need some R&R, head to the spa for treatments inspired by local folk medicine and which use natural ingredients like Bahian cocoa. Caipirinhas on the beach or in the gardens cap off each day.