Discover the Brazilian hideaway that was born out of Abba’s producer’s dreams

AFTER a few days in one of the two vibrant metropolises of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, most visitors to Brazil will be seeking a beach.

In recent years, the travel landscape has dramatically changed. Many cool resorts, which combine culture with music and sport, have appeared.

The state of Bahia is a real winner, with its hip surfers’ hangout, Itacare. Itacare is located inside a National Park and has beautiful sandy beaches, coconut palms swaying, and clear, warm water. 

A hangout for those-in-the-know, even better it has one of Brazil’s most stylish boutique hotels, the Barracuda Hotel & Villas.

READ MORE Best of Brazil: São Paulo’s food scene is booming so why have none of its restaurants been awarded three Michelin stars?

It was built by a group Swedish friends, including a princess and Abba, and is situated on an imposing cliff with palm trees. The infinity pool is on a wooden deck overlooking the jungle and sea.

The 17 suites feature a charming mix of Bahian charm, Scandinavian minimalism, and clean lines. They have polished concrete floors, wooden-paneled walls, and furniture made by local artisans. 

These detached villas are a real treat. They offer more space and a private infinity pool.

READ MORE The Olive Press visits Granada’s best camping restaurant, with a wine list of 700 bottles.

The restaurant and the bar are seamlessly integrated with the pool terrace. You can also enjoy caipirinhas and fresh-caught fish.

The ethos of this hotel is to promote health and physical activity. Most guests do not want to lounge around, so they will let the staff arrange for activities such as jungle walks, canoeing, and surf safaris.

Start the day by doing yoga on the deck, which is surrounded by lush greenery.

A nice and important detail: 10% of the profits go to Instituto Yandê, an organization dedicated to local, social, and sustainable projects.

Funding a local canoeing program that even saw the locals make the Olympics. 

Visit our website to learn more.

The Olive Press Travel News is available here.