As I made my way from Porto Seguro Airport to the enchanting Trancoso, a beautiful seaside village in Brazil's verdant and historic Bahia state, the anticipation grew with each passing mile. Trancoso is a magical spot where rainforest meets Atlantic mangrove and endless beaches, blessed with a perfect subtropical climate and warm ocean temperatures year-round. The taxi weaved through the picturesque landscapes of Bahia, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement.
Upon arriving at the Uxua Casa Hotel, I was greeted by a warm and welcoming staff, who quickly escorted me to my private hideaway - the Casa da Árvore. The hotel consists of 11 private casas, half of which date back 500 years to the village's founding. They were lovingly restored by designer Wilbert Das in collaboration with local artisans using traditional techniques and reclaimed materials. These casas have a soul, each with legends and family history, and every detail uniquely crafted by caring hands.
Casa da Árvore interior
Casa da Árvore, a stunning 139 sq.m. treehouse-like abode sprawling across three levels, was the epitome of rustic luxury. The casa boasts green credentials with its recycled woods, traditional thatched roof, and an award-winning interior executed from reclaimed, organic materials gathered across southern Bahia. It also features an outdoor hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Amenities at Uxua Casa Hotel include a rustic beach lounge, the Almescar Spa, and the Quadrado restaurant. The pièce de résistance, however, is the pool, shaped like a lake and surrounded by a massive wooden deck, providing the ultimate relaxation experience.
My days at Casa da Árvore were filled with leisurely exploration, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The allure of this remote coastal Pataxó Indian village is never having to make an excuse for frittering away your days doing little more than swinging in a hammock, lounging poolside, or strolling one of Trancoso's eight magnificent beaches that span 24 kilometers of unspoiled shoreline, tucked beneath imposing cliffs and adjacent to the Atlantic rainforest and mangrove ecosystems. You can effortlessly access these idyllic sandy expanses from the Quadrado on foot, by bike, or on horseback.
Quadrado de Trancoso
As I ventured outside the hotel, I discovered the historic charm of Trancoso's Quadrado. This UNESCO-protected town square offered a glimpse into the region's rich history, with colorful houses and a centuries-old church standing as testaments to the past. The vibrant local community and lively atmosphere were a captivating blend of old and new, leaving me feeling both inspired and humbled.
When Das first came to Trancoso in 2004, he immediately knew he wanted to settle in Bahia's most colorful and bohemian paradise. His initial, rather humble plan was to transform one of the 15th-century fishermen's cottages overlooking the village square into a private retreat. He realized he could help preserve historic Trancoso by expanding his project to include three more Quadrado-facing houses and several other buildings scattered nearby, most recently a treehouse and a garden hideaway with a rooftop pool. And his insistence on recycled materials and tenacity in the sourcing of Brazilian vintage furniture was fundamental to keeping the project in harmony with the local environment.
Trancoso beach
The end result? A discreet and quintessentially Trancosan hotel: just 11 casas with the opportunity to self-cater or be given the 5-star treatment. Artists seeking a working retreat, celebs seeking seclusion, a family seeking a cultural seaside getaway, or lovers seeking a haven will all be fans.
My stay at Uxua Casa Hotel's Casa da Árvore was a dream come true. The perfect balance of luxury and nature, the enchanting atmosphere, and the warm hospitality of the staff made for an unforgettable experience. As I left the magical haven of Casa da Árvore, I couldn't help but feel a sense of profound gratitude for the memories and connection to Bahia that I would carry with me forever.
