Authentic and tropical!
Located on a cliff, Trancoso is described as hippie-chic and often compared to destinations like Ibiza or Saint-Tropez. The village remained virtually cut off from the outside world until the 1970s. Only after the construction of a highway to the city of Porto Seguro was Trancoso on the map and since then it has been wildly popular with hip Brazilians and international jet-setters.
If you are looking for authenticity, topped with a luxurious sauce, consider staying at Uxua Casa. Dutchman Wilbert Das converted, in the village square of Trancoso, some dilapidated fishermen’s houses into one of the most special hotels in Brazil. Uxua Casa is an authentic Bahian hotel, restored by local artisans and furnished with antiques and traditional natural materials.
Uxua is a place where guests immediately feel at home. This was Wilbert Das’ intention when he opened the hotel in 2009 after a career of more than twenty years as creative director at the fashion brand Diesel. Those expecting Uxua luxury to be built in a chic sleek Italian style may be disappointed. Wilbert Das took a different tack. He was inspired during construction by locals and their customs. As a thank you to the hospitable and open local population, the owner, with profits from the hotel, provides lessons in reading & writing for Brazilian youth and Capoeira classes are organized on the village square.
Uxua Casa consists of eleven tropical colored houses. Four of them are restored houses of fishermen from the 16th century and the others are newly built. All are decorated differently. The colors are based on the surrounding nature. Even one of the cottages, which is bright pink, has exactly the color of the bougainvillea growing over it. Most of the furniture is vintage or antique. Two of the cottages border directly on Quadra Square where you can watch local life go by on your private terrace. A lovely place, especially at the end of the day when the sun goes down. On the village square is a romantic 16th century white church. The ultimate location for a wedding ceremony and a vibrant Brazilian party. This is therefore frequently done here.
Everything you eat in the restaurant is freshly made or grown, as is the fruit from their own garden. The mozzarella and yogurt are purchased from an old Italian hippie who stayed in Trancoso after the 70’s. Naturally, the fish comes fresh from the sea and can be enjoyed the same evening. Dishes such as whole-wheat pasta with lobster or a salad of grilled shrimp, mango and Brazilian rocket can be found on the menu here.
From the hill, where the village is located, you descend in 7 minutes to the wide unspoiled sandy beach. Uxua Casa has its own Beach Lounge here. Here you drink your caipirinha with your feet in the sand. There is also a small Spa where they use Vichy products….