When traveling along the extensive Brazilian coastline, which stretches for approximately 7,491 kilometers (4,657 miles) from north to south, visitors will encounter a wide variety of stunning landscapes and have the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures and traditions. But it’s not just about being by the sea. Whichever destination you choose, the real experience lies in waking up surrounded by lush nature and feeling the sand beneath your feet when you step outside. This is the kind of adventure that hotels and lounges situated on Brazil’s most breathtaking beaches offer to those who wish to savor the natural beauty of the coastline and the privilege of having the ocean virtually at their doorstep. Here are 10 tips to discover the charms of a beachfront destination with plenty of comfort, excellent service, and delicious cuisine.
Northeast Bahia: Known as the “Land of Happiness”, Bahia boasts the longest coastline in Brazil, stretching 1,100 km (683 miles), with warm Atlantic waters lapping at its sandy shores and endless coconut groves. Its religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity gives a unique flavor to the local cuisine and is reflected in popular and artistic manifestations, with a year-round calendar filled with attractions, especially in Salvador, the country’s first capital.
Maraú Peninsula, Casa Arandis: Welcome to the Maraú Peninsula, the third-largest bay in Brazil, located on the southern coast of Bahia and still relatively undiscovered. In this lush setting, you’ll find Casa dos Arandis, a small and exclusive boutique hotel charmingly built among coconut palms in an environmentally sustainable manner using reclaimed wood and tiles, seamlessly blending rusticity with comfort and modernity. The Maraú Peninsula offers a wide variety of landscapes of rare beauty, including numerous islands, rivers, 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) of semi-deserted golden sandy beaches, such as Taipu de Fora, considered one of Brazil’s most beautiful, with coral pools, freshwater lagoons, forests, mangroves, and vast coconut groves. The landscape undergoes significant changes throughout the year due to lunar and tidal variations, allowing you to enjoy various types of natural pools that form during low tide. To explore the region, consider renting a boat departing from Porto do Jobel, about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) away, sailing through the islands of Goió, Sapinho, and Pedra Furada, and stopping at a seafood restaurant to watch the sunset. Casa dos Arandis features a bromeliad garden, six reclaimed wood bungalows, and the Caju brick suite, a restaurant, a bar, a mini spa, as well as massage and yoga rooms. The outdoor common areas offer moments of pure relaxation: a massage pool (spa) and lounge, sauna, and yoga/fitness/massage rooms, all surrounded by lush greenery and a constant sea breeze.
Santo André, Campo Bahia Hotel, Villas & Spa: Located in a picturesque bay in the village of Santo André, Santa Cruz Cabrália, southern Bahia, Campo Bahia Hotel, Villas & Spa offers a unique experience right from the moment you travel from Porto Seguro Airport to the village: 27 kilometers (16.8 miles) of tropical scenery that will captivate anyone. The set of villas is graced with beach sand touching its entrance and is completely surrounded by native flora. The area around Santo André is part of the Corumbau Marine Extractive Reserve and is environmentally protected, helping to preserve untouched nature and abundant marine life. The region is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. You can spot various bird species, sea turtles, and even humpback whales during the migration season. To reach Santo André, visitors usually take a ferry from Santa Cruz Cabrália. Access is relatively easy, but the sense of isolation and tranquility is preserved. At the hotel, breakfast is served in the midst of a tropical garden. This retreat blends elegance with the natural riches of the region, providing unique moments of reconnection in true barefoot luxury style. In addition to sophisticated accommodations and exceptional service, the hotel also offers a variety of leisure activities, such as beach tennis, bike rides, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and an air-conditioned gym. Expect relaxing days with beachside activities at this hotel, which gained fame for hosting the German national team during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Trancoso, Pousada Estrela d’Água: An iconic establishment on Nativos Beach, in Trancoso, Pousada Estrela D’Água perfectly embodies the “beachfront” concept. This oceanfront retreat offers a unique stay experience, masterfully harmonizing comfort, sophistication, and exclusive service. Its strategic location, just 600 meters (0.37 miles) from the iconic Quadrado in Trancoso (home to bars, restaurants, and boutiques), makes it even more special, as it is close to both the traditional colorful village houses and on the edge of a cliff that provides a breathtaking view of the ocean and the many natural pools with crystal-clear waters that form along the coastline. The property includes 28 charming rooms bathed by an emerald ocean and surrounded by an abundant Atlantic Forest. All of them have a rustic-chic style with balconies overlooking the sea and the gardens and, of course, with sand at your feet. Experiences offered in this paradise include whale watching, pottery classes, bike tours through the Southern Bahia Coastal Forest, and quad biking for those who seek adrenaline and adventurous activities. Its two restaurants round out the experience with typical Bahian cuisine with a touch of sophistication.
Pousada Tutabel – Trancoso, Bahia: An ideal destination to enjoy the best of summer in Trancoso, Pousada Tutabel is just 15 minutes from the famous Quadrado and offers amenities and exclusive experiences for guests at this beachfront property located right on Itapororoca Beach. Here, guests are greeted by a landscape where lush vegetation intertwines with an extensive, pristine, and soft cream-colored sandy shoreline, perfect for those who want to enjoy barefoot walks and the gentle caress of the sand under their feet. This beach is truly a paradise and stands out as one of the most breathtaking in the region. In addition to Itapororoca, other must-visit beaches include Coqueiros, Nativos, Rio da Barra, Rio Verde, and Ponta de Itaquena. Highlights among the activities offered include kayaking, biking, and stand-up paddleboarding. A must-do tour takes you to Espelho Beach, which is less than an hour’s drive from the lodge and is an incredible destination to explore, even for those who choose to get there by bike.
Txai Resort Itacaré – Itacaré, Bahia: Renowned for providing unique experiences amidst nature, Txai Resort Itacaré, located in southern Bahia, is certified by the exclusive luxury hostel Relais & Châteaux and offers 38 accommodations in true sanctuaries of the Brazilian coastline, including spacious apartments and bungalows built on a suspended wooden deck overlooking the Atlantic Forest and ocean. Itacaré is embraced by a dense, lush Atlantic Forest, providing a unique experience of immersion in nature. The region offers an intricate network of trails leading to some of the region’s most stunning beaches. One of the most famous is the Four Beaches Trail, which provides access to the idyllic beaches of Engenhoca, Havaizinho, Gamboa, and Itacarezinho. Another unmissable option is the Prainha Trail, which takes visitors to the picturesque Prainha and the stunning São José Beach. These trails not only reveal breathtaking landscapes but also provide an intimate connection to the rich biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest. This oasis is also known for maintaining sustainable and special programs with several relaxation alternatives for guests, as well as entertainment programs in idyllic settings, and wellness and cultural experiences for families, children, couples, and groups of friends.
Alagoas: The second-smallest Brazilian state, Alagoas, with beaches full of natural pools and reefs, is known as the Brazilian Caribbean, attracting visitors practically all year round due to its natural beauty. Its name means “lagoons” due to the numerous lagoons that make the scenery even more special.
Porto de Pedras, Casa Brasileira – Hotel Galeria and Pedras do Patacho Boutique Hotel: The nearly untouched Patacho Beach, in the municipality of Porto de Pedras, in the heart of the Coral Coast in northern Alagoas, is home to two remarkable properties: Casa Brasileira – Hotel Galeria and Pedras do Patacho Boutique Hotel. What sets them apart in their accommodations, design, and experience, they share in the privilege of being located in a setting of rare beauty that is considered the Brazilian Caribbean. A perfect destination for nature enthusiasts seeking peace and well-being. Its warm and crystal-clear waters invite you to swim and explore the vibrant marine life just a few steps from your room. The hotels offer a range of activities and amenities, such as water sports, spa services, and access to the spectacular natural pools and coral reefs that adorn the coastline. Each hotel has its own charm and character, but both provide an unforgettable beachfront experience.
These are just a few of the many beachfront destinations in Brazil that offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, luxury accommodation, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you choose the vibrant Bahia coastline, the secluded beaches of Alagoas, or any other destination along Brazil’s expansive shoreline, you are sure to be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural experiences that await you.