Vila dos Orixas Boutique Hotel

It wasn’t that long ago that travel to Brazil simply meant a choice between Rio and São Paulo. But with the general worldwide flourishing of small boutique properties — now that all you need is ten rooms and a beach — an awful lot of new places are on the map. The Brazilian state of Bahia is one of these places; a near-endless stretch of coast, starting a bit north of the usual spots, it’s lined with any number of gorgeous, unspoiled beaches — and more than a few exceedingly charming small hotels, places like the Vila das Orixás, just outside of Morro de São Paulo (no relation).

Guests are spread among ten split-level bungalows, whose rustic exteriors hide crisply contemporary interiors. Rich traditional hardwoods, the pride of Brazilian interior design, share space with modern fixtures and amenities — contemporary countertop basins, LCD televisions, and whirlpool baths. The cuisine, naturally, draws from the ocean, just yards away, a mix of local produce, Bahian flavors, and Mediterranean techniques. As for activities, they’re very much centered around the remoteness of the place — from fishing to sailing to nature walks, the wilderness of near-tropical Brazil is your playground.

Travel advisory: Passport and visa requirements differ from country to country. Please check with your local authority before booking.

How to get there: The nearest airport to Vila dos Orixas Boutique Hotel is Salvador. The hotel can be reached by boat or small plane.