Because I’ve always wanted to…
2015 greetings to all and here’s to a healthy, happy and laterally travelled year!
I am often asked – “So what is your favourite Country?†It’s quite simple really – BRAZIL!! To me it has everything. Rio (the most beautiful city in the world) – Iguazu Falls (the most spectacular falls) – the Pantanal wet lands – the Amazon – the Beaches – the people – the weather – the Music and finally the national drink – A Capirinha!!
In 2014 I recce’d 2 trips – Fernando de Noronha/Olinda to Maceio and beyond to the Sao Francisco River/Sergipe State Border (Click here for my detailed itinerary) and Salvador to Trancoso and beyond (Click here for my detailed itinerary)
Whether a winter escape, a summer holiday or a longer Sabbatical trip, below will give you a flavour of what I enjoyed.
My best wishes.
Laterally yours,
Villas de Trancoso.
The Pool abuts the bar and dining room and is a great spot to relax around in the early evening or for dinner under the stars. The beach, which stretches for miles and miles in either direction, is just a 30 metre walk away from the pool. The resort has a stylish beach bar, sun beds and exercise equipment for those preferring an ocean view to gaze at. It’s simply heaven on a beach!
UXUA Casa Hotel.
UXUA Casa Hotel, Spa and beach bar is in another world design wise. Its 10 Casas/Villas are situated right in the 16th Century Quadrado so strolling out at night to experience the various restaurants, bars and boutiques is easy. Each villa is different and all are set magically within the tropical gardens of the hotel. Its unique Aventurine crystal pebble pool is truly dreamlike to swim in. The beach is a 10 minute walk away and made up from old local dhows as per the picture. For couples or families with teenage children, UXUA would be my choice hotel in Trancoso. “At UXUA every day is a perfect day!â€
Butterfly House.
Pousada Mangabeiras.
Heading north from Butterfly House again by boat, car and then boat, you will reach on the same day the island of Boipeba. Here after a refreshing cold beer, some local oysters and a few spicy prawns, you stroll along the beach, then board a small cable car cabin and arrive at the charming Pousada Mangabeiras. The views from the rooms are simply breath-taking whether it be dawn, day time or sunset. Miles of beaches, boat trips to anchor up on floating bars serving fresh oysters that are plucked from the ropes dangling below, forest trails and horse riding are just some of the day time activities available. Another perfect pit stop on your journey from Trancoso to Salvador.
Convento do Carmo.
Leaving Boipeba Island firstly by boat and then road you will later that day reach what was the famous Brazil capital, Salvador. This hotel was built in 1586 by the First Order of Carmelite Friars. It is situated in the quieter area of the famous Pelourinho district. This area is inundated with old Portuguese churches, cobbled streets, museums and breath-taking architecture as well as great local restaurants serving tasty Bahian food and noisy bars. As the hotel has a decent sized pool and garden area, it would be my first choice for families. Most the places worth visiting are just a 10 minute walk at most from the hotel. This hotel and city are perfect to start or end your journey from Trancoso to Salvador or viceversa.
Up Periscope
In March last year as I journeyed south from Recife/Olinda, I came across this gem of a beach hotel. Everything here is just perfect – staff, food, architecture, proximity to the immense beach, rooms on the ocean and exquisitely designed infinity pools. Whether it is a one week Kenoa only winter escape or part of a journey, I promise that you will never forget this treat!
