Overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Brazil, Villas de Trancoso offers guests superb private luxury accommodations that are sophisticated, exquisite and perfectly idyllic.  Look no further for a perfect honeymoon or relaxed week long retreat, Villas de Trancoso succeeds on every level.

Each of the 5 one and two bedroom luxury villas is surrounded by lush gardens with access to a white marble pool, alfresco dining restaurant, and pristine beach area with shaded palms, showers and lots of comfortable furnishings and cushions.

Each Villa has its own private deck or outdoor lounge and spacious bedrooms as well as  bathrooms furnished with rare and exotic Brazilian hardwoods.  Other amenities include beds draped in mosquito nets, Direct TV, DVD, CD players, cordless phones, refrigerators, safes and of course air conditioning.

Villa Sky is a dramatic two story villa with dining and entertainment on the first level and the master suite on the second level.  In the center of the home is an atrium that rises to a glass skylight on the second level. From the master bedroom one can gaze into a star filled sky throughout the night.

Water sports, boating, fishing, diving, hiking to secluded beaches, horse back riding and access to Trancoso’s world class Terra Vista Golf Course are just some of the many activities available.  There is also a health and fitness centre, personal trainers, cycling, kayaking, body surfing and massage.

Villas de Trancoso has one of the areas best restaurants.  Chef Sidnei’s dishes coupled with his caring and attentive staff make dining under the stars and around the pool an unforgettable experience.

According to owner Galen Briggs – “The great thing about being small is we can do exactly what the guest requests.  Our starry nights are amazing!  We have even had guests that asked to sleep under the stars on the beach.  A starry night combined with the soft crashing of waves is a most amazing experience!”

Airport:  Porto Seguro

Facilities: Swimming pool,  golf, horse back riding, health and fitness centre, personal trainers, cycling,  kayaking, body surfing, massages.

Weather: All year round destination

Contact Jill for reservations and availability.

Located on Brazil’s stunning emerald coast, Ponta dos Ganchos offers the ultimate in romance and world class sophistication.   The 25 private bungalows afford guests with sweeping views of the sea, each one decorated in lush, rustic and refined style featuring Brazilian hardwood and natural stone. 

Each bungalow comes with luxury linens, fireplace, state of the art music systems, internet connections and flat screen TVs.  Most bungalows also feature private plunge pools affording the spectacular views of the emerald sea below.

Romantic and private dinners may be enjoyed on your own private island illuminated by tropical torches and serenaded by a guitarist or simply by the gentle lapping waves.   All meals are included in the packages and are served at any hour of the day.    Casual lunches and gourmet evening meals are served in the tri-level Beach Restaurant.  The contemporary regional cuisine features freshly caught fish, prawns, oysters and mussels.  The extensive wine list features over 250 labels including Chilean, Brazilian, Portuguese and Argentinian wines.

Scuba diving in the Marine Reserve of Arvoredo as well as chartered schooner cruises and sailing are available.  Guests have use of all resort amenities including heated indoor pool, fully equipped fitness room, an oceanside tennis court, billiard game room, kayaks, canoes and laser dinghies, ecological trails and running track and a secluded beach for swimming and snorkeling. The resort also has an on-site cinema with a library of 300 films for guests enjoyment.

Wedding packages are available.  Packages include 02 massages or Dior Spa Treatments, hairdresser and manicure, make-up artist, wedding ceremony on the island, Veuve Clicquot champagne, dinner on the island, breakfast served in the bungalow the next day, live music – guitar and violin, and red rose bouquet.

Jill can also arrange one of Brazil’s top wedding photographers to capture the magic of your special day.  Most recently  photographer Lauro Maeda photographed the gorgeous wedding of Donald Graham and Ingrid Schau at Ponta dos Ganchos. 

Please contact Jill for availability and prices.

Closest Airport: Florianopolis International Airport, 50-min drive

With a privileged location on a bluff overlooking the sea, this spectacular private villa was designed by Robert Novogratz  to reflect Trancoso’s laid back atmosphere and lifestyle.  Secluded and private, the large interior spaces all open to the breathtaking natural landscape that surrounds the villa.

Sip caipirinha’s poolside, horseback ride on the beach or walk to Trancoso’s famous Quadrado to enjoy the hip boutiques, restaurants and impromptu musical performances and parties.  You will never want to leave this place.

This hideaway sleeps 12 guests comfortably and is ideal for a large family.
Includes: 4 air conditioned Bedrooms with private decks, large living and dining rooms, flat screen TV / DVD room with A/C, modern kitchen, poolside bar, swimming pool, CD player, 6 bathrooms, 5 showers and English Speaking Housekeeper.

Please contact Jill for availability and prices. (Daily, weekly and Christmas rates available)

Closest Airport: Porto Seguro

(Click photos to enlarge)

Like stepping into an exotic edition of Architectural Digest, each of Etnia’s five bungalows will transport you to a different far off land.  Step into the Arabian Nights in the Maroccos Suite or lose yourself in the African inspired Tribal Suite.  If you prefer the local Brazilian flavor, the Trancoso Suite’s rustic style will feel like home.

Surrounded by banana, mango and Pau Brasil trees, Etnia Pousada enjoys a unique location.  Close enough to Trancoso’s Quadrado to enjoy festive Brazilian nights and close enough to the ocean for an early morning dip before breakfast.

A modern swimming pool surrounded by a wooden sun deck is the perfect place to enjoy your afternoon snack or a light meal.  Take a yoga class in the afternoon or luxuriate with a relaxing massage in the Etnia Therapy Center.

Services: Restaurant, pool and bar, antique boutique shop

Activities: ocean or pool swimming, horse back riding, eco-tourism, boating

Rates: Please contact Jill for current rates.

Closest Airport: Porto Seguro

Achieving a perfect balance between sophistication and informality, Estrela d’Agua is a tranquil ocean front retreat surrounded by 20 kilometers of pristine beaches, cliffs and natural pools.  Suites and tastefully appointed bungalows are built around Brazilian tropicalismo singer Gal Costa’s former beach home. 

Enjoy long lazy hours beach combing, swimming, fishing or just curling up in a hammock on a sun drenched verandah.  The muted natural tones of the airy interiors counterpoint the vivid colors of the tropical gardens.  Estrela’s native chef will indulge you in divine cuisine prepared from fresh local produce including fantastic seafood from an abundant daily catch.  In the evening stroll to the village “Quadrado” and join in the nightly festivities.

Rooms: 14 Suites, 2 Master Suites, 2 Bungalows w/minibar, TV, telephone, air conditioning, verandah and hammocks.

Services: 2 pools, gardens, verandah bar and beach bar, massage, gym and internet.

Activities: Boating, Horse back riding, ultra-light flying, tennis, golf course, eco-tours through the Atlantic Rainforest, boat tours to Espelho and Curuipe beaches.

Rates: Contact Jill for current rates.

Closest Airport: Porto Seguro

Set among a 100 hectare coconut grove, Txai Resort’s private bungalows offer guests the ultimate in laid back sophistication and barefoot luxury. The flavor and colors of Brazil are everywhere here from the mesmerizing sea views to the unspoiled Atlantic Rainforest. Enjoy exploring the endless secluded beaches, trekking to waterfalls, horse back riding, surfing or a game of tennis.

Txai’s restaurant features the same Bahian delicacies made famous by Brazil’s beloved literary giant – Jorge Amado in “Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands.” Savor the flavors of a “moqueca de peixe”, fish stewed with coconut milk, or the Bahian shrimp favorite, “Bobó de Camarão” all the while taking in the breathtaking natural setting.

Rooms: 10 Suites and 16 private bungalows.  5 bungalows with jacuzzi, built individually on stilts and surrounded by wooden decks spread out among the coconut groves to ensure maximum privacy. 1 triple bungalow accommodates up to 8 guests in three adjoining suites – the largest of which is a loft with mezzanine, accommodating up to 4 guests.

Services: Restaurant, living room, 25m swimming pool steps from 4k beachfront, children’s pool, TV and internet access, 2 illuminated tennis courts and spa.

Activities: Canoeing, eco-tourism, fishing, horse back riding, nature trails, snorkeling, surfing, swimming and white water rafting.

Rates: Please contact Jill for current rates.

Closest Airport: Ilhéus in Southern Bahia State

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain

Located 200 Nautical miles off Brazil’s northeastern coast, Pousada Maravilha is the first 5 star luxury inn located on the tiny island paradise – Fernando de Noronha. Blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings, Pousada Maravilha’s 5 private bungalows and 3 suites offer breathtaking views of the stunning turquoise bay. Muted tones with colorful accents highlight the simple interiors and set a mood of quiet tranquility and reflection. This beautiful island is the perfect destination for those who love diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, hiking or honeymooners who want to escape from it all and enjoy some of the best secluded beaches in South America.

Rooms: 5 private bungalows and 3 suites. Cable TV, AC, balcony

Services: Restaurant, swim up pool bar, massage, tour services, transfers, excursions

Activities: Diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, fishing, boating, bird watching, horse back riding, island tours, and bicycling.

Closest Airport: Flights daily from Natal and Recife airports

Google Maps: Fernando de Noronha

Image Gallery: Fernando de Noronha 

Rates: Please contact Jill for current rates.

It had been two years since my last visit to Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel and I was more than eager to get back in the trees! Upon my arrival I was greeted by the “welcome committee”, a playful troop of woolley monkeys with the irrepressible Natalie in the lead. She immediately took to my shoulders and gave me the appearance of a Russian with one of those funny fur hats!

The staff had fun making sure the rest of the rambunctious troop did not enter the reception area and kept them distracted on the boat launch. After convincing Natalie I would be around for a few days she released the monkey grip she had on my head and let me check-in and find my suite. This time I had the pleasure of the “Suite Divina”, with a 360 degree panoramic view into the rainforest canopy! This is truly heaven, three days with only the sounds of tropical birds and monkeys howling in the distance! Good-bye phone, fax, computer! Hello! Piranha fishing!

Finding my way down Tower 5 and onto the catwalk suspended over Ariau Creek, I spotted two bright red macaws perched on a tree. Spider monkeys scurried playfully at my feet as I carefully and quickly entered the restaurant on top of Tower 4, making sure none of my little friends would slip in as well. One of the absolute delights of Ariau is the regional Amazonian cuisine served up buffet style three times a day. At breakfast, an array of tropical fruits that are not even known outside of the region are displayed beside a large selection of warm homemade Brazilian pastries, breads and soft cheeses. A delicate white manioc pancake the color and texture of lace is enjoyed lightly spread with sweet butter. Homemade jams and jellies with exotic Indian fruit names such as cupuaçu, jaca and acai add just the right touch. Then there is the Brazilian Cafezinho.  Need I say more?

Lunch and dinner feature the absolutely exotic Amazonian fresh water fish, the two-meter long pirarucu and the delicious tambaqui both prepared in the regional manner. On one wall of the restaurant are displayed hand carved plaques honoring illustrious guests who have also been initiated into Ariau’s magic – Bill Gates, Isabel Allende, Jennifer Lopez, Prince Frederick of Denmark and Jimmy and Roslyn Carter among many others.

After lunch our little international group pile into a motorized canoe with Ricardo our guide and we’re off for the afternoon to explore the flooded forest. As we leave Ariau Creek and approach the Rio Negro an indescribable feeling of vastness fills me with wonder as we approach the mouth of the Anavilhanas Archipelago – the largest grouping of fresh water islands in the world. Here the river becomes an ocean at 17 miles from shore to shore. Pink dolphins leaping from the water create a magical landscape only equaled by a Peter Max painting. The sky seems to go on and on forever. We enter the flooded forest and the motor is turned off, all at once the wonder of the rainforest explodes around us as we navigate the backwaters. The primordial forest, vines, lianas, bromeliads, butterflies – this is why I came, it is all right in front of me. I have returned to the place that I love. post by Jill Siegel

http://www.ariauamazontowers.com/