Trancoso is not a common choice of destination for people travelling to Brazil. But it is definitely worth adding to your travel wishlist if you do plan a trip there. This enchanting village sits on Brazil’s Bahia coast, about a 1h30 flight north from Rio.
The village’s centerpiece is the Quadrado, a wide, tree-lined square bordered by candy coloured houses with a beautifully preserved church at one corner. At night, the Quadrado transforms into a softly lit gathering spot, home to pretty boutiques, small galleries and simple local restaurants.
Stay
In the heart of the Quadrado is one of the most unique and cool places we’ve ever stayed in: UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa. The resort was created by Wilbert Das, a former Diesel creative director, who fell in love with Trancoso. Each of the resort’s “casas” are a little bit of design heaven, featuring furniture and objects crafted from upcycled materials.
We stayed in the charming, green Gulab Mahal cottage right on the Quadrado, with other rooms located in treehouses inside the grounds.
Do
UXUA has a lovely pool area where with a lounge for long, lazy breakfasts and general chilling. A short stroll away, the UXUA beach club is the perfect spot for sunbathing, dipping in the seas and enjoying fresh lunches and cold beers. On one unforgettable evening were we lucky to UXUA’s full moon party, dancing to the rhythms of Brazilian beats and enjoying a live capoeira show.
Dine
In addition to dining at Uxua, we also had dinner at Silvana e Cia, a local restaurant right next to Uxua with a lovely terrace on the Quadrado. They served us fresh seafood, capturing the boho chic spirit of Trancoso.
