5 Best Hotels in Trancoso, Salvador and the Bahia Coast

Wilbert Das, creative director of the clothing brand Diesel, found his calling designing this property: the 12 private bungalows encapsulate the original, quirky character of former fishermen's abodes, while remaining impeccably furnished with products from local designers. With converted fisherman cottages and the use of local products and design elements, this intimate hotel puts the destination front and center. Couples will appreciate the private rooftop terrace and quartz Jacuzzi of converted artist's atelier "Terão do Céu," while social butterflies should head for one of the three houses that open directly onto the Quadrado. Hand-laid with 400,000 aventurine quartz, the kidney-shaped pool is thought to have healing properties, while the spa (complete with products handcrafted from almescar by the local Pataxó Indians and a Vichy treatment suite) is the best in town. Each house comes with its own beach bed at Uxua's beach club, a 10-minute walk away.

While just a few minutes' stroll from Trancoso's happening square, this elegant, spacious hotel feels like a world of its own: the seven individually styled bungalows (try Morocco or Mediterranean) are scattered through 7,000 square meters of native forest, so you may not glimpse another guest except during dips in the gorgeous semi-Olympic-size pool or over breakfast, where a delicious homemade buffet changes daily. When you do feel like venturing out, two experienced concierges are ready to organize trips to secluded beaches, mountain-bike treks, and horseback riding. Two recently launched private villas are ideal for families or groups of friends, combining two suites, a large kitchen, and the full service of the hotel.

Location is prime here, right on the banks of Trancoso's river, three minutes' walk from the beach and the downtown square. As the name implies—Mata N'ativa means "native forest"—the pousada is virtually hidden under the canopy of Atlantic Forest. In the rooms, large beds with bedposts holding mosquito nets add to the rugged ambience.