UXUA Casa Hotel Guest Room

My first pick is Brazil. Specifically, a town called Trancoso in the coastal region of Bahia. I enjoy Rio for its frenetic energy and complex geography, but for an escape, Bahia is my answer. It requires a bit more effort to get there (you must fly to Porto Seguro and then rent a car or take a taxi about 50km), but the payoff is unspoiled beaches, friendly and self-confident people, and just the right number of interesting little pousadas. Uxua Casa, owned and designed by Wibert Das, is a favorite. And just on the other side of the quadrado — the village square where everyone plays soccer each afternoon — is Jacare do Brasil, which has amazing views of the beach and probably the best location in town. Both hotels are very well done, but low-key, a combination that I admire. 

It’s hard to think of a culture that’s more sociable…

I have visited Brazil many times, but last year I was lucky enough to spend three weeks there with my family. We started in Trancoso but then rented a house in an even more remote village called Caraiva. As soon as we arrived, we were treated like family, literally eating and drinking and dancing with the locals. This could be what I love most about Brazil: it’s hard to think of a culture that’s more sociable. 

For me it’s no longer new, but it’s still fresh, and I have a hard time staying away for long.

Trancoso Houses

Jacare do Brasil

Uxua Casa Suite

Trancoso Church; São João Batistia

Fusing innovative editorial, a refreshing outlook on international accommodation and the ability for discerning travellers to find and book cutting-edge hotels all in one place; Tablet are travel pioneers where many others have followed. We’re lucky enough to have teamed up with them this month and present UP&COMING*, a series of posts that will include some of the brand’s tips for the hottest new – up and coming – global destinations.