POUSADASANTACLARA, ILHADEBOIPEBAIlha de Boipeba is a remote and idyllic island, an undiscovered paradise next to the betterknown Morro de São Paulo, and can be foundaround four hours from Salvador by ferry andcar or 30 minutes by small plane. There are noroads on the island, only a sandy path fortractors, and dozens of alluring and oftendeserted beaches. Pousada Santa Clara is set alittle way back from the beach and tucked awayin the fringes of the Atlantic forest that coversmost of the island. Cobbled paths weavingamongst tropical vegetation lead to the 11simple rooms, each individually decorated andequipped with fans and mosquito nets. Thepousada's restaurant serves a truly excellentrange of typical Bahian cuisine using, wherepossible, locally produced ingredients.The Bahian Coast, stretching from north ofSalvador to beyond Porto Seguro in the south,has a number of excellent beach options forevery taste and budget. Bahia's long, palm-fringed beaches are often isolated and so idealfor those looking for an escape and somerelaxation, but being largely backed by jungle,there are also plenty of opportunities forexcursions and activities.TIVOLIPRAIADOFORTEECORESORT, PRAIADOFORTETivoli Praia do Forte Eco Resort, about an hour and a half up the coast from Salvador,caters for couples and families and has all youneed to relax and recharge your batteries either at the beginning or the end of your trip.The spacious grounds are the perfect place toescape and are complimented by an excellentspa and swimming pool overlooking the Atlantic.A good base to visit some of the ruined Dutchfortresses nearby, the resort also caters forthose with a bit more energy with tennis courtsand a water sports centre. The village of Praiado Forte is a 20 minute walk along the beach,and is home to a turtle sanctuary. Turtles arebred here for release, and the project aims to protect and educate in order to preserve these rare creatures.Beaches of the Bahian Coast66Beach, Ilha de BoipebaTivoli Praia do Forte Eco Resort

KIAROALUXURYRESORT,MARAÚPENINSULAThe Kiaroa Luxury Resort is a beautiful hotellocated on the stunning Maraú Peninsula, a 30minute flight in a small plane from Salvador. Its 28 rooms and bungalows are tastefullydecorated with the work of local artisans andsome boast private pools. There is an impressivespa with a wide range of treatments available forcomplete relaxation. In front of the property thegolden sand beach is virtually deserted apartfrom other hotel guests, adding to the hotel'sfeeling of glorious seclusion. There is a widerange of activities and excursions that can bearranged locally with the reception staff, rangingfrom buggy tours to boating trips. TXAIRESORT, ITACARÉTxai Resort is located between the fishing villageof Itacaré and the city of Ilhéus, home to one ofBrazil's literary greats, Jorge Amado. The hotelfaces a long stretch of golden sand and many of its apartments and bungalows overlook thepalm-fringed sea beyond. With their largewindows and terraces, the rooms have aspacious airy feel, with simple and tastefuldecoration featuring earthen tones and localartwork. The hotel has two restaurants serving arange of Bahian delicacies such as shrimp and fishdishes stewed in coconut milk. Guests can enjoytime at the hotel's fabulous spa which offerswonderful views of the ocean, aromatic baths, a sauna, steam room and of course extensivemassage services. One of the best things aboutthe hotel is that, despite having 40 rooms, it hasmanaged to maintain the feel of a small boutiqueproperty. Rooms and communal areas aretucked away between the palm trees, nobuilding is more than two storeys tall and you'lloften have the beach to yourself.www.audleytravel.com/brazil ?01993 838 610 ?Brazil67TrancosoLocated just south of the historic town of PortoSeguro, this sleepy village is rapidly becomingone of the most sought-after beach destinationsin Brazil. The original fishing village still exists,and life there is centred on the main grassysquare, with its whitewashed 17th centurychurch, which claims to have held the first massin Brazil. Stretching away from the village aremiles of wonderful beaches. POUSADAETNIA, TRANCOSOPousada Etnia is a truly delightful place to stay.The eight rooms are individually decorated andhave been created by an Italian fashion designer.There is a beautiful swimming pool, and thewhole place exudes understated sophistication.Although it isn't a beach front property, the seais only a five minute walk away, as is the mainsquare. Its gardens have a tropical feel and givethe property a sense of seclusion despite itscentral location.VILLASDETRANCOSO, NEARTRANCOSOVillas de Trancoso has just five villas, made from locally-sourced Brazilian woods, all ofwhich have their own veranda and seating areaand are furnished with local artwork and fabricswhich complement the beautiful linen bedding.The villas are perched next to a gorgeousgolden palm-lined beach and there is a beachbar on hand for refreshments whilst the villageof Trancoso is within walking distance. Guestscan enjoy an excellent range of Brazilian andinternational dishes in the hotel's restaurant or if they choose, under the stars on the beach or by the pool.Txai ResortMoorea Master Bungalow, Kiaroa Luxury ResortItacaré beachMain square, TrancosoPousada Etnia