Trancoso, Brazil
Etnia Pousada & Boutique
Bohemian forest pousada
Bohemian forest pousada
Eight detached villas sit tucked inside native Atlantic Forest, running like a private estate of open verandas and lantern-lit paths.
“the two-level Gipsy room is our pick for its spaciousness and hippie-ish Andalusian trimmings like floral wall hangings”
What it’s good at
Notable
Villas decorated with global motifs, set carefully around native pau-brasil and embaúba trees.
Notable
Bahian breakfast tapiocas and secluded forest gardens, minutes from the historic Quadrado.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
What counts here is the atmosphere (unrelentingly mellow), as well as the environment — surrounded by tall trees, you’re comfortably secluded, with even the beach a good ten minutes away.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The historic Quadrado sits a five-minute walk away, and a walkway through coastal mangroves leads down to the sand.
1 of 5
The rooms
Each villa opens onto a deep covered veranda, finished with burnt cement floors and wood salvaged from historic cocoa farms.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A freshwater pool sits in a sunlit clearing, bordered by timber sun decks and towering native trees.
At the table
The open-air pavilion serves fresh tropical breakfasts, and the kitchen prepares Bahian moquecas to order.
How it began
Architect Gabriel Garbin mapped the property in 2001, positioning each villa carefully to avoid felling a single native tree.
Trancoso
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Hotel Villas de Trancoso
“Secluded Bahian retreat”
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.