Hotels in Itacare

Despite all the surfers and younger travelers, Itacaré is not a cheap destination. The best accommodations within walking distance of the amenities and nightlife in the village are in Praia da Concha.

The Perfect Resort

On a beach not so far away, in fact only a 50km (31-mile) drive south of Ilheus, there stands the perfect resort, Fazenda da Lagoa, Rodovia Una-Ilheus Km 18 (tel. 073/3236-6046; www.fazendadalagoa.com.br). Set on what is, for all intents and purposes, an island, the resort has been carefully hidden away at the end of an unmarked dirt road, beyond which you come to a river that you have to cross by boat. A labor of love of a Rio designer and her husband, the Fazenda offers luxurious accommodations without being over-the-top. Staying at the Fazenda you feel like you're visiting a friend -- albeit a friend with oodles of money and exquisite taste. What makes this place so special? First of all, it's the only pousada, and one of only a handful of buildings, on a beautiful 10km-long (6-mile) stretch of beach. Then there are the fabulous 140-sq.-m (460-sq.-ft.) bungalows with king-size beds, large decks, outside (and inside) showers, a beautiful swimming pool, and a lovely main lounge with an outstanding library. There is a small spa, an excellent restaurant, and only 14 bungalows, which means you never have to worry about the crowds. If you can tear yourself away from the lap of luxury (and nobody says that you have to) you can borrow bikes at low tide and ride out along the beach. Or you can take a short hike to the private lagoon with crystal-clear water and enjoy a swim, a paddle, or simply sunbathe or snooze on the wooden deck, then dig into a delicious picnic lunch that the staff will prepare for you in advance. And did I mention that you have the beach practically to yourself? At the Fazenda da Lagoa, the isolation is truly splendid. Low-season rates are R$880 to R$1,100; high season R$1,100 to R$1,450. Children 2 and under stay free, those 3 to 8 years are 50% off.