...The review

UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa

Nestled in the laid-back Bahian beach town of Trancoso, UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa offers a soulful retreat where rustic authenticity meets barefoot luxury.

Its location is extraordinary: overlooking Trancoso’s historic Quadrado – a UNESCO-protected grassy square framed by brightly painted colonial houses and the landmark São João Batista church – the hotel embodies Brazil’s coastal charm. Just beyond the property, the Atlantic shimmers through a backdrop of palms and golden beaches. Each of UXUA’s casas were created with reclaimed wood, traditional techniques, and hand-crafted furnishings. Designed by Wilbert Das, former creative director of Diesel, the property is both artful and deeply rooted in community and culture.

"At UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, you’re invited to live the Bahian way - slowly, beautifully, and always connected to nature. From the shimmering quartz-lined pool to a spa inspired by local healing traditions, every detail feels authentic, intimate, and timeless."

Things to do

Life at UXUA balances relaxation, culture, and gentle adventure. Start the day with yoga, then slip into the pool, lined with green Adventurine quartz believed to hold healing properties. The spa offers treatments infused with local botanicals and ancient Bahian practices, while the hotel’s Vida Lab creates natural products, artisanal chocolate, and essential oils from ingredients sourced nearby.

The golden beaches of Trancoso are a short stroll or cycle away, with a dedicated UXUA beach lounge offering sunbeds, cocktails, and an easy-going rhythm. Active travellers can try kayaking, horseback riding, or capoeira with local masters. For those drawn to Bahian culture, the village brims with artisan boutiques, live music, and culinary traditions to explore. Evenings unfold on the Quadrado, where the scent of moqueca fills the air and lanterns cast a warm glow over mingling locals and guests alike.

Sleeping

The hotel features just 13 unique casas and all share an aesthetic of rustic-elegant comfort. Expect open-air living spaces, wide balconies shaded by palms, hand-painted details, and hammocks strung between wooden beams. A few casas come with private plunge pools and spacious kitchens, creating the feeling of a home rather than a hotel.

Food & Drink

UXUA’s kitchen celebrates Bahian flavours with a modern sensibility. The menus highlight fresh seafood from local fishermen, fruits and vegetables from the organic gardens, and regional staples like cassava and cacao. Breakfasts are a leisurely affair with tropical fruit, homemade breads, and pressed juices. At dinner, Brazilian dishes are served alongside caipirinhas.

What We Think

UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa is not just a boutique hotel, it’s a cultural immersion, a design statement, and a restorative sanctuary in one. Every experience, from lounging on the beach to exploring Trancoso’s cobbled streets, is elevated by the property’s attention to detail and comfort.

Best For

Perfect for couples seeking romance, design lovers who appreciate artisanal detail, and travellers who want to combine wellness with a vibrant local culture. Families and groups will also feel at home in the multi-bedroom casas, which offer space and privacy in abundance. Although the hotel isn’t really geared towards children.

The Verdict

“To stay at UXUA is to slip into the rhythm of Bahia itself – unhurried, joyful, and filled with colour. It’s a place where history and design meet the sea, leaving guests with memories as warm and lasting as the Bahian sun.”

 

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