Etnia Pousada & Boutique

Intimate rustic-chic hotel in the heart of Trancoso, one of Brazil's hippest villages, with fabulous unspoilt beaches nearby

Trancoso, on the coast of Southern Bahia, epitomises boho-chic. Lulled by its tranquil charm and beautiful beaches, hippies discovered this fishing village in the 70s. Recent years have seen the arrival of more cosmopolitan visitors, but its low-key character and distinct bohemian feel remains intact. Etnia Pousada's simple contemporary design and natural setting sits well amidst this new vibe. Dotted around woodland, the 8 rooms each present a different world style, from Africa to the Orient.

Created by the charismatic owners Andre Zanonato and Corrado Tini (from the world of Italian fashion and design), it gels with immaculate taste, attention to detail and a personal touch. Its heart is the stylish bar-restaurant: imagine white cushions, rattan armchairs on pale polished concrete floors, a light breeze wafting through white drapes, and the blue pool before you. There's a certain understated sophistication to Etnia (or Etnia Pousada & Boutique as they have now dubbed it). No wonder it's a favourite for fashion shoots, design journals and people who want something a bit different.

Highs

• The cool open-air bar-restaurant serves a delicious breakfast
• It's affordable and stylish; interesting design features abound
• The owners are warm, gregarious and highly knowledgeable
• Trancoso's charming "Quadrado" - a grassy rectangle lined with boutiques and friendly laid-back restaurants - is just round the corner

Lows

• The beach is a 10-20-minute walk away
• The shaded forest setting means there are some mosquitoes, but nets are provided in the rooms
• It requires a bit of effort to get to Trancoso - a domestic flight to Porto Seguro and then a taxi-ride or a bus and ferry (it's best combined with a stay in Rio or Salvador)