Fazenda Sao Francisco

Paradise Found: a gloriously remote location with white sand, organic food, warm hospitality and only 10 rooms

If Ralph Lauren designed a beachhouse getaway for Pele, we imagine it would have the look and feel of Fazenda Sao Francisco. As the sun comes up, sit on the perfect white sand and watch the sky change colour. Swim through aquamarine waters and see shoals of fish dart beneath you, then eat organic Brazilian food on the seafront. Stroll through the mangroves to find a native Pataxo Indian settlement, and return as the sun sets for a well-deserved caipirinha. Then, after a seafood dinner, lie down in a cool white bedroom and fall asleep to the sound of the sea.

This is day-to-day living at Corumbau's luxury retreat, a haven of tranquility on the southern tip of Bahia. Miles from civilisation, it's a perfect place to forget the pressures of work and city living. Once a coconut farm, it's simple and extremely beautiful, yet has all you need for the ultimate beach break: the rooms are spacious and elegant, the lagoon pool invigorating, and thanks to the small size of the hotel, the cheery staff will soon know you by name. A stylish, restorative hideaway.

Highs

• Its fabulous location, on an unspoilt 15km beach miles from anywhere except the tiny hamlet of Corumbau (meaning 'distant place' in native Pataxo)
• Trails through the mangrove swamps are some of the best preserved in Brazil
• Expert chef Teco's meals are a gastronomic delight
• Cruising out to the coral reef in the hotel's schooner as the sun rises over the sea
• The giant pool is so clean and clear you can swim underwater with your eyes wide open

Lows

• The fabulous location requires quite a lot of effort to reach: a domestic flight to Porto Seguro then a short plane hop or a 3.5 hour car ride
• You have to cross the road to get to the sea, but only a handful of vehicles pass each day
• There's not a lot to do except bliss out - there are no towns or restaurants nearby except a few makeshift beach bars 1km to the north
• Although the style of the interior design is first class, some of the finishings are slap dash - hardly a deal breaker!