Txai Resort

Exceptionally beautiful eco-friendly estate where rustic simplicity meets style and luxury on a vast stretch of Bahia's undeveloped Cacoa Coast

Picture those endless beaches of Bahia. Frame them within 100 hectares of coconut groves and rare preserved Atlantic rainforest. Then add a little luxury and artistic flair to get Txai (pronounced "chai") - positioned on the undeveloped Cacao coast, 400km south of Salvador and an hour's drive north from Ilheus. This idyllic resort has 40 rooms and individual thatched bungalows, three palatial cobalt-blue tiled pools (including a kids one) just steps from the expansive empty beach and a hill-top spa that will take you closer to heaven. The emphasis is on nature, tranquility and beauty (there are no TVs in the bungalows). Imagine an exotic Bond movie set with Bahian-inspired elegant rooms.

Wake up to an ocean view. Sample the sumptuous breakfast buffet. Then soak up the local culture and nature with one of the hotel's daily eco trips, whether river rafting, surfing or riding to forest waterfalls; or birdwatch from your balcony. Lounge poolside with a caipirinha. Dine on the freshest fish and Bahian specialities. Retreat to your bungalow to stargaze. For a special treat and total relaxation, this is one of our favourites.

Highs

• Beautiful pools, miles of unspoilt white sand beaches and acres of lush garden
• The hill-top spa - yoga, massage and watsu with outstanding coastal views
• Well-chosen excursions that let you absorb the local area
• Magnificent sitting room - one of the most stylish yet comfortable rooms we've seen anywhere, and with a terrific aspect over the main pool
• Excellent collection of books on Brazilian culture, flora and fauna in the library
• Eco-friendly approach - Txai's involved in several local community projects, including a reforestation programme
• Dancing the Forro with the locals in Itacaré

Lows

• High security when entering the estate can give a sense of being cut off, but also makes you feel super safe
• With the strengthening of the Brazilian Real, accommodation rates are now high, but it's a one-off place
• Bathrooms are rustic rather than super-luxe
• Excursions can be pricey but it's worth splashing out on a couple if you are here for a few nights; just exploring Txai itself would suffice for many
• Not all of the staff speak English, but are charming nonetheless (note that you may need to be proactive in asking for information, we were a little bemused by the lack of info on arrival)
• If you're after glitz and a party vibe, this may not be the place for you. For bustle, you need to drive or take the hotel shuttle to the nearest town, Itacaré (20 minutes away)