Set right on an endless beach with the soundtrack of the waves gently pushing up the beach and less than 2km from the hip bars and restaurants of the Quadrado, no wonder this is regarded as one of the ultimate beach houses in the Americas and was recently described in Centurion Magazine as the property that everyone talks about.

The Villa has 24hr security and is totally private and not overlooked by any neighboring property.

An eighty foot swimming pool gives on to the sand and there are 8 double rooms in 4 separate guest wings. The house was completed at the end of 2005 and uses the finest local materials and the architecture reflects a modern take on traditional Bahian design. Built entirely of wood with wide, open decks and terraces on different levels the house is separated from the pool and beach by a short wooden bridge built over a narrow river.

Sig Bergamin was responsible for the decoration and lay- out of the interior of the house and he created a hugely-stylish mix of rattan furniture and thick, natural fabrics which never looses site that this is a beach house to be enjoyed rather than a show-home. A gate by the pool opens right on to the sand at one of the most private parts of the beach which slopes gradually into the sea and is great both for swimming and for children as it is protected from the open sea by an off shore reef.

The bedrooms are set back either side of the main living areas and this guarantees privacy and quiet at all time. All bedrooms have large ensuite bathrooms and are air conditioned and there is plenty of closet space. All except for the 8th bedroom (which is located away from the main-house by the entrance gate) have outdoor showers and their own verandas. There is a home cinema on an enclosed mezzanine above the spacious sitting room and indoor and outdoor dinning areas and sitting rooms as well as a large ground floor deck and first floor roof terrace – both of which can be used for lunch or dinner.

Car hire or a driver can be arranged as is preferred and is necessary to visit the Quadrado in the evening for dinner and drinks which is about a 7 minute drive (the distance is less than 2km, but the dirt roads can be very bad).

Estrela d'Agua, the best of Trancosos beach hotels, is a short walk along the beach and a great place for a pre-lunch drink with tables set out on the beach and is where most things happen during the day.

South America : Brazil

Trancoso, Bahia in the Brazilian North-east is the hippest beach destination in South America. The village is set on a bluff overlooking perfect palm-fringed beaches and colourful former slave houses cluster around a large grassy main square known as the Quadrado. In the evening everyone heads to the Quadrado to sip caipirinhas and browse in the antique shops, boutiques and local stalls which include many of the chicest Brazilian designers.

The atmosphere is relaxed - the very antithesis of Europe’s glitziest resorts – and flip-flops, open shirts and kaftans are the order of the day and this laid-back vibe is attracting many of the biggest stars of modern Brazil and further a-field who value their privacy as much as their need to kick back and have fun. Forty-five minutes from Trancoso on rough dirt roads is the one of the prettiest beaches in Brazil. A cluster of beach shacks, a wonderful fish restaurant with only three tables, a small hotel a couple of very private beach houses make up the little backwater of Espelho. The beach is never crowded - there are no big hotels here – Espelho is the ideal place for those who want to escape the modern world for a while and to enjoy simple pleasures on the beach. It is a must to visit on one of your days in Trancoso.

Note: Trancoso is the most fashionable destination in Brazil at New Year and this is reflected in the shortage and price of good accommodation at this time. Please book well in advance.

Climate and When to Go Best months are from November to May. The rainy season usually runs from May until September. The busiest months when there is most going on are December (from Christmas on), January and February. While the buzz is great fun, many people prefer to visit outside of this period.

Rental Conditions & Recommendations

Car hire or driver recommended. Broadband Internet is not available in the house although Blackberries work fine and satellite internet access may be included for extra charge for those travelling with a laptop. When the house is full we suggest that a chef (rather than a local cook) should be contracted along with an extra barman / waiter.

Fully catered.

Staff

A housekeeper lives on the property and she and two maids are available from 8am – 5pm. A good local cook will prepare breakfast and lunch and is available until 5pm and after that to prepare dinner for a small extra charge. English speaking concierge (4 hrs / day). 24hr security is provided. Additionally babysitters and additional maids/ barman / evening cover may be provided for extra cost and paid for locally.

Facilities

• 80ft Swimming pool with teak deck furniture and built in speakers
• Direct beach access
• Professional Laundry
• Prefessional Cooker and stove
• Large fridge-freezer
• Microwave
• Barbecue
• Home cinema
• 10 minutes drive to the bars and restaurants of the Quadrado
• 24hr security
• Integral stereo system and i-pod dock children welcomed
• Cable TV

• The boutiques and restaurants in the naturally lit Quadrado purr with a harmonious blend of cash and DNA in the evenings
• The beaches…miles and miles of unspoilt beaches
• The buzz…at the Estrela d’Agua beach bar by day and at the Quadrado by night
• Espelho. 45 minutes away on dirt roads and constantly voted one of the best of Brazil’s beaches. Lunch at Sylvinha’s with just 3 tables on the sand is fresh and memorable.
• Trips to the lovely village of Caraiva
• Rent a buggy
• World class golf course at nearby Terravista. One of the most incredible courses in the Americas
• Massage
• Kite surfing
• Horse riding along the beach