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Brazilian friends told me about this property, which like so many of their cherished treasures has remained a well-kept secret. (Remember when Daslu, the famous fashion emporium began, it started out as a trunk show for friends of friends. The wealthy shun press here and that mandate seems to extend to the caretakers of their watering holes.) Owners Arthur Bahia and Mucki Skowronski refer to Fazenda da Lagoa as their own little planet and they cater to those who love the natural beauty of Bahia infused with a fun, informal spirit. Think of the simple sexiness of a tropical patterened pair of Havianas and you get the easy aesthetic.

Fazenda da Lagoa, which lies twenty-five miles south of Ilheus and about an hour and half drive from Txai, has only fourteen bungalows—all of which have direct access to another one of Bahia’s glorious beaches; this one is seven-miles long. The public areas make the most of the views and the natural splendor. The main pavilion, where guests gather for cocktails and meals, opens to the outdoors on almost all of its sides. Its roof is supported by stacked stone columns, and floors are covered in woven straw mats. Local wood furniture dominates with polished pieces inside and raw pieces used to create the sinuously shaped chaises around the infinity pool. Guest bungalows resemble the fabulous pool house of a Southern California set designer with a passion for fruit drinks and colors that pop. Under high wooden ceilings sit king beds with white gauze curtains and an electric-lime-green striped bedspread with a headboard ablaze in a floral print. Colorful paintings by Mucki, an artist from Rio, adorn many of the walls. Breakfast and dinner are served family style around a massive wood table in the main house, but if you prefer to raise a flag over your cottage, the staff will deliver room service. No children under the age of 8 allowed.