Bahia: Where to Stay: Hideaways: Estrela d’Agua

Estrela d’Agua

Considering that this is where Leonardo DiCaprio stayed when he and Gisele Bündchen visited a few years ago, it is not surprising that this is the region’s best-known resort. Many loyal beach bums have made annual pilgrimages here since it opened a decade ago. That means, unfortunately, that if you are not a regular or have one who is willing to pull some strings, it can be nearly impossible to secure a room during the high period.

The main house was once the private residence of legendary Brazilian singer Gal Costa and now houses a dining room, living room and TV room. Its verandah, lined with rocking chairs, faces a fabulous pool and beyond it a twenty-mile long white sand beach. The décor is typical beach chic with lots of white linens, mosquito-net draped beds and Indian crafts or bright pillows to add a splash of color. The twenty-eight guestrooms are located in cottages fanning out around the property. Most of the rooms are doubles with small verandahs in the garden but there is one Master Suite with its own plunge pool and a view of the sea. Huge daybeds surround the pool area and a giant thatched hut on the dunes has comfortable seating for those who want to get out of the sun without leaving the beach scene. There’s a small gym and boutique and the concierge can arrange water sports and excursions. No children under eleven are permitted. Rooms from $505.

Indagare members get preferred treatment, so be sure to let us know if plan a visit.

Tip: Whether you stay here or elsewhere, be sure to come for lunch at one of the tables between the pool and the dunes and to stop in at the small Richard’s outpost for some shopping.