The Best Hotels And Pousadas in Itacaré

Mais Que Nada is a hostel-house-hotel that continually wins over the loyal train of travellers that traipse through its doors. Sandy runs the show, keeping guests amused and happy, and directing people to the best things to do in Itacaré. The hostel itself has a lively bar, which entices outsiders in and keeps guests firmly installed with flowing drinks and live-music nights. Plus breakfast, served to a reggae soundtrack, is good enough to put a smile on the most hungover of faces.

Pousada Galeão is simple, sweet and affordable. On a road towards the back of town, it looks out on green hills but is within spitting distance of Itacaré’s shops, restaurants and many of the beaches. It has 13 rooms, some of which sleep up to five people, and many of which have balconies with hammocks. The outdoor deck is kitted out with sunloungers, a big shower and a barbecue for guests.

Space, peace, privacy and absolute luxury make Txai Itacaré one of Bahia’s best hotels. It is about 20 minutes south of the town centre by car, stretching along its own section of coast. There are 38 separate, beautifully decorated rustic bungalows, three restaurants, five pools, a spa and tennis courts should you want more than to sleep in total silence, look out over the hypnotic sea and be surrounded by soothing nature.

Just 150 metres from Concha beach, Pousada Tikuna has a truly Bahian feel to it. Brightly coloured hammocks are strung outside bedrooms, flowery table clothes adorn the dining area and there is a spacious veranda for lounging on. Other guests sometimes include the local monkeys who come for a bite of banana at breakfast. The bedrooms are no-frills but not small and the owners are particularly friendly making it an excellent affordable choice.

Hidden behind a garden of jungle fronds and pretty flowers, Pousada Encantos da Mata is a family-run pousada with five rooms. It is out of the way of the hubbub of the town but just a hop and skip from Concha beach and a short walk to the supermarket and other shops. As well as welcoming children – they have family rooms – pets can also come to stay too.

Pousada Villa Maeva was opened in 2013, successfully combining modern design – poured concrete floors and spacious walk-in showers, for example – with natural architectural features like wooden decking, a mat-roofed terrace and a pebble-floored pool. It is sophisticated yet chilled, and just minutes from town, the beaches and all that Itacaré has to offer. Breakfast and afternoon tea are included.

ABBA fans will be delighted to learn that Vila Barracuda, in the heart of Itacaré, is part owned by Bjorn from the band. Unsurprisingly the boutique hotel embodies easy, Scandi chic with walls of colour offsetting calm woods and whites. Attentive staff can organise boat trips and surf lessons, massages and capoeira, as well as cooking a feast for you on onsite.

Of the larger resort-style hotels favoured by Brazilian families in Itacaré Aldeia do Mar is one of the more charming. It is right on the eastern end of Praia da Concha – an exceptional spot in terms of both convenience and access to the ocean and palm-lined shore. There is a large garden and pool, and the hotel sets out loungers on the beach too. Kids club and connecting rooms gear it towards people travelling with children.