Pousada Tutabel

The heated, oceanfront pool stretches towards the horizon whilst the restaurant – exclusive to guests – is suspended in a glass-walled pavilion where Chef Bertrand Materne's exceptional menu celebrates Bahian flavours. There's also a beach bar, Tutabar, for ceviche and cocktails during the day. The spa boasts a hammam, sauna and hot tub alongside treatment rooms for heavenly post-beach massages. And just about everything runs on sustainable principles – single-use plastics have been eliminated whilst the adjacent 975-hectare RPPN Rio do Brasil reserve protects endangered species like the Chauá parrot.

Sixteen suites and two villas are scattered through the tropical gardens. There are 12 Sapoti suites (40m²), just 20 metres from sand and three larger Pitanga suites (60m²) in the forest with vast windows overlooking the greenery. The showstopper, however, is the fabulous Tutabel suite (80m²) with a view of Itapororoca beach. All have four-poster beds dressed in Trousseau linens, locally-made toiletries and private balconies. There's also a separate Rio do Brasil Villa that sleeps six across two suites and comes complete with a kitchen and private pool – essentially your very own beach house.

On land, explore the 975-hectare private reserve on walking trails, kayak the Rio do Brasil, stopping at hidden waterfalls only locals know, and fat bike along the beach at low tide. In the water, try SUP boarding, surfing and snorkelling. The famous Quadrado square with its UNESCO-listed fishermen's houses is just 15 minutes away in the village of Trancoso - head in for boutique browsing, people-watching and excellent restarurants. Otherwise, simply surrender to the spa's hammam before claiming your spot on the near-deserted beach...