The Brazilian state of Bahia offers beach life in the raw: endless stretches of sand, blazing sunshine, a seductive samba soundtrack and a copious supply of caipirinhas. There are chic retreats, trailblazing eco-hotels, rustic fishing villages, turtle sanctuaries and canoe trips through mangrove swamps. The vibe is easy-going and unbuttoned, and the time difference is just three hours. 
Recommended tour operator: Black Tomato
Black Tomato says
If you’re looking for a mix of lazy hammock-swinging and vibrant colourful parties to the backdrop of white sand beaches, nowhere is better than the Brazilian coast of Bahia.
Perfect for a year-round beach break, the coastline is dotted with beautiful resorts, but none is more sexy than the pulsating town of Itacare, a hub of Brazilian partying. And, trust us, the Brazilians know how to party.
Stay for 7 nights at Txai, a resort made up of palm-thatched chalets, each with a king-size bed, an open-air bed for massage and an outdoor shower and whirlpool bath. The hotel is set in a huge coconut plantation, close to top-notch surf spots in indigo waters, lush tropical jungles and cascading waterfalls.
Adventure comes in the form of surfing and horse trekking through the rainforest, or you can exercise the Brazilian way with some Capoeira. And, to top it all off, come evening, your cabana is perfectly located in the thick of the action. Yeah, we’d say this place is pretty close to perfect.
Click here for prices and more about Bahia beach holidays
