In the know

Our favourite rooms: The bungalows definitely have the edge over the Tropical Luxury Rooms, thanks to their private setting, wooden four-poster beds and sense of lightness and space. We liked the Malindi bungalows on the edge of the resort, where you can almost feel part of the forest. These have big loft-style rooms with high peaked ceilings, modern interiors, verandahs with hammocks, and square Jacuzzi baths. If you can, book number 4 or 5 – the most private. The Bali Luxury bungalows are larger, each with two bathrooms and two private pools by the terrace.
Packing tips: Bring snorkelling gear to take advantage of the reef-filled waters a short swim from the shore. A stack of beach reading will pass any time you don’t want to spend gawping at the views.
Also: The hotel’s Armonia spa is a temple to relaxation, offering both a wet and dry sauna, an assortment of muscle-easing massages including Ayurveda, reflexology, Watsu water therapy, and the spa’s signature four-hander.

Current offers

Smith card offer: A bottle of champagne and a fruit platter

Kiaroa Eco Luxury Resort

Bahia, Brazil[view map]

Style: Bahian tropic
Setting: Marau Peninsula mangroves

Ensconced by palms, mangroves and ocean, this boutique resort on the peninsular tip of South Bahia may be tricky to get to, but it’s more than worth the journey. A luxury coastal retreat with added eco-friendly credentials, and a wealth of outdoorsy and water-based activities, Kiaroa Eco Luxury Resort captures Brazilian beach-hotel chic with a flavour of Asian design.

Need to know

Rooms: 28, including 14 stand-alone bungalows.
Rates: US$434.74–US$1,366.20, including breakfast, dinner and non-alcoholic drinks; excludes five per cent tax and 10 per cent service. Stays of six nights or more include airport transfers.
Check-out: Midday.
Facilities: Private airstrip and helipad, spa, gym, gardens, tennis/volleyball courts, boutique store, bikes, DVD library, WiFi throughout (US$17 a day). In rooms: LCD TV, DVD player, minibar, Trussardi Egyptian-cotton bedlinen, Natura Eko toiletries.
Poolside: The pool is the shimmering centrepiece of Kia Roa, a bright blue freeform blob with a grassy island in the middle and a swim-up bar.
Eco-friendly: Kiaroa’s eco-credentials go through the palm-and-eucalyptus-thatched roof: it’s located in an ecological sanctuary, makes use of solar energy, treats its own water and sewage, and employs exclusively from the local community.
Also: Minimum two-night stay.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant: All meals are served in Kiaroa’s glass-panelled restaurant overlooking the pool, with the beach as a backdrop. There’s a mix of Bahian and international cuisine (with a distinct fresh seafood bias), which is also on offer at lunchtimes at the Tetiaroa.
Dress code: Missoni swimwear for the beach bar; a touch more glam for the restaurant.
Top table: Take one of the glass tables close to the pool and admire the sea view.
Last orders: The restaurant serves its last meal at 10.30pm; the two bars pack up their shakers at nightfall.
Room service: A menu of small snacks and sandwiches is available until midnight.
Hotel bar: Ibiscus, the poolside bar, is located in an island in the middle of the water, allowing guests to swim up any time they fancy a caipirinha. Wooden beach bar Tetiaroa serves drinks on the sand.

Also worth knowing

Children: This hotel is better suited to couples - leave the children at home!

Smith Members offer

A bottle of champagne and a fruit platter

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