Kenoa Hotel

Barra de São Miguel, Brazil

On the edge of north-eastern Brazil’s Barra de São Miguel coast and 30km from the relaxed city of Maceió, with its vibrant dining scene, sits the understated chic of Kenoa. If your idea of paradise includes roaming deserted beaches and watching the sun set over tropical jungle, look no further. A rustic theme runs through the 23 villas and suites – think solar-heated infinity pools carved from Balinese stone, an eclectic mix of contemporary and indigenous art, elegant bathrooms clad in raw materials, and private gardens complementing earthy, intimate spaces. Guests can opt to unwind in the hand-panelled, Japanese cedar bathtubs on their balconies, but the resort looks after the adventurous, too: sign up for canoeing and oyster-tasting sessions, speedboat excursions across the lagoon or horse riding on the beach.

At the heart of Kenoa is the restaurant, where chef César Santos serves up sophisticated Portuguese dishes with seafood at the fore. For a postprandial siesta, head to the cosy terrace lounge or opt for a vinotherapy treatment at the spa.

Suites from £320, 00 55 82 9 8812 1000, kenoaresort.com

Words by Jas Matulewicz.

This review was taken from the October 2021 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.