Hotel Overview
UXUA is a design-forward boutique hotel on the edge of Trancoso’s historic Quadrado, the grassy, tree-lined square at the heart of this small Bahian town. Trancoso has become a fashionable destination for its artful independent shops, stylish restaurants, and creative community, a place of enduring, low-key appeal. Once a cluster of fishermen’s houses, UXUA has been restored and reimagined as a series of private guest casas, some still opening directly onto the square. Anchored by its on-site atelier, where artisans craft much of the hotel’s furniture and décor, and guided by an emphasis on local craftsmanship, sustainability, and understated comfort, UXUA offers something increasingly rare: a hotel fully integrated into its surroundings.
When
The northern state of Bahia is a year-round destination, though its most spirited stretch runs from New Year’s Eve through Carnival, when the Quadrado fills with music and celebration. During PRIOR’s visit, the town was celebrating the Festival of São Sebastião, a 24-hour gathering of samba, street food, and cachaça, culminating in the symbolic replacement of a hand-carved wooden pole by a local artist. After Carnival, the energy eases and Trancoso settles into a slower rhythm—still warm and consistently sunny.
The Setting
Just an hour’s drive from Porto Seguro Airport (with daily flights from both Rio and São Paulo), UXUA blends into Trancoso’s streetscape. Some casas have access to the square; others are set behind private gardens. The beach, cafés, and galleries are all within walking distance, and UXUA’s presence remains quiet and respectful—more a part of the town than apart from it.
The Crowd
UXUA attracts a relaxed, design-conscious crowd that values authenticity and a slower pace. This isn’t a place for flash or scene-chasing; guests share an appreciation for luxury defined not by excess, but by craft, comfort, and connection to place. Expect a mix of annually returning guests, creative professionals, and families who come for a stylish and private beach vacation.
The Scene & Design
UXUA leans into Bahian design in both structure and spirit. Many of the buildings are original to the village, restored with reclaimed wood, adobe, and traditional techniques. Interiors feature vintage ceramics, local textiles, and handcrafted furniture, much of it made for the property. Communal spaces such as the beach lounge, spa, and pool are open and understated, blending into the surrounding landscape.
Central to UXUA’s creative identity is the UXUA Atelier, a working studio where much of the hotel’s décor is produced. The D.A.S. collection—including furniture, textiles, and design pieces—is crafted here, often in collaboration with Brazilian Indigenous communities and visiting artists from the Artist In Casa residency. Many soft furnishings, including cushions and upholstery, are woven on-site at the hotel’s own looms.
The Proprietor
Wilbert Das, former creative director of Diesel, is the mastermind behind UXUA. What began as his personal home project in the early 2000s gradually evolved into a full property, developed in close collaboration with local builders and artisans. Das still lives part-time in Trancoso and remains actively involved in the hotel’s evolution. From custom furnishings to a swimming pool lined with 40,000 quartz crystals (each installed by Das himself), his design sensibility and attention to detail are evident throughout the property.
The Rooms
UXUA has 16 individually designed casas, ranging from one to three bedrooms. These aren’t traditional hotel rooms—they feel more like small homes, with kitchens, private pools, gardens, and open-air living spaces.
Casa do Lago is the largest: a 300-square-meter three-bedroom beside a swimmable freshwater lake alive with rare native fish. It includes a large veranda, open-plan living and dining areas, a lux kitchen, and interiors furnished with Brazilian antiques, contemporary art, and pieces from the D.A.S. collection. Built from reclaimed wood, it offers a modern interpretation of colonial Brazilian style.
Casinha, once owned by filmmaker Augusto Sevá, retains its 1970s bohemian charm. The two-suite home has a private pool, expansive garden, and a hammock strung between trees for afternoon naps in the sun.
Casa das Artes, painted Yves Klein blue, is among the Quadrado’s most photographed landmarks. Inside, works from the Artist In Casa residency mix with handcrafted furniture, sculptural lighting, and an airy layout that blurs the line between indoors and out.
The Service
Service at UXUA is relaxed but attentive. The team is mostly local, many with years at the hotel. There’s no scripted formality here—requests are met with warmth and ease, but always on Trancoso time. The approach is personal and genuine, more like being looked after by a host than waited on by staff.
