While I start to write this post I am cuddling with my cat at home, all wrapped in blankets and mittens. We are in the middle of winter in New York and I am day dreaming about my vacation in Brazil that was about a month ago. My husband and I went to Brazil to visit my family, but before we headed to family destinations we went to explore a tropical hidden gem. I would say is not that hidden anymore since the place has been written about by all kinds of international publications and also has received a few international celebrities... While being there I felt like I was in a secret dream, a lifestyle combination of simplicity and sophistication in total harmony. Plus, it's difficult to get there! You have to take an overnight flight, then a domestic fight, then lastly a car to arrive in the village with a one-way road...except if you arrive and/or leave by the river. Yes! We also can get there by boat too.
TRANCOSO... That's the name of the place. I confess that I was hesitant if I should write this post and share with the world this secret place... But because I am a generous person I couldn't keep this gift just only for us Brazilians. By the way, all Brazilians know about Trancoso. But outside of Brazil I am not sure that it has been discovered yet. Except, by the adventurous and curious world travelers. I love to share beauty and I believe that's my mission on earth, so here it goes.
What I really like about Trancoso is not the fact that the place is surrounded by natural tropical beauty, beaches & sun, and for its laid-backless people, good food & drinks... The place celebrates art & design every where you go... in the shops, in the restaurants & bars, hotels, 'pousadas', and its peoples' homes. Below is a bit of the representation of Trancoso's interior design aesthetics _ tropical, bright, casual, sensual, happy, relaxing, rustic, natural.
Source AD - Anderson Cooper's house
Designed by Wilbert Das - Photography by Simon Upton
Source AD - Anderson Cooper's house
Designed by Wilbert Das - Photography by Simon Upton
Source AD - Anderson Cooper's house
Designed by Wilbert Das - Photography by Simon Upton
Source AD - Anderson Cooper's house
Designed by Wilbert Das - Photography by Simon Upton
Source AD - Anderson Cooper's house
Designed by Wilbert Das - Photography by Simon Upton
Source AD - Anderson Cooper's house
Designed by Wilbert Das - Photography by Simon Upton
For the full story and all photos of Anderson Cooper's house in Brazil you can visit Architectural Digest website.
The photos that I am sharing below are my own pictures that I took when spending time in Trancoso this year. They represent a little bit of the vibe of this place, and they might inspire you to go to visit... and feel by yourself the magic energy of it. If you go and need suggestions I would be glad to share my suggestions and help you to get there! Just email me with subject line as 'Travel Trancoso Tips' at renata@rgartdesign.com
The colors and textures of the old rustic colonial architectural of the
buildings are so alluring.
The view behind the white church at the the end of 'Quadrado'
(Historic Square) is breathtaking.
The atmosphere of the 'fancy' restaurants... always completed with the sounds of a local musician playing a mellow Bossa Nova or MPB (Brazilian Popular Music).
The historical houses of the 'Quadrado' dating about 500 years, with their beautiful front gardens. They are now mostly trendy shops, restaurants and boutique hotels.
Inside the church São João Batista by the end of the 'Quadrado'. The church has about sixteenth-century of history and it's in great condition. I want to marry again!
'Hey, Michael Gross, would you marry me again?'
This is the most famous beach of Trancoso _ Praia do Espelho (Mirror Beach), with powder white beaches and natural warm swimming pools created by reefs at low tide.
Praia dos Coqueiros (Coconut Beach) is in walking distance from the town, where you can just lay on a beach chaise and relax; or go for a 'serene adventure' _
a horse ride at the beach.
After hanging out at your favorite Trancoso beach I recommend for lunch or dinner (depends on what time you arrive and leave the beach) the famous creamy and rich
Bahian 'Moqueca de Peixe'! D E L I C I O U S!
Delicious Maracuja (paxion fruit) caipirinhas all day long! For a calming night of sleep... According to the Brazilians maracuja fruit has the power to relax and make you sleepy.
HAPPY WINTER BREAK!
“Wishing you the best, and all love in the world!
Dream, work hard and keep going…"
XoXo & Beijos,
Renata Gross