These vacation options were brought to our attention by our members as well as our sources and friends in the travel business. Hideaways has not inspected them, but we've heard great things and believe they might be of interest. Call Hideaways Travel Services at 877-843-4433 to arrange your stay at any of these getaways.

Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort [Marau Peninsula, Brazil]
It's only fitting that Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort, on the southern coast of Bahia state, would meld unobtrusively with the encroaching jungle on Brazil's Bay of Camamu. Camamu is Brazil's third-largest and vastly unexplored bay, a graceful sweep of deserted beaches, coconut palms, mangroves, and clear swimming lagoons formed by natural offshore reefs. In the midst of this environmentally protected area, Kiaroa bows respectfully to its surrounding beauty by leaving a gentle footprint on the land.

Uncluttered, pared-down, and sleek, the resort makes perfect use of what nature so generously gave it to work with. Polynesian-style, thatched-roof bungalows--just 14 in all, and some with private dip pools--sit low among the swaying treetops and have Indonesian-style furnishings. Another 14 tropical guest rooms sit snugly among fragrant gardens; these have verandas or balconies with lazy-in-the-afternoon hammocks. Everywhere are subtle reminders of sustainable tourism: solar energy for water heating, timber from certified reforestation areas, furniture produced by local artisans.

Families and corporate incentive groups will find this atmosphere most appealing. Guests can hike to jungle waterfalls with their bilingual guides, pedal out on bicycle trails to natural swimming pools, or hang close to home for a game of tennis. And for dinner? Nothing but the freshest local seafood, meats, and poultry artfully served on the outdoor dining terrace.

Rates start at $532 and include half-board.

March 2008