A look inside Barracuda Hotel & Villas in Itacaré, Brazil

Sitting high above the Atlantic in the surf town of Itacaré, Barracuda Hotel & Villas is place that effortlessly captures the spirit of Bahia. What began as a home-away-from-home has grown into a gorgeous clifftop retreat, surrounded by wild Atlantic rainforest and endless ocean views - where sun and surf perfectly blend with laid-back luxury and breezy tropical modernism.

Build with the intent to create a holiday home where the owners could host friends and family, Barracuda Hotel & Villas grew to become exactly that for locals and travelers alike. The property remains intentionally intimate with 17 suites in the main hotel building and nine private villas scattered through the surrounding rainforest, offering a more secluded stay for families and groups. All of this sits across a generous 26 hectares of lush land, inviting guests to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Praia do Resende

location

Barracuda Hotel & Villas is located in the surf town of Itacré - located in the stunning Costa do Cacau. The property’s location is a winner: secluded, yet both within walking distance of the Itacaré’s center as Praia do Resende. Other nearby beaches include Praia da Concha and Praia da Tiririca, known for its surf. A 15 min. car or motorride south sits the paradisical Praia da Jeribucaçu, knowns as one of the best beaches in the region. Barracuda’s smaller sister property OITI by Barracuda is located in the town’s center. Its aptly named poolside restaurant is a winner and a must-visit when in town. The nearest airport is in the city of Ilheus, approximately 1 hr, 30 south of Itacaré.

suites & Villas

Barracuda’s 17 hotel rooms -all suites- are centered around the main building, where guests also find a sleek infinity pool, a restaurant and a pool bar. The suites and simple yet sophisticated, reflecting the owners themselves: a perfect blend between Scandivian minimalism and Bahian charm. Every suite shares the same quiet sophistication - clean-lined furniture, wood-paneled ceilings and soft minimalistic décors - and each one opens onto a generous veranda perfectly framing the lush Bahian outdoors.

The 17 suites range from Forest Suites, which face the Atlantic forest, to the Barracuda Suites on the upper floor - offering sweeping ocean views. Our favorites, however, are the Corner Suites, Barracuda’s answer to the traditional Master Suite. These spacious suites feature panoramic ocean views, a soaking bath tub and a lounge area. The nine villas take things up a notch. Dressed in the same Scandi-meets-Bahian aesthetic, but featuring up to eight guest suites, a private pool and dedicated staff, these sanctuary’s put focus on privacy and exclusivity.

The Barracuda experience

But the Barracuda experience extends well beyond its rustic-chic suites and villas. The main restaurant, helmed by a Bahian chef, champions seasonal, locally sourced cooking while the adjacent bar keeps things lively with poolside drinks and cachaça-infused cocktails. Beyond that, a rooftop lounge with wooden decks, sun loungers and an honesty bar invites quite afternoons and balmy evenings. For those seeking more action there is a yoga deck, a jungle gym and surf lessons available.

Good to know: Barracuda Hotel & Villas has a strong focus on sustainability and is involved in several local, community-based projects. In 2021 the Barracuda crew launched the Yandê Itacaré institute, an initiative supporting several social projects. It’s biggest one ‘ Surfing for the Future’ aims for inclusion of unprivileged children through surf lessons and environmental education. For each stay 2% of the hotel price is allocated to the Yandê Itacaré institute.

Barracuda Hotel & Villas, rooms from EUR 499 per night incl. breakfast