Araça Azúl is an eco-home perched high on a hill overlooking the forest canopy. An acre of landscaped tropical garden surrounds the property. The ocean is just 70 m from the front door.
Flanked by the Inferno River estuary on one side, and the mighty Atlantic on the other, Boipeba island seems virtually uninhabited. There are no cars. Shoes are optional.
Part of Brazil’s Tinharé archipelago in Bahia, Boipeba measures just twelve kilometres in length by five wide and is only accessible by boat.
Mangrove forests fringe swathes of white sand while coconut palms border the other side. Boipeba is rustic and pace of life on the island is slow during the day, only springing to life at the shack restaurants and bars at night.
Interiors are bright and furniture is made from upcycled boats. Wooden floorboards and panelled walls add to the sensations of being out at sea.
A homely kitchen sits at the heart of the house. Meals are often eaten at a table built around the mangaba tree. Guests may choose to cook their own meals or opt for half board. Lucinede cooks up impressive feasts of traditional Bahian moqueca (seafood and coconut milk) and black bean stew, feijoada.
Wooden stairs lead to three bedrooms. Pitched roofs with exposed rafters allow plenty of space and light. Doors open onto open balconies with far-reaching views of the ocean.
Swinging hammocks are dotted around the property’s shaded verandas and gardens.
A fourth bedroom is a self-contained hut made from recycled boat wood, perfect for a couple or older children looking for some independence.
Hop on a boat out to sea and sample one of the floating oyster bars for fresh mangrove-grown oysters with a local beer.
Rich in marine life, there is excellent snorkellin where coral reefs jut out to sea. Canoe out to sea towards Bainema or Ponta de Castellhanos, one of our favourite spots for an afternoon spent eating fresh fish and clams. Rowing out further to sea there’s fantastic diving and spearfishing.
Travellers may fly to Salvador Airport and take the hopper flight to Moreré island or take a water taxi direct to Araça Azúl.
