Pousada Vila Kalango : Ceara, Brazil

If you stumble over the name Jericoacoara — or if you’ve never even heard of the place — you’re not alone. The idyllic stretch of sand and sea is located far, far away from Rio and Buzios on the quiet northern coast of Brazil; twenty-odd years ago, this mellow fishing village didn’t even have electricity. After the government declared the region a national park in 2002, Jericoacoara became something of a windsurfers’ mecca, but the place still feels stuck in a dreamy past of sand-covered lanes and swaying hammocks.Pousada Vila Kalango fits easily into the natural landscape. Comprised of stilted houses and private bungalows made from eucalytpus, mud bricks, straw and locally sourced timber, the pousada sits squarely on the village’s main beach. The look is stylish but down-to-earth: wide-plank wood floors, exposed brick, colorful tapestries woven by native artisans, four-poster beds canopied with romantic (and very practical) mosquito nets. Guests can opt for modern comforts like air conditioning and wifi, or go au naturel with a sea breeze and a great book. (If the lack of flat-screen TVs and in-room telephones is any indication, the owners clearly encourage the latter.)There’s a kitesurfing school, a spa, and a rustic open-air restaurant where fresh fish is served by candlelight. The terrace pool is a magnet at sunset; kick back in a wooden chaise for the house speciality, a frozen caipirinha. After a couple of those, the name Jericoacoara might even roll off your tongue. If not, just call it Jeri — the locals are too relaxed to notice or care.