Probably the last time you'll wear shoes on Boipeba is when you step off the small boat that makes the 5-minute trip from the mainland. Jump directly onto the beach and make the short walk up the shaded path to Pousada Santa Clara. From here on in, it's barefoot, carefree relaxation all the way.
You'll be greeted warmly by the owners and shown along a wooden pathway to your charming, simply furnished room, hidden among lush foliage and banana trees. There's an open-air library with a collection of books and magazines, and a bar-restaurant serving breakfast and dinner where people gather to chat and drink in the evening. Around the back, up some stairs in a tree-top massage room, you can take chill-out to another level. There's no pool, but you won't need one - the "Bounty Bar" beaches are superb and the sea gratifyingly warm, all just 50m away.
Highs
- The owners, Kirsti and Leonardo, extend a warm, personal welcome
- Simple, laid back charm with a fun ambiance - we loved the rustic accommodation (don’t expect mod cons)
- Boipeba island is one of Brazil's best-kept secrets - you'll find miles of unspoiled beaches and friendly locals
- Great restaurant - easily the best on the island
- A great place for kids but not a ‘family hotel’, so couples wanting to get away from it all will not feel unwelcome or disturbed
- We love the tree-top massage room
Lows
- It's not easy to get to, but the distance from the mainland has helped Boibepa remain pristine, and the owners can send private vehicles to pick you up from Salvador or Ilhéus
- Not directly on the beach but it's only a minute's walk away
- On Boipeba 8pm is the new midnight: if you want buzzing nightlife, stick to Ibiza
- Rooms don't have many mod cons, and the chalets don't have air-con (but they do have fans)
Best time to go
Carnaval in Salvador (the biggest outside Rio) takes place either in February or March, depending on the year. Brazilians say if you want to watch go to Rio, if you want to take part go to Salvador. Boipeba would make a fantastic spot to chill out in afterwards. The rainiest months are May-July.
The Pousada closes each year for a few weeks, normally during June - please check for exact dates.
The Pousada closes each year for a few weeks, normally during June - please check for exact dates.
Our top tips
Arriving from Salvador is an adventure - it can take 3.5 to 5 hours - but the pousada staff can help you make arrangements. For this reason they recommend staying 3+ nights. If you are really short of time you can fly in to the local airstrip from Salvador.
For your packing list, bring mozzie-spray (not a huge problem but they do exist here) and suntan lotion (it's much more expensive here).
For your packing list, bring mozzie-spray (not a huge problem but they do exist here) and suntan lotion (it's much more expensive here).
Location
Location:
Santa Clara is located on the island of Boipeba, south of Salvador. Access is difficult but you'll be rewarded once you arrive.
By Air:
The nearest major airport is Salvador Luis Eduardo (130km away); it has some international flights, as well as domestic flights from São Paulo.
From the Airport
From Salvador airport you can take one of 3 daily flights in a 6-seater plane to Boipeba's neighbouring island, Ilha de Tinharé (a 30-minute flight), and then cross the water to Santa Clara by speedboat (arranged by the hotel). The total time from Salvador to Boipeba is about an hour. Alternatively, Santa Clara can send private vehicles to pick you up from Salvador.
By Ferry:
Take a taxi from Salvador to the car ferry and cross to Itaperica (you’ll need to brush up on your Portuguese to buy the ticket). It’s then 125km by taxi to Graciosa, and finally 50 minutes by speedboat to Boipeba. Santa Clara can pre-arrange the taxi and speedboat for you.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Brazil and getting around
Airports:
- Salvador Luis Eduardo 130.0 km SSA
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 0.0 km