Paradise Found

For three days we have been in paradise on the Marau peninsula at a self-styled eco-luxury resort, Kiaroa. A little air taxi flew us here from Salvador in half an hour and dropped us literally just steps from the resort. We have a private bungalow with a porch--thoughtfully provided with a hammock--that overlooks our very own pool. The entire peninsula is still fairly undeveloped—no high rises or golf courses, thank goodness--and most tourists are from other parts of Brazil. I notice a bunch of Italian guests at our hotel but definitely no other Americans. In fact, very few of the staff speak English The closest town, a four mile walk on the beach, is a fishing village with a few low key pousadas and local restaurants scattered along the main sandy street.

Anyway, it’s absolutely gorgeous and I’ve gone completely native—putting on my bikini first thing in the morning (Note not a Brazilian bikini aka dental floss which leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination!), drinking capirhinas at the swim up bar, of course, and eating moqueca, a spicy sea food stew every chance I can get.

The beach goes on forever and never seems crowded. We can walk for miles and our primary view is of swaying palm trees, lapis colored water and a brilliant blue, gold and white sky. A two mile walk takes us to a cluster of outdoor restaurants on the beach overlooking crystal clear tidal pools perfect for floating, swimming or snorkeling. The water is beautifully warm and the sun is hot, hot, hot.



One day, we chartered a boat and spent the day zooming around the bay—stopping at islands and isolated beaches for a swim and lunch—-moqueca and capirhinas, of course.