Deserted beaches, sexy inhabitants, and fabulous shopping are a taste of what makes Bahia, Brazil the hot new destination in the travel market. Bahia, in the northeast region of Brazil, is home to some of the best beaches in the world. The quartz sand is sugar white and the jungle backdrop is reminiscent of Survivor.

Catch a flight on Varig Airlines into Sau Paulo, the largest city in the world, and hop on a smaller plane into Salvador, Bahia. After landing, catch a bus to Costa do Sauipe, a luxurious complex in the middle of the jungle. Breezes, an all-inclusive resort, is one of a handful of resorts at Costa do Sauipe. The rooms are spacious and the balconies can overlook the jungle and beaches.

Drop your bags when you get there and go in search of a Caipirinha, the local drink. During the search for this lime flavored intoxication, take a short-cut by the pool. Oh my! Everyone here wears Brazilian bikinis, even the men. You may end up staying longer by the pool than you expect.

The complex itself is massive! There is an equestrian center, a Marriott, Renaissance, and two Sofitel Hotels. There are six pousadas (inns similar to b&bs) a village shopping center, links style golf course, and my favorite, a spa. Costa do Sauipe tennis center is also host to the Brazil Open.

What is a Romantic Getaway with out a massage? Near the Spa at Breezes you can find a secluded pavilion at the edge of the jungle dedicated to outdoor massages. The cost is 90 reais for a 1 ½ hour massage. With the exchange rate to the US dollar, it cost only $27. Sign me up! Go straight to the bank and exchange $250 US for 836 reais. After relaxing at the spa, take a walk to Villa Nova da Praia, the shopping village. This is a great place to buy woven baskets, rugs, hand-rolled Cuban cigars, and chocolates. It is also a romantic walk after dinner in the evenings.

If you are a couple looking for some soft adventure arrange some surfing lessons at Breezes. If the water proves to be too rough that day, then opt for an ATV ride in the rainforest with Bahia Ecotourism Adventures.

The last night before your departure, do a little dancing and walking on the virgin beach. Drink some Caipirinhas and dance the night away. You’ll sleep the entire flight home.


Want to visit Costa do Sauipe? Here’s the 411 –

Go on a diet before you leave. I bought a Brazilian bikini, but the sizes run much smaller than in the US. I couldn’t get the bottoms over my thighs.

You will need a passport with at least six month left on it. You will also need a VISA from the Brazilian Consulate.

Fly Business or First Class on Varig. They give you a “spa in a bag” for the flight that includes earplugs, socks, eye mask, lotion, lip balm, and toothbrush with toothpaste. www.varigbrasil.com

Exchange your US dollars for Brazilian Reais in the Sau Paulo airport. If you exchange more than $250 US, there is no service charge. The exchange rate is better than the tourist areas.

Take advantage of the all-inclusive vacation at Breezes, food, alcohol (all you can drink!), and non-motorized water sports (including surf lessons!)are paid for before you get there. www.superclubs.com

The Marriott Spa Costa do Sauipe offers a five day spa package for R$1.100,00 – That’s about US$328.00

Roundtrip shuttle service from Sauipe to Salvador for shopping and such is only R$8.00 – that’s less than US$3.00

Buy the Multilingual Phrase Book from Portside Languages. It has a section on Portuguese that will help you with shopping and communicating with the citizens you encounter that may not speak English. www.portsidelanguages.com

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Brad Pitt and Leo DiCaprio. If you see them, please let them know I was looking for them.