Casa do Dean travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

Casa do Dean is a Brazalian rainforest chunky beach house just a stroll from the sea. The forested valley views are far-reaching, the design is exciting – great swathes of glass open to a large wooden veranda on stilts – and the comfort is supreme. The interior is a blend of white polished concrete floors, lofty Brazilian hardwood ceilings, 1960s movie posters and art deco lamps from Argentina and a decor is full of artistry and light.

The whole house has an airy, generous interior that spreads itself over 2 floors and 2 outdoor decks (plus an extra leisure area on the mezzanine). On the ground floor is the lofty, white-walled dining area with a kitchen off which lies a bedroom with a kingsize four-poster draped in white netting. Glass doors, curtained for privacy, glide serenely open to the huge decked veranda on one side and the living area on the other.

The second double bedroom (again all white, again with a hand-crafted four-poster) and a vast deck on stilts views sweep down across the dense greenery to the sea. Decks have cushioned L-shaped seating, funky loungers and luxurious hammocks in vibrant colours; candles in lanterns add magic at night.

This is a self-catering villa, but if you want to free yourself from domestic chores the rental price includes a spoiling 6 hours of maid service a day. She can prepare breakfast if you like – tropical fruits, cereals, a hot dish; you just pay for the ingredients. The maid will also do as much food shopping from the local market or supermarket as you wish, just have in mind that she speaks no English! However, there are a number of restaurants in the village and on the beach. The food is eclectic – Bahian, Italian, Japanese (great sushi), Portuguese and, of course, heaps of seafood.

When you feel bored, explore the beaches with their soft sands, crystal waters, red cliffs and swaying palms. This coastline – discovered in 1500 by Portuguese explorer Cabral – has some of the best beaches in Bahia. Wind- or kite-surf, or ride a horse on the beach at low tide. Discover the history of the towns in the vicinity of the house: Porto Seguro, Coroa Vermelha and Santa Cruz Cabralia. You can also visit the reservations of the indigenous tribes.

Location: Bahia, Brazil. Caso do Dean is situated in the forest above Arraial d’Ajuda, 30 minutes drive north of Trancoso on Bahia’s beautiful coastline. It’s about 7km south of Porto Seguro, and about 500km south of Salvador. When to go: The high season in Arraial starts in December and continues until the end of carnival (usually the end of February/mid-March). There are also brief Brazilian holiday times in July and October. For the rest of the year the small town is a peaceful place, not everywhere is open, but there are always places to eat, listen to music, dance a little or do whatever takes your fancy.