Fodor's Expert Review Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa

Wilbert Das, creative director of the clothing brand Diesel, found his calling designing this property: the 12 private bungalows encapsulate the original, quirky character of former fishermen's abodes, while remaining impeccably furnished with products from local designers. With converted fisherman cottages and the use of local products and design elements, this intimate hotel puts the destination front and center. Couples will appreciate the private rooftop terrace and quartz Jacuzzi of converted artist's atelier "Terão do Céu," while social butterflies should head for one of the three houses that open directly onto the Quadrado. Hand-laid with 400,000 aventurine quartz, the kidney-shaped pool is thought to have healing properties, while the spa (complete with products handcrafted from almescar by the local Pataxó Indians and a Vichy treatment suite) is the best in town. Each house comes with its own beach bed at Uxua's beach club, a 10-minute walk away.