The coastal towns of Brazil and Uruguay have a lot of the same qualities you might associate with iconic beach destinations like Ibiza or Tulum: a creative, social crowd; hip hotels; and long stretches of white sand and clear, blue water. At the same time, they’re still under-the-radar enough to retain their genuine bohemian spirit and the feeling that you’re in on a secret other travelers are not.
Brazil
Trancoso has been drawing a stylish, creative crowd for years. In addition to postcard-perfect beaches like Praia do Espelho and Praia dos Nativos, you can spend time browsing local boutiques or participating in kitesurfing and other watersports. The place to stay is UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, a collection of soulfully restored casas. The vibe here is all about slow mornings and a sense of barefoot ease that’s hard to manufacture.
Santa Catarina’s Emerald Coast is a different side of Brazil entirely, with none of the high-rise development that defines much of the country’s resort scene. The adults-only Awasi Santa Catarina leans into the setting’s sense of seclusion. Twenty-five cabanas spread across a lush coastal landscape, each privately situated with a veranda and sweeping views of the sea. Dinner at the restaurant means locally caught fish and caipirinhas; for a romantic evening, private dining on the property’s torch-lit island is available on request.
Alagoas Kenoa occupies a remote stretch of Brazil’s northeastern coastline, where the Atlantic meets a protected natural reserve and the nearest development is nowhere in sight. The boutique property—nine suites and villas in total—offers private plunge pools in Balinese stone and views that take in both the jungle canopy and the sea. It’s a slam-dunk for clients who want to feel genuinely off the grid without giving up any creature comforts.
Rio de Janeiro anchors any Brazil itinerary, and Copacabana—the famed beach that functions as neighborhood, gathering place, and spectacle all at once—is where the city’s energy concentrates. The Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana sits in a prime location above the beach, with views that stretch across the water to Sugarloaf Mountain. It consistently earns raves for its lineup of amenities, which include a beach club and an infinity pool that doubles as a live-music venue at night.
Photo: UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, Trancoso, Brazil
Uruguay
Punta del Este Excellent restaurants and a vibrant social scene draw South America’s elite, especially for New Year’s celebrations every January. Hotel Fasano Punta del Este brings the brand’s sleek design sensibility into the countryside, with bungalows scattered across open terrain and the coast a short drive away. The amenities lean into the setting: golf, horseback riding, and a pool carved directly into the rock. I tend to recommend it for clients who want the social energy Punta del Este is known for, with a quieter base to return to each evening.
José Ignacio For a low-key chic hideaway. Once a small fishing village, it’s become one of South America’s most sought-after summer retreats without ever losing its easygoing character. Playa Vik is a stunning property. The modernist building itself is a work of art that sits directly on the beach, with suites designed as individual sculptures and residences facing the sea. The 75-foot cantilevered pool in black granite, with a floor that maps the Southern sky in twinkling lights, is truly breathtaking.
Photo: Play Vik, José Ignacio, Uruguay