Barracuda Hotel & Villas

excellent property… no direct access to the beach… great staff … n

no gym and pool and deck in the shade by 3pm

Very helpful reception staff who spoke very good English, a bonus in Itacare. Good food. Lovely views of the ocean from the main area. Dining and seating all open plan, so a very relaxed atmosphere. Decent infinity lap pool, more of a dipping pool to cool down in. One is very much on display if sunbathing which I wasn’t there to do as this was a stop off point before moving on. So be prepared for the diners to have a full view of you sunbathing, and diners be aware you have a full view of the sunbathers..

I booked a forest room in the hotel. Although it was in a forest, the plants were so high in front of the balcony I would call it ‘A plant view room.’ I couldnt’ see the sea beyond or any forest; although I did stay in a corner forest room as well, and had a corner view of the sea which was preferable. It was near the gym or yoga area so was sometimes noisy. There is also a rooftop bar above these rooms so one can hear the music which is very pleasant though is on a loop and after a couple of days a can be a little ‘trying,’ when one is trying to relax. Nothing a pair of noise cancelling headphones can’t sort out though. The waiters and waitresses were absolutely lovely but the language barrier can be a huge obstacle when ordering food. The menu is decent but vegetarian & vegan options are severely limited. NB: I did hear from a local that the beach villas are stunning.

stylish, beautiful location, comfortable and very good cuisine

no umbrellas at the swimming pool