Independent Minds: Juliana Ghiotto, Barracuda Hotel & Villas

As one of Brazil’s best kept secrets along the ‘Cocoa Coast’, Itacaré blissfully enjoys an under-the-radar existence – surfers plant their boards on pristine palm-fringed beaches, locals paddle through mangrove-entangled waters and cool off in crystal-clear lagoons, and the occasional thud of a coconut hitting the sand sets the pace for this rainforest-wrapped region’s relaxed rhythm. Visitors will soon see why Itacaré ignited a shared spark in Brazilian-born Juliana Ghiotto, her husband Daniel (a local surfer), and their Swedish friends, who have not only made the groovy Bahia state their home, but put it on the map for guests in search of a barefoot lifestyle – which treads lightly on this special place and its people.

With sustainability in its soul, Considerate Collection property Barracuda Hotel & Villas introduces guests to the raw beauty of Itacaré while blending the best of Bahia and Scandinavia – from the artisanal cocoa honey served at check-in, to wild mangrove tours with friendly local guides. Local farmers, chocolate makers, and fishermen supply Barracuda chefs with fresh produce, while the rustic-chic rooms celebrate the creativity of local artisans – the furniture has been handcrafted by Bahian carpenters, who also worked their magic on the external wooden structures, while the restaurant’s ceramics are handmade in Campos do Jordão, a little mountain town in south-east Brazil.

The Barracuda ‘tribe’, as it is affectionately known, founded the Instituto Yandê Itacaré in 2021 (Juliana is currently its proud President) to promote local entrepreneurial education, encourage community based-initiatives, and support social and environmental projects, such as ‘Surfing for the Future’. In partnership with Itacaré’s Surfing Association (ASI), this holistic project aims to achieve social inclusion of under-privileged children through surf lessons and environmental education. The Barracuda Group is certainly making waves, in more ways than one…

We are Bahians at heart, but we have a Swedish accent.

Do you have a vision for the future of the hotel?

Yes, but this vision evolves every day, especially nowadays. We passionately believe in the Barracuda concept, and we seek to develop new ideas without looking too far, without losing focus, and while always keeping the Barracuda essence. We are currently working on several complementary projects, including 19 additional exclusive bungalows which will be in complete harmony with the Atlantic Forest, a wellness space with a gym and yoga deck, and an organic garden. We are hoping to launch this new phase in 2025, so stay tuned for more…

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