Almescar, a tree with musk-scented sap known by the indigenous Pataxó Indians for its curative properties, lends its name to an expanded spa and fitness center, Almescar Spa, at Brazil’s most luxurious accommodation, rebranded as UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, in the tropical state of Bahia.

Wilbert Das, owner, architect and designer of UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa has commissioned the local Pataxó tribe, as well as farmers and artisans, to help create the spa’s treatment line, as well as hotel bath amenities.

Almescar Spa debuts Bahia’s first and only Vichy treatment suite featuring five water jets flowing from carved eucalyptus trunks, designed by Das, in a tropical wet room overlooking the treetops. Additionally there are two interior and one exterior treatment areas and an expanded fitness center for yoga, personal training and one-on-one lessons where guests may learn the art of capoeira, a Brazilian-born sport which mixes martial arts with dance.

A sampling of Almescar Spa’s treatments includes the Almescar Oil Massage, Moonbath Pre-Sun Body Scrub and Hydrating Massage in the Vichy suite, After-sun Skin Repair with fresh extra virgin coconut oil, Reflexology with Almescar; Bahian Hot Stone Massage and the Bahian Cacao Facial, as well as a unique mud treatment taken at the source, a spectacular natural lagoon just outside the village, among other treatments.

Other fresh ingredients used in the hand-made range of spa and beauty products include 100% virgin coconut oil, shea butter, Brazil nuts, pitanga and assorted fruits, pink pepper seeds, fresh palm oil, and dark cocoa grown in our own gardens. In addition to the Spa, guests will enjoy UXUA’s stunning pool made of 45,000 green aventurine quartz that are said to have one of the most healing powers of any gem.

About UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa
UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa is a five-star boutique hotel and Virtuoso member which enjoyed a spring 2009 grand opening. The hotel features 10 one- to three-bedroom designer casas. UXUA was conceived and designed by Wilbert Das, former long-time creative director for the Italian fashion line Diesel. The name UXUA means “marvelous” in the native Pataxó Indian language.\

Dating back to a clearing built in 1586 by Portuguese missionaries who wished to create a utopian community, UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa is situated on the Quadrado or “town green” of the fishing village of Trancoso, called by many “paradise on earth.” Here, Wilbert Das restored five antique casas and built an additional five using traditional building methods and repurposed materials. The result is an exceptional, intimate and hidden hotel – there is no hotel sign, only a hidden entrance through an antique fisherman casa on the Quadrado – providing discerning travelers with rustic-chic accommodations, authentic Bahian dining, and world-class services, all complemented by tropical beachfront lounge crafted from old fishing boats. Rates are from $680-$1,700 US per night year-round. For additional information on UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa please visit www.uxua.com.