UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa

What UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa does

UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa operates a luxury boutique hospitality property in Trancoso, Bahia, Brazil, comprising 15 restored colonial casas within the UNESCO-protected Quadrado historic district. Founded in 2008 by Wilbert Das, the former creative director of Diesel, the property blends fashion-design sensibility with preserved 16th–17th century Pataxó-influenced architecture, and employs 39 staff across accommodation, spa, and culinary operations. The operation serves ultra-high-net-worth leisure travelers, distributed primarily through the Virtuoso luxury travel-advisor network, direct website bookings, and curated culinary and wellness programming.

UXUA's product surface spans accommodation (15 individually restored casas), a full-service spa and wellness program, an in-house culinary operation, and the UXUA D.A.S. artisan product line rebranded in 2023. The business model is a founder-owned, privately held luxury hospitality platform with no external funding; revenue mechanics combine nightly accommodation (subscription-style repeat-guest demand from UHNW travelers), spa and F&B spend, and growing brand-licensed retail. Distribution is sales-led through Virtuoso and luxury travel advisors, supplemented by direct booking via the company website. Sustainability and community positioning are central to the brand: UXUA became the first Brazilian hotel to sign the UN Global Compact (2017) and has built partnerships with Conservation International Brazil, CREST, BLTA, FUTURI, Despertar, and MAMA Trancoso around regenerative tourism. Recent strategic activity includes the launch of Casa do Lago and renovation of Casa Luz in 2020, the FUTURI initiative in 2021, and the UXUA D.A.S. rebrand and UXUA Utopia book publication in 2023.

Name

UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa

Legal name

UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa

Website

https://uxua.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa is a luxury boutique hotel in Trancoso, Bahia, Brazil, operating 15 restored colonial casas inside the UNESCO-protected Quadrado, serving ultra-high-net-worth travelers through the Virtuoso network and luxury travel advisors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Luxury Boutique Hotels

NAICS

Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels (72111), Traveler Accommodation (7211), Other Traveler Accommodation (72119)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Hotels & Motels (7011)

akta.pro primary industry

Luxury Villas & Residences Resorts (THAGACAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Luxury Wellness & Spa Resorts (THAGACAG), Luxury Eco-Villas & Sustainable Premium Stays (THAMAEAH), Eco-Lodges (Sustainable/Nature-Based) (THAGAIAC)

Keywords

• Luxury boutique hospitality
• Historic villa rentals
• Spa wellness services
• Artisan lifestyle products
• Sustainable tourism

Headquarters

HQ city

Trancoso

HQ country

Brazil

HQ region

Latin America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Casa/Villa Rental: Luxury accommodation rentals across 15 restored colonial casas ranging from 1-3 bedroom suites. Properties include restored historic buildings dating back to the village's founding, featuring unique designs by Wilbert Das with local artisan craftsmanship, private pools, gardens, and direct access to beach and Quadrado.
2. Spa & Wellness Services: VIDA Spa offering signature therapies including Almescar Oil Massage, hot stone treatments, facials using organic cacao, lymphatic drainage, and wellness classes. Revenue from spa treatments, wellness sessions, fitness classes, and organic product sales.
3. Artisan Product Sales: Sale of handcrafted UXUA D.A.S. collection including woven wearables (kimonos, kaftans), bags, accessories, home decor, and limited-edition furniture. Products created on-site using traditional techniques with organic materials.
4. Culinary Experiences: Restaurant services at UXUA Quadrado offering Bahian fusion cuisine, organic chocolate making classes, juice mixology, cooking classes, and organic chocolate production at VIDA Lab.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

UXUA operates a luxury boutique hotel comprising 15 individually restored historic colonial casas (1–3 bedroom villas) surrounding the UNESCO-protected Quadrado in Trancoso, Bahia, Brazil. The property offers 5-star accommodation, the VIDA Spa & Lab wellness facility with organic treatments, the UXUA Praia beach lounge, in-house Bahian-fusion cuisine, eco-adventures, fitness programs, and the UXUA D.A.S. artisan lifestyle product collection. All offerings are anchored in traditional Bahian craftsmanship, reclaimed materials, and sustainability leadership.

Product overview

UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa is a single luxury boutique hotel property comprising 15 individually-designed casas (villas) in Trancoso, Bahia, Brazil, surrounding UNESCO-protected Quadrado. Accommodations range from 1-3 suites, each with unique history and design aesthetic. The property integrates lodging with complementary experiences: Vida Spa & Lab for wellness and organic products, UXUA Praia beach lounge, fitness programs, eco-adventures, and Artist in Casa creative residency. The UXUA D.A.S. Collection offers artisanal tropical lifestyle products (decor, fashion, accessories) crafted on-site. An annual Organic Festival and community initiatives extend the brand experience beyond the property.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• UXUA D.A.S. Tropical lifestyle collection combining decor with fashion and accessories, formerly known as UXUA CASA. Features handcrafted items including kimonos, kaftans, sunglasses, bags, and home furnishings made using traditional techniques and organic materials.

Products and services

• UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa Luxury boutique hotel in Trancoso, Bahia, Brazil featuring 15 restored historic colonial casas (1–3 bedroom villas) surrounding the UNESCO-protected Quadrado. Restored by designer Wilbert Das in collaboration with local artisans using traditional techniques and reclaimed materials. Offers 5-star service, VIDA Spa & Lab, UXUA Praia beach lounge, and authentic Bahian cultural experiences for ultra-high-net-worth individual travelers.
• Casa do Lago Standalone 3-bedroom flagship villa (300m²) with natural pool/lagoon containing rare fish species, reclaimed wood construction, master suite with private terrace and lounge, and Brazilian colonial design by Wilbert Das. The largest and newest casa at the property.
• Casa Luz Standalone 3-bedroom villa (170m²) with 150m² deck located steps from reception. Features onyx stone pool, social kitchen, and terrace with barbecue, named after the light-filled atmosphere of the property.
• Vida Spa & Lab Wellness center combining nature and nutrition using Bahia's biodiversity. Offers signature therapies including Almescar Oil Massage, Moonbath treatments and Bahian Hot Stone Massage, plus facials, lymphatic drainage, wellness classes, fitness programs and educational experiences. The accompanying VIDA Lab produces organic spa products from native Bahian ingredients including almescar resin, coconut oil, Brazil nuts and garden cocoa.
• UXUA Praia Rustic beach lounge at Barra do Rio Trancoso featuring a restored fishing boat bar with thatched roof, Bahian fusion cuisine and tropical cocktails. Offers surf, kayaking, beach volleyball, wooden gym, massage, yoga and capoeira. Located an 8-minute walk from the main hotel through the Quadrado and mangrove path.
• UXUA D.A.S. Collection Artisanal tropical lifestyle collection combining decor, fashion and accessories. Products are crafted on-site by local artisans including weavers using antique looms, leather craftsmen and woodworkers, using organic cotton and natural dyes. Range includes SUNLIGHT VISION sunglasses, EARTH AND FIRE ceramics, CARRY ME bags, WEFT AND WARP textiles, kimonos, kaftans and limited-edition furniture.
• Artist in Casa Program Artist residency program hosting international creative talents at UXUA to create works using local materials and inspiration. Residents include filmmakers, photographers, illustrators and designers from Brazil, UK, USA, Netherlands, Italy and Ireland. The resulting unique artworks are displayed throughout the property.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5,500 families supported during COVID-19 with food parcels through Alimente Trancoso initiative
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CREST (Center for Responsible Travel)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021UXUA co-founder Bob Shevlin joined CREST's board of directors in 2021, one of 16 international industry experts advancing research and promotion of sustainable travel solutions. CREST, based in Washington DC, publishes influential books including 'Overtourism: Lessons for a Better Future' and operates Academic Affiliates program with 33 university professors globally.
• FUTURI - Aliança pelo Turismo RegenerativocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Co-founded by UXUA with Conservation International, FUTURI is regenerative tourism initiative launched June 2021 projecting 48-month timeline to build sustainable tourism development model for southern Bahia. Bob Shevlin serves as technical advisor. Initiative unites individuals, companies, institutions and public sector, publishing free Best Practices Guide for sustainable tourism.
• Conservation International BrazilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Conservation International Brazil is UXUA's key sustainability partner. UXUA co-founder Bob Shevlin serves on CI Brazil's Deliberative Board and as technical advisor to Futuri regenerative tourism initiative. CI has operated in Abrolhos region for 20+ years focusing on sustainable tourism and protected areas. Companies collaborate on sustainable fishing programs, MAMA Trancoso youth education, and FUTURI alliance for regenerative tourism across southern Bahia.
• BLTA (Brazilian Luxury Travel Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUXUA co-founder Bob Shevlin serves on BLTA executive board as Communications Director, contributing the institutional slogan 'Authenticity is the World's Greatest Luxury.' BLTA is non-profit fostering collaboration in high-end Brazilian travel market with vision of 'five-star hotels and five-star communities.' UXUA helped establish inaugural Sustainable Vision Award in 2019.
• Associação Despertar (Despertar)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUXUA is founding partner of Despertar, providing teaching facilities and community gardens rent-free. 5% of UXUA Alma gross rental income is donated to NGO. Association focuses on improving youth education for sustainable tourism careers, teaching practical subjects and broader offerings including horticulture, arts, and theater. Despertar authored 2017 civil action enforcing environmental laws preserving Trancoso.
• MAMA TrancosominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration between UXUA and Despertar providing 15 students per year paid internship focusing on environmental and activism education. Project teaches biology, engineering, civics, media and communications skills. Short film 'Mangue Eugnam' was 2019 finalist for BLTA Sustainable Vision Award.
• Organic Festival TrancosominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual gastronomic event co-founded by UXUA with culinary entrepreneur Charles Piriou, celebrating shared values of environmental care, community wellness and future legacy. Festival unites local businesses, chefs, producers, NGOs, musicians, craftsmen and volunteers collaborating for healthiest lives in Trancoso.
• Capoeira Sul da BahiaminorOthersUXUA provides monthly financial support to Capoeira Sul da Bahia academy since 2006, enabling children and youth free daily lessons. 100% of guest class fees are directed to academy. Guests welcome to visit school.
• Pataxó Indigenous CommunitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUXUA draws deep inspiration from Pataxó culture in design details, natural ingredients and spa treatments. Hotel name derived from Pataxó word 'uxua' meaning wonderful. UXUA supports annual Pataxó celebration and efforts to rebuild ceremonial building in Barra Velha destroyed by arson in 2019. Artisans collaborate on crafts including traditional weaving.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Aman Resorts: Global ultra-luxury resort brand known for remote, design-led properties with deep place-based authenticity, extensive wellness/spa programming, and HNW clientele. Comparable philosophical positioning though at much larger scale and global footprint.
• Six Senses: IHG-owned ultra-luxury resort brand with strong sustainability positioning, integrated wellness programming and destination properties in remote locations. Direct overlap in target demographic and operating philosophy, particularly with UXUA's Vida Spa and Lab.
• Belmond (LVMH): Luxury hotel collection now owned by LVMH, encompassing iconic heritage properties in Brazil (Hotel das Cataratas, Copacabana Palace). Represents the kind of strategic acquirer or scale competitor relevant to UXUA's growth trajectory.

Direct peers

• Txai Resort Itacaré: Luxury boutique resort on Bahia's coast combining wellness, nature and sustainability programming with a similar high-end price point and UHNW clientele. Most directly comparable Brazilian competitor operating in the same state.
• Hotel Toriba: Historic mountain resort in Campos do Jordão, Brazil, with comparable heritage property narrative, sustainability programming, and mid-sized luxury inventory targeting Brazilian and international leisure travelers.
• Hotel Unique: Design-led luxury boutique hotel in São Paulo by Ruy Ohtake. Comparable brand positioning (architecture/design-forward, global luxury press coverage, boutique inventory), though urban vs beach setting.
• Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort: Relais & Châteaux-affiliated luxury resort near Florianópolis, Brazil, with similar villa-style accommodations, beach setting, spa offering and HNW leisure target market. Closely comparable service model and price band.
• Belmond Hotel das Cataratas: Iconic luxury hotel inside Iguaçu National Park. Comparable in being a flagship Brazilian luxury hotel with UNESCO-adjacent location, sustainability credentials, and international HNW clientele, though operated by a global luxury brand (Belmond/LVMH).
• Awasi Atacama / Awasi Iguazú: Relais & Châteaux-affiliated boutique wilderness lodges in South America with similar villa-style private accommodations, immersive local experiences, and sustainability credentials. Comparable model for combining ultra-luxury lodging with cultural/community programming.

Emerging players

• Hotel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura: Not a perfect fit; included for thematic comparability with medina/old-town historic boutique hotels combining artisan craft, riad-style accommodations and cultural immersion at the ultra-luxury tier.

Market position

Strengths3 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/uxua
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/uxua-casa-hotel-&-spa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa