Filing a lost baggage report with customs after a nine-hour flight wasn’t quite how I’d envisioned my introduction to Brazil. Much to my surprise, however, it quickly became a distant memory, an irrelevant detail overshadowed by far more newsworthy adventures. Yes, I did have to embrace a new quirky style necessitated by some questionable local fashion finds, but once I stepped into the serene oasis of Casas Elilula, all the luggage worries and London stresses washed away with the first swim. 

A beachside property in north eastern Brazil, Casas Elilula resides quietly on a beautiful stretch of untouched golden sand, surrounded by luscious vegetation in the traditional fishing village of Preá. If you’re unfamiliar with Preá (as was I), the coastal spot offers a low-key, laidback atmosphere, where small shops and market stalls pepper the few streets and locals forgo roads to bob along the beach on quad bikes. Away from the crowds of Rio and bustle of São Paulo, Preá is a snapshot of Brazilian authenticity. Few tourists wander the streets and, come dawn, you might just see wooden jangada boats returning to shore with the catch of the day.

Which isn’t to say Preá is completely in the middle of nowhere. 12 kilometres away, and best accessed by dune buggy across the sand, is Jericoacoara – which you might have heard of. Known for its lively bars, buzzy culture and parties-on-the-beach scene (which tourists have definitely discovered), you head here for the caipirinhas, nightlife and colourful culture, but retreat to Preá for the peace and unspoilt charm, stopping off at the bluest of lagoons at Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Paraíso on the way. Preá is to Jericoacoara what Courchevel is to Megève – rustic and unspoilt, a lesser-known, lesser-travelled spot (for now, at least).

Of course, if you happen to be a seasoned kitesurfer, you’ll most definitely know this area of northern Brazil. It’s one of the top locations for wind sports in the world, up there with the likes of Tarifa in Spain and Le Morne in Mauritius. Thanks to its consistent strong wind conditions and miles of sublime coastline, Preá becomes a kiting paradise from July to February, with the sea awash with beginners and seasoned pros flying across the horizon. 

Adventure and relaxation effortlessly intertwine here – and that’s exactly what attracted Christine Pasquier and her family to this side of the world, and inspired them to create Casas Elilula. Visiting every year for both the thrill of kitesurfing and the intentionally slower pace of life, Preá became their home away from home, and it felt like a natural next step to build a space both for themselves, and to entice others to discover their beachside idyll. After years of meticulous decision-making, heroic attention to detail and pushing boundaries from conception to construction, Casas Elilula was born in 2024. 

Framed as a private property, rather than a traditional hotel, the homely concept of Casas Elilula is apparent throughout, and personal touches abound. From the small, discreet team of 10 who operate seamlessly in the background to the considered design with no reception desk or in-house concierge service, guests are invited to make themselves at home and given the freedom to organise their stay in their very own way – a novel and refreshing approach to luxury travel.

Christine’s daughter, Elisa Commanay, alongside Romain Conti-Granteral, took charge of the property’s architecture, sketching out their vision and seeing it into fruition (no mean feat when based oceans away in London). Of course, this being a family undertaking, opinions abounded and everyone wanted their input. I’m told there were more than a few nights spent sprawled across the family’s living room floor, scribbling down designs, resketching and tweaking over and over, until everyone was in agreement.

Sitting on a spacious one-hectare plot, accessible only by beach or sand road, Casas Elilula is made up of three houses (or ‘casas’) encompassed by luscious gardens, with over 500 native plants, sun-dappled pathways, a central swimming pool, pool house and breathtaking sea views. Embracing its natural surroundings, the contemporary, deconstructed design brings a sense of open-air living, blurring the boundaries between the outdoors and indoors, and the space flows in a natural, unrestricted way. Guests can rent the whole property (sleeping up to 20 people in total) or rent each house individually.

Comprised of Casa Eli, Casa Lu and Casa La, each of the hand-built houses is made from regionally sourced materials, such as tropical hardwoods, and protected by thatched roofing carefully crafted using local palm leaves (a painstaking, skilful task that was incredible to witness, Christine tells me). 

Inside, each house has its own unique character. The family commissioned young international designers to play with lighting, textures, and layout, fitting each house with upcycled furnishings and original artwork. This collaborative approach means no two spaces are identical, but the eco-chic natural beachside feel resonates throughout.

Casa Eli is the largest of the three and spreads across two storeys. It features four bedrooms, a roomy living area, kitchen, office and dining terrace seating up to 20 guests for balmy sunset dinners. Casa La also has four bedrooms, housed in individual bungalows and centred around a living area and kitchen, while Casa Lu, the smallest, overlooks the pool and houses two bedrooms on either side of the kitchen and living space. 

Each house is fully equipped with double beds and en-suite bathrooms, American-style double fridges, coffee machines and juicers. Each also comes with the all-important Address Book: a detailed handbook of trusted contacts, such as chefs, bartenders, therapists and sports coaches, available to hire throughout your stay and designed to make tailoring your time here a breeze.

That is, of course, if you can drag yourself away from the pool. Set back from the beach and nestled between soaring palm trees, it offers complete privacy and serenity; listen and all you can hear is the trees swaying in the breeze. 

Whether a cooling dip calls or you’re eager to clock up your lengths, the 25-metre pool is unusually large while the pool house promises hammocks, sofas and a pool table for those less inclined to sun worship. There’s also an outdoor court for volleyball or beach tennis, and a selection of kitesurfing schools just a stone’s throw away for those seeking thrills over tan lines.

Sustainability was a key aspect of the design brief at Casas Elilula and remains a core part of the property’s day-to-day ethos. No single-use plastic is used on site, all products are environmentally friendly, water filtration systems are in place, and a solar farm sits in the car park at the rear. The homes operate without air conditioning, but are fitted with ceiling fans and airy doors to let the sea breeze naturally cool the property.

Casas Elilula offers something for everyone, and finding what’s not to like is near impossible. A sophisticated, sustainable outpost, bursting with charm, peace and luxury, and tucked into a lush unspoilt landscape, it perfectly balances the simple life with the luxe one. It offers plenty to do for adrenaline seekers and a state of calm for those who want a full switch off. 

So, you heard it here first – Preá is Brazil’s next luxury hotspot. It’s being put on the map and I’ll certainly be looking back in years to come, feeling smug that I beat the crowds. I recommend you join me before the secret gets out. 

Rates at Casas Elilula are based on three nights dry rental, including 24/7 security, garden and pool maintenance, bedroom cleaning and light housekeeping. Casa Lu starts from £865, Casa La from £1,750, Casa Eli from £2,365, and the whole property is available to hire from £4,970. Visit casaelilula.com.

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