Terravista – Brazil’s most sophisticated golf resort
As all eyes turn to Brazil for fruitful property investment, the northeastern ‘bulge’ is the focus of speculators’ attention. Lying just south of the Equator, this portion of the world’s fifth largest country has the most spectacular climate, the cleanest air, picture postcard beaches and is easily accessible from Europe with flying times of less than ten hours. With residential tidbits in Céara and Rio Grande do Norte, GEM Estates can now add the state of Bahia to its portfolio, notably the 1,200 hectare resort of Terravista. Terravista, tucked between the towns of Trancoso and Arraial D’Ajuda, forms part of Brazil’s Discovery Coast, so-called as it is the infamous spot where Portuguese navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral first set foot in Brazil over 500 years ago. A truly dramatic stretch of coastline dominated by imposing cliffs, glorious beaches, coconut groves and rivers meandering through lush rainforest, the Discovery Coast is arguably the most exclusive holiday getaway in Brazil.
At one with nature, Terravista offers an unrivalled investment experience. Perched on the clifftops, the focal point is an 18-hole golf course where players can challenge their game to a soundtrack of crashing waves and tropical birdsong. The Dan Blankenship-designed masterpiece is almost two courses in one – the front nine cutting through humid, majestic rainforest and the back nine hugging the breezy beaches. Inaugurated in 2004, the course has four options of starting tees at each hole and a comprehensive practice area, including a 350-yard driving range.
Property at Terravista comes in several guises. For those who prefer ‘bespoke’ to ‘off the peg’, on the fringes of the golf course are plots ranging between 1,400m² and 4,900m² ready for private villa construction under the umbrella of ‘Villavista Golf’. These plots have several designs to select from with input from some of Brazil’s most eminent architects. Aesthetically integrated into the environment, Villavista Golf residents also enjoy high speed broadband access, cable TV, 24-hour security and pay per use condominium-style services. Additionally ‘Terravista Villas’ is a gated community comprising three different style of villa - Terra, Brisa and Oceano – ranging between 136m² and 344m² in built area with a communal reception, bar and swimming pool.
Golf and private property aside, the Terravista masterplan also incorporates no less than three five-star hotels - Club Med Village Trancoso already fully operational with 250 apartments, two restaurants and a wealth of leisure facilities, Terravista Golf Resort & Spa with 110 apartments and a luxurious Spa facility and finally Leopolldo Praia Terravista, a sophisticated lodging option with 44 suites and 20 beach bungalows. A private airport with 1,500 metre runway for jet owners, helipad and on-site village – Aldeia Terravista – complete the picture. The village, with a selection of bars, restaurants, cafés, shops, a square for shows and events plus a Discovery Museum, will allow guests to be self-contained if they wish.
If a break from Terravista and its sandy beaches is required, the resort is just 26km south of Porto Seguro, translating as ‘Safe Harbour’, and one the most important tourist centers in the country offering shopping malls, energetic parties, live music and seafront restaurants. This is also the site of the nearest international airport to Terravista. Closer to home, Trancoso offers charm and sophistication with the church square or ‘Quadrado’ at its heart where natives and visitors congregate to dine at the many restaurants or pousadas or pick up local arts and crafts.
If you want to follow Cabral on your own discovery in Terravista, prices start from 488,000 Brazilian Reais (approx. 123,000 GBP) for a Terra type villa with two suites within Terravista Villas.
For further information, visit gem-estates.com.
