Not Your Average Hotelier: How a World-Class Surfer Created a Soulful Retreat

Interview and edit by Rebecca Woolford, Senderos

Most hotels aren’t created by soul surfers. But Casa dos Arandis is not like most boutique hotels.

Tucked away on the wild, unspoilt coastline of Bahia’s Maraú Peninsula, this soulful retreat is the life’s work of Cacau Falcão – a lifelong surfer, environmental activist, lawyer, writer and poet whose connection to nature and the ocean runs deep. 

For Cacau, surfing has always been a way of life. A way of listening. A way of learning. It was this reverence for nature and a desire to live more simply and intentionally that led him and his wife Nanana to become boutique hotel owners.

What followed was the creation of a retreat that reflects both their deepest values: connection, creativity, community, and care.

In this Senderos Stories interview, Cacau shares the journey from riding waves around the world to planting roots in Bahia with a boutique retreat; from grassroots activism with Surfrider to organic certification; and how the lessons of the ocean continue to shape everything Casa dos Arandis does.

 

Left image: Cacau catching waves at a surf competition Right image: Cacau and Nanana Falcão travelling in Guatemala. 

Cacau, you’ve been a lawyer, a writer, a poet, an author, a holistic therapist—and a boutique hotel owner. With so many paths woven into one life, where did your love for the planet first take root?

“My journey began when I started to become aware of the state of the planet and its fragility.

In the late 1990’s I was looking for a way to get involved, to take action, ideally through an NGO. That’s when some friends introduced me to something called the Surfrider Foundation.

It’s an NGO started by surfers in California who began campaigning against the paper factories dumping their chemicals into the ocean along the California coast. These surfers eventually formed this organisation and took the paper companies to court. 

As the movement grew, they gained visibility and even support from celebrities. Surfrider became well known and the movement eventually reached Brazil. 

Some friends of mine were involved and I was invited to volunteer under the Brazilian branch. 

During that time, we focused on multiple environmental issues. One of our main concerns was Rio’s sewage treatment.

We also organised regular beach cleanups and did a lot of environmental education.

I worked as a volunteer for a total of 11 years. And this gave me the knowledge, and insight that influenced my next steps and grounded me on my path and mission.”

From over a decade of environmental campaigning. What experiences led you to become a hotel owner in the region of Bahia? 

“In 2005, my wife Nanana and I visited a friend who lived in the Maraú Peninsula, Bahia. This trip first planted the seed in our minds for creating Casa Dos Arandis. 

I still remember the first time we arrived in the village where we’re now located. It was more beautiful than I imagined. It was magical. 

I turned to Nanana and said, “Why don’t we move here?” She looked at me like I was crazy. “We just got married! 

When I turned 50 years old, I felt a pull to live closer to nature, with tranquility and simplicity. So in 2007, we found a little piece of paradise, right on the beachfront. 

We asked ourselves, “What do we do now?” So we created a Facebook page, built a website, and started spreading the word. Just through friends and word of mouth – that’s where it all started.

We had no prior experience in hospitality before this, but we had heart and a deep commitment to the land and local people which guided us.

We continue to host guests to this day who also quickly fall in love with this place, its nature, peace, and our organic regional dishes.”

Surfing is a big part of your life. You’ve surfed all over the world. Did those travels influence your vision for the Casa Dos Arandis?

“Definitely. Nanana and I love to travel together. We’ve visited Central America, Europe, South America, Asia and Indonesia. 

Bali is a place I’ve returned to 15 times – it’s that special.

Travel, for us, is the best source of inspiration. Our trips have been our greatest teachers in hospitality. 

You see different types of architecture, textiles, gardens, food, design, and cultures. It opens your heart and mind. In Indonesia, there’s this deep integration of art into everyday life – whether in holidays, ceremonies, even cremations. Everything is infused with meaning and beauty.

We learned a lot from how people are hosted in those cultures. We have incorporated design elements from Morocco, India, Brazil, Bhutan within Casa Dos Arandis.

For us, Bali was the most powerful inspiration. It’s a place where everything: art, craftsmanship, nature, food is deeply intertwined. That’s the kind of feeling we wanted our hotel to evoke: not just a place to stay, but a place to connect.” 

Your connection to nature is clearly a core part of who you are but it’s matched by your commitment with the local community. Can you share more about how you’ve engaged with the people in Bahia? 

“When we arrived at the location of Casa Dos Arandis, we found a beautiful but underserved community. 

Schools and hospitals were seriously lacking. So, we started to invest in the people. 

We paid for English classes, bartending courses, helped people with home improvements, even supported kids’ education. 

We also proudly support sea turtle conservation and a local jiu-jitsu program for vulnerable and disadvantaged kids.”

From the construction of the hotel to the water filtration system, so many aspects reflect your commitment to the place, the people, and the natural environment. Can you tell us more? 

“Yes, our hotel Casa Dos Arandis was built using reclaimed wood and tiles. We installed a proper sewage treatment system, and we use a reverse osmosis water filtration. 

We got involved with an agro-ecology association called Rede Povos da Mata. They invited us to become supporters, and we were proud to be the first hotel on the peninsula to receive organic certification – both local and federal.”

We held that certification for seven years, and while the process became too bureaucratic to maintain officially, we still support the local organic fairs and buy from them regularly.”

You recently published a book which is all about the healing power of surfing. How has surfing shaped your unique approach to hospitality? 

“Surfing has shaped who I am. It’s a metaphor for life. 

Surfing teaches you patience, presence, and humility. 

The book came from a deep desire to give back, to show how surfing can relieve stress and help people reconnect. 

It’s a practical guide rooted in love for the ocean. Writing this book gave me the space and time to reflect on all the lessons the waves have given me and continue to give.”

What’s next for Casa Dos Arandis? 

“We’re launching a new retreat this year called From Stress to Serenity – a transformational journey for those seeking reconnection and renewal.

This five-day, four-night experience is designed to nourish body, mind, and spirit through healing practices and deep connection. It’s a new chapter for us – a part of our ongoing journey here in Bahia to keep learning, evolving, and growing.

The retreat blends the therapeutic power of surfing with nature immersion, yoga, meditation, and a wholesome, nutritious diet – we’re so excited to  offer our guests a unique path to wellbeing.”

Discover more about Casa dos Arandis here>

Senderos’ stories is a series that celebrates our partners’ positive impact and purpose across Latin America.

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