return to paradise; From eastern Brazil to southern India, Richard Alleman scouts out the world's best-kept-secret hideaways.(cruise lines and resorts)

Byline: Richard Alleman

Bali high

One of the most exciting new ways to explore Southeast Asia is aboard the Silolona. Based in Bali, this sleek twenty-first-century version of a traditional Indonesian phinisi flies elegant cinnamon-colored sails and boasts five chic cabins, a private chef, and a fully equipped onboard dive operation. Itineraries range from exotic Indonesian isles east of Bali, including Komodo, famous for its resident dragon population, to little-known coves off Malaysia and Thailand. Don't miss the rare Asian rhino in the Mergui islands or diving the famed Burma Banks. The most coveted voyage, however, is the ten-day sail through the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar. Encompassing some 800 islands, this amazing world of virgin beaches and rare wildlife is all the more seductive as it's been off-limits to Western travelers for the past 50 years. The charter rate starts at $10,000 a day for up to ten passengers, including meals and a staff of seventeen. Private Label Worldwide at 011-44-1628-771171; info@privatelabelww.com.

indian summer

While Goa is no longer a countercultural paradise, there are still pockets of complete tranquillity in this former Portuguese colony along the southwest coast of India. One of these, called Elsewhere, is a vast palmy estate with a beach, a river, and a cluster of colorful Portuguese colonial buildings that have been restored by Indian fashion photographer Denzil Sequeira, whose family has owned the property since 1886. Guests (who recently included the Jolie-Pitts) have a choice of accommodations-from the three-bedroom main house to a trio of smart tents to three newly restored cottages, all furnished with rich Indian fabrics and rustic Goan antiques. Recover from a day of surfing with a private lesson from the in-house yoga master. Winter high-season rates range from $2,400 for a seven-night minimum stay in a two-bedroom villa to $1,200 for a week under canvas; aseascape.com.

blame it on trancoso

On the remote southern coast of eastern Brazil's state of Bahia, the fishing village of Trancoso was discovered in the seventies by Brazilian biribandos (hippies). Several decades later, Trancoso has become a prized hideout for ...