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Salvador, Brazil

Villa Bahia

Historic ambience and elegant design
Street view of the yellow facade of Villa Bahia, Salvador

A boutique hotel in Salvador inspired by the city’s history

Salvador is Brazil’s oldest city, and its storied streets weave a rich tapestry of history and heritage, from its role in Portuguese colonial rule to its distinct blend of Afro-Brazilian culture that now sees it play host to one of the biggest carnivals in the world. Tucked among the pastel coloured buildings of the Pelourinho district, Villa Bahia is an intimate and elegant pousada that embodies the international character of the city.

This boutique hotel in Salvador consists of two golden yellow colonial mansions, restored with painstaking care to reflect the kaleidoscope of character you’ll find during your stay. The 17 rooms each take inspiration from one of the different ports along the Portuguese spice route, with authentically sourced design features. In Goa, you’ll find a solid wooden bed that once belonged to a Maharaja, while Angola pays tribute to the Bantu culture, which shaped Salvador’s present sense of identity.

Watch the world go by over a coffee or an aperitif in the street facing bar, and enjoy the fresh flavours of Brazil’s tropical coastline during breakfasts served on the leafy outdoor terrace. Pelourhinho is yours to explore on foot – the historic church of São Francisco is right next door, and numerous other churches, galleries, museums and shops are scattered nearby. The gorgeous Porto da Barra beach is a short car journey away, perfect for swimming and relaxing under the Brazilian sun.

Highlights

Boutique size of just 17 rooms for an intimate and personalised stay

Each room is inspired by a different international port, with carefully sourced furnishings to reflect the history and culture

Situated in the Pelourinho neighbourhood, perfect for exploring the historic city centre on foot

Enjoy fresh and flavourful breakfasts on the verdant garden terrace

People watch over an expertly made caipirinha or coffee in the street-facing hotel bar

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your trip, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Plan your trip to Brazil

Whatever you want from your adventure in Brazil, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Places to combine Villa Bahia with

Hotel Das Cataratas

Iguassu Falls

Hotel Das Cataratas

Nestled within Brazil’s Iguassu National Park, a sprawling 185,000-hectare forest reserve home to the majestic jaguar, lies Belmond Hotel das Cataratas. Walking out of the lobby you can immediately hear the thunder of the falls, enveloped by lush tropical rainforest. Your stay here supports vital environmental preservation efforts, with over 9 million reais donated by the hotel to the park. In homage to the ‘Jaguars of Iguassu’ project, indulge in the hotel’s signature drink, a vibrant blend of organic cachaça, tangerine, sugar and passion fruit, playfully echoing the jaguar’s iconic spots.

Begin each day surrounded by the sights and sounds of a tropical haven. Here, the soothing Portuguese-inspired design lends each room and suite a timeless elegance. You’ll find yourself luxuriating amid bright, handcrafted textiles and local artworks. With high ceilings and hard wood furniture, the junior suites are welcoming and comfortable, while the pool suites serve as a personal oasis, and the Cataratas suites boast breathtaking views from panoramic balconies.

Discover more about the indigenous Guarani culture as you study the fascinating nights skies with expert astronomer Janer Vilaça, and allow yourself to experience a deeper connection with the universe. There are also full moon tours to witness the lunar rainbow, a sight not seen by many. When it comes to witnessing the might of the falls themselves, a speed boat ride is not to be missed. Your journey starts with a Jeep ride through the forest before boarding your boat downriver. The views of The Three Musketeers and Devil’s Throat are truly memorable.

After a day of exploring the falls, find a spot to relax with a drink in the large pool area. Then settle in at Restaurant Y where ingredients and techniques from across Brazil are combined to created contemporary dishes inspired by the park.

Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline