Description
Step back in time at Villa Bahia, a beautiful boutique hotel lovingly converted from two beautiful colonial mansions dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The hotel has been designed to evoke important landmarks in Bahia’s colourful history, dating back to the Portuguese explorers, their trade exchanges with Africa and Asia and their maritime routes, which were all closely tied to the spice trade.
The 17 charming rooms at Villa Bahia take guests back in time to the very origins of Bahia and have been named after important trade routes including Cape Verde, Guinea, Mozambique, Goa, Ceylon, Malaga and Nagasaki. The rooms are spacious and colourful and each has been individually designed, with no two alike. Native wood furnishings and regional crafts and works of art have been carefully used to enhance the local character of the rooms.
The hotel also has a gourmet restaurant specialising in French-Brazilian fusion cuisine, a shady roof terrace, patio, a small plunge pool and relaxing living areas with deep couches and antique armchairs, to create a warm colonial atmosphere.
The hotel has a superb location right an the heart of Salvador’s historical Pelourinho centre, next door to beautiful Sao Francisco church and just steps away from the Jorge Amado Museum and the Praca da Se square overlooking All Saints Bay.
Accommodation
The 20 rooms at Villa Bahia are beautifully decorated with native woods, crafts and furnishings and each has its a unique design and character. Four of the rooms have their own private terrace and all are equipped with modern facilities including television, air conditioning, WiFi and DVD player.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Villa Bahia although there are no formal children's activities or facilities available. Cots, extra beds and babysitting can be arranged on request.
Facilities
Villa Bahia has an excellent restaurant run by an acclaimed chef, serving fine cuisine with both French and Brazilian influences. There is also a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, two patios and a small pool, in addition to charming lounge areas.
Activities
Salvador is known for its wealth of beautiful architecture, colourful churches and vibrant atmosphere. Guests can arrange a private guided tour of the city to learn more about the culture and history or simply wander the cobbled streets at leisure, soaking up the ambience. It is also possible to arrange a visit to a Capoeira performance or a percussion class.
When to travel
Temperatures in Bahia vary little from month to month and it's warm all year round, with average highs hovering around 30°C. April to July is the wettest season (though it can rain at any time) and June to September bring slightly cooler evenings. Salvador goes mad during Carnival (February or March depending on the year) - more than 2 million party-goers hit the streets for a colourful riot of dancing and drinking - expect prices to hike and availability to fall dramatically.
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Average time to visit
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Location and directions
Salvador, Brazil
Villa Bahia is nestled in the heart of Pelourinho, on Largo do Cruzeiro, in the historic quarter of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Salvador.
How to get there
14-hour 15-minute international flight to Rio de Janeiro, followed by a 2-hour domestic flight to Salvador
