Fasano Salvador

Exuding the distinctive flavours of restaurateur, Gero Fasano, the eponymous restaurant has a lip-smacking menu full of zesty seafood and Italian classics – and a superb buffet breakfast. A true local hotspot, the pool bar has an extensive menu of creative tipples - choose one to sip before settling down to admire the glorious Bay of All Saints. If you're not in the mood for a dip, head to the spa instead for an indulgent massages or a session in the sauna.

Featuring polished hardwood floors and king-sized beds laid with 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, the rooms are classic in look and feel. Amenities include a TV, aircon, minibar and high-speed wifi, while royal blue carpets and ceramics offer a pop of colour. The bathrooms are a marble affair with a spacious, high-pressure shower and top-notch toiletries. In the suites, you'll find a larger lounge space and many enjoy fantastic views over the Bay of All Saints. The most spacious is the Suite Deluxe Frente Mar.

You could easily spend all day exploring the city, from its historic, pastel-hued centre to the Mercado Modelo, perfect for picking up souvenirs. Then again, you might prefer to hone your skills with a Bahian cooking class or a music workshop. For something more active, hop on a bike and cycle along the coastline or opt for a stint in a Hawaiian canoe, stopping for a dip at the beach of your choice. Or take to the skies in a helicopter for the best view of them all.