Best hotels in Salvador de Bahia

Brazil's insatiable zest for life is well and truly alive in Salvador de Bahia, the birthplace of the samba and Carnival. Founded in 1549, the UNESCO-listed centre, Pelourinho, captures the heart of this vibrant, colourful city – and just a few minutes away, you'll find one of its finest hotels, the Fasano Salvador. Housed in the resplendent building that once acted as HQ for prominent newspaper, A Tarde, the Fasano boasts a prime address in the Castro Alves Square, and the best view in the city of the Bay of All Saints, perhaps best enjoyed from the rooftop pool at sunset...

Salvador de Bahia is a city of history. It was the landing site of Brazil's first governor, as well as being the birthplace of Carnival - and right at its centre is Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the neighbourhood where La Villa Bahia resides. Comprised of two old, colonial mansions, La Villa sits along a lively esplanade where there's always something to discover for tourists and locals alike. At La Villa, there are plenty of cool, relaxing spaces too from its greenery-enveloped patios to the panoramic terrace where a glass of chilled caipirinha awaits, served by barmen clad in vintage uniforms.

The streets of Salvador's historic Pelourinho district vibrate with infectious capoeira dancers and street vendors - and above it all is Casa do Amarelindo, a secret sanctuary behind soundproof French doors that magically silence the carnival chaos outside. A 19th-century townhouse, lovingly-restored by French owners, Gilles and Didier, there are 10 tranquil rooms with balconies that peer out over the city's terracotta rooftops and church spires. A rooftop terrace, complete with a small pool and bar, captures the sunset views across the Bay of All Saints and a pretty restaurant is the perfect spot to end the day.