Villa Bahia

Stay in the heart of Salvador’s enchanting Pelourinho quarter — part of the UNESCO World Heritage city center with cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and wedding-cake cathedrals — at this elegant property which dates back to the 17th century.

Capturing the district’s historic charm, two side-by-side mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries have been given new life and transformed into a captivating boutique hotel. Stepping inside, you’re whisked back in time to when Salvador was a Portuguese colony. The 17 rooms are furnished with antique wood furniture, four-poster beds, and splashes of tropical color. As one of the oldest cities in the Americas, Salvador has been shaped and influenced by cultures from across the globe ranging from Africa to Europe, and each room pays homage to this diversity with artwork, decor, and artifacts. The sounds of the city waft in through French doors opening onto curlicue balconies in the street-facing rooms, while the courtyard rooms overlook greenery-filled inner sanctums. On the top-floor rooms, enclosed outdoor terraces with hammocks, ceramic floors, and your private garden peek out of the tiled rooftops, offering glimpses of church spires and the skyline.

With its central location in the heart of the old city, you’re just steps from storied monuments, museums, eateries, and local shops for picking up one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Once you grow weary of walking, head back to lounge by the courtyard pool, read a book in the quiet courtyards, or chat with owner and long-term Salvador resident Bruno Guinard for his hidden gem recommendations.