27 Best Hotels in Salvador and the Bahia Coast, Brazil

One of the only options for staying overnight on Praia do Espelho, this former artist's residence offers 10 Santorini-esque private chalets scattered up the bluff overlooking the beach. Artist Cala's ceramic sculptures of sea creatures cling to the walls while tiles of flying fish dart across the floors. Service is laid-back yet attentive, with lunches of fresh fish and ceviche served by the creative in-house chef down by the beach. Umbrellas are provided exclusively for guests. Couples should choose one of the two bungalows that open directly onto the beach.

Guests rave about the endless gourmet breakfasts at this beautiful restored colonial house a few minutes stroll from the center of town. Owner artist Alcino is on hand to provide insider information and personalized service. It's an intimate experience akin to staying at a friend's home: guests commune over daily changing delicacies such as passion-fruit mousse and manioc pizza, alongside an elaborate display of tropical fruits and homemade breads and jams, all served at a long communal table in a elegant interior courtyard, where hammocks await for post-breakfast snoozes. Rooms are simple and compact, decorated with traditional wooden furniture and antiques. Scattered between two floors of the house, of the 10 rooms, three have shared bathrooms. Those sensitive to noise should ask for one of the rooms on the first floor.

One of the first hotels to open after the creation of the national park, Canto das Águas remains one of the most comfortable places to stay in Lençóis, with spacious rooms overlooking the river and stone archways opening to a garden and large swimming pool that frames the main building. Most rooms come with balconies and are equipped with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and wireless Internet. Alongside a pool bar that's open throughout the day, the hotel's acclaimed restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and a daily tea—opt for one of the tables on the veranda to soak up the view.

A long-standing favorite in the Rio Vermelho district, this quirky 19th-century mansion is full of character, offering friendly service, delicious breakfasts, and small but comfortable rooms. If you're looking for space, ask for one of the six split-level suites. Extra attention is devoted to the decor, which includes pottery and embroidery from local artisans, although certain details, such as the air-conditioning units and mattresses, could do with an update. There is one wheelchair-accessible room for guests with disabilities, unusual for a small hotel.

The main draw at this charming pousada are the rooms, which are large, comfortable, well-decorated, and appointed with king-size beds, balconies, and hammocks. The pousada is located in a leafy garden and there is a small swimming pool on the terrace with fantastic views out to sea.

Location is prime here, right on the banks of Trancoso's river, three minutes' walk from the beach and the downtown square. As the name implies—Mata N'ativa means "native forest"—the pousada is virtually hidden under the canopy of Atlantic Forest. In the rooms, large beds with bedposts holding mosquito nets add to the rugged ambience.

If you're seeking a home away from home, look no further than this simple pousada's clean, spacious, white-walled rooms, where the English-speaking owners will entertain you with tales of the history of the Chapada. The hearty breakfast will reveal the origin of the inn's name, Jelly House—dozens of homemade jams and jellys that include regional fruits such as umbú, seriguela, and cajú are featured with your morning fare. The owner, Zé Carlos, is a bird-watching enthusiast and has escorted tourists and biologists on tours of the Chapada.

From Brazilian actresses to professors, the list of returning customers to this charming, Italian-style pensione is as varied as the legendary breakfast, served amongst tropical plants on the sun-drenched veranda to spectacular views over the bay. The property opened more than 20 years ago, and while some areas could do with a lick of paint, the pousada's heart and soul shines through, with local art lining the walls. Simple rooms, divided between two colonial houses, are eclectic in character. The veranda in No. 11 proved romantic enough even for Ricky Martin, who filmed a music video here. For fabulous sea views, request No. 1. All rooms except one come with a private bathroom.

You can stay overnight in one of the large rooms at this onetime Carmelite monastery that dates back to the 17th century. Opt for one of the remodeled rooms on the first floor, while the ground floor is best avoided, as rooms can be damp and moldy. During the day you can have a good lunch here.

This pleasant B&B a few steps from Barra Beach wins over independent travelers, couples, and families alike with its competitive prices and Mediterranean-style design. While the breakfasts are on the basic side, rooms come equipped with comfortable beds, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi. Light sleepers should avoid rooms closest to the kitchen, while groups will find the best value in the master suite, complete with two bedrooms and a private terrace. Charming Irish owner Sean and his small team of English-speaking staff are on hand to provide local tips and advice on how best to navigate the bus system.

Set amid native forest with views that stretch over the island and out to sea, the colorful bungalows at this pousada are some of Boipeba's more upmarket options. Each of the nine chalets offers king-size beds, SKY TV, and private balconies with hammocks and panoramic views. The master bungalow also has a Jacuzzi bath. Relax by the swimming pool or make the most of the wellness center, which offers a variety of massages and acupuncture. Although there is a small lift for luggage, the steep stairs up to this property from the beach mean it is not the best choice for those with physical challenges.

This well-run pousada 50 meters back from Boca da Barra Beach ticks all the boxes for those looking to kick back in paradise on a budget: simple, spacious rooms, a tropical garden complete with giant hammocks, and a lavish, homemade breakfast that changes daily. American owner Charles will organize trips around the island, while brother Mark takes control of the kitchen, which is open to the pubic six nights a week—don't miss the lobster with coconut and corn, gumbo soup, or the homemade brownies.