12 Best Hotels in Salvador and the Bahia Coast, Brazil

Wilbert Das, creative director of the clothing brand Diesel, found his calling designing this property: the 12 private bungalows encapsulate the original, quirky character of former fishermen's abodes, while remaining impeccably furnished with products from local designers. With converted fisherman cottages and the use of local products and design elements, this intimate hotel puts the destination front and center. Couples will appreciate the private rooftop terrace and quartz Jacuzzi of converted artist's atelier "Terão do Céu," while social butterflies should head for one of the three houses that open directly onto the Quadrado. Hand-laid with 400,000 aventurine quartz, the kidney-shaped pool is thought to have healing properties, while the spa (complete with products handcrafted from almescar by the local Pataxó Indians and a Vichy treatment suite) is the best in town. Each house comes with its own beach bed at Uxua's beach club, a 10-minute walk away.

This intimate boutique hotel on the outskirts of the Pelourinho—featuring personalized service, beautiful rooms, and a unique design—is a favorite among couples celebrating something special. Owned by architect Juan Piccon Navarro from Barcelona, the vibe is more sleek European with a hint of Bali than rustic Bahian, but the view from the infinity pool over the bustling, deep blue bay of Baía de Todos Santos could be nowhere but Salvador. For families, or couples seeking more privacy, the master suite takes up an entire floor and comes with a second bedroom, private terrace, and plunge pool.

This resort should be your choice if you're looking for a beachfront hotel offering ample activities for kids, plus a gorgeous beach complete with natural pools. You can sail, windsurf, and dive; classes are offered for beginners. A water park next to the resort has many pools, waterslides, and water games to keep children and adults entertained for the whole day.

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.

While just a few minutes' stroll from Trancoso's happening square, this elegant, spacious hotel feels like a world of its own: the seven individually styled bungalows (try Morocco or Mediterranean) are scattered through 7,000 square meters of native forest, so you may not glimpse another guest except during dips in the gorgeous semi-Olympic-size pool or over breakfast, where a delicious homemade buffet changes daily. When you do feel like venturing out, two experienced concierges are ready to organize trips to secluded beaches, mountain-bike treks, and horseback riding. Two recently launched private villas are ideal for families or groups of friends, combining two suites, a large kitchen, and the full service of the hotel.

This all-inclusive hotel is popular with families because of its location on quiet Mutá Beach and its wide range of activities. Rooms are run-of-the-mill, but spacious. The restaurant serves international fare with some Bahian dishes.

Relax in a hammock and contemplate the sea from your private veranda at this chic five-star beachfront resort and wellness center. You'll be within walking distance of the village in case you need more action, but there's a full roster of activities available, including horseback riding, volleyball, kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling. All rooms face the ocean, and a large part of the grounds still has the original Atlantic Forest vegetation that once covered the region.

On an island with a giant coconut grove, this grande dame of Brazilian beach resorts remains a favorite choice for families with kids, golf lovers, and water-sport fanatics. The best accommodations are the beachfront bungalows—each has a balcony and a hammock. The many activities include fishing, tennis, paddleboarding, jet-skiing, and other water sports. The hotel, 70 km (43 miles) south of Ilhéus, has its own airstrip for guests who arrive by private plane.

This sprawling, luxury ecoresort sits among 100 hectares (250 acres) of coconut groves on one of the region's most beautiful beaches and has delightful facilities, including a hilltop spa with views over the ocean and virgin Mata Atlântica rain forest. Each of the 38 stand-alone bungalows faces directly on to the beach, where from December to March guests can take part in the baby-turtle conservation project organized by the hotel. There are three swimming pools, a beach bar, and a gourmet restaurant specializing in fresh Bahian seafood.