9 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.

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.

In the bohemian district of Rio Vermelho, this reliable hotel combines sleek, modern design, quality service, and a stunning rooftop infinity pool a short distance from some of the city's most happening bars and restaurants. Rising above a rocky section of sand, most of the rooms have a sea view, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Alongside on-site conference and meeting rooms and a self-service business center, the hotel can arrange mobile-phone hire and translation/interpretation assistance for business travelers. Though the beach is not the best for swimming, there's another option for guests: the hotel's large infinity pool proves a focal point for travelers and businesspeople to unwind over caju caipiroskas. The Casarão restaurant has tables on a deck overlooking the ocean.

Overlooking Lençóis—west-facing accommodations have magnificent views of the forest-covered river valley—this distinctive hotel has a Portuguese-tile roof and stone facade. The stone-and-wood rooms and suites are the most luxurious choice in the region, and guests have access to a swimming pool, basic gym, and sauna. Many of the rooms accommodate up to three or four people, with private bungalows for families.

One of the most sophisticated choices for business travelers and families alike, this modern hotel in well-heeled Campo Grande offers sleek, spacious rooms, a large swimming pool, and internationally recognized bilingual service. It's a short taxi ride from the principal sights and Salvador's business hub. The hotel's design recaptures the glamour of the 1950s, with leather armchairs in the style of Sergio Rodrigues and a grand piano in the cocktail bar. The extensive list of amenities includes a spa, travel agency for organizing transfers and trips through Bahia, money-exchange service, numerous events rooms, and an international buffet for lunch and dinner.