KIAROALUXURYRESORT,MARAÚPENINSULAThe Kiaroa Luxury Resort is a beautiful hotellocated on the stunning Maraú Peninsula, a 30minute flight in a small plane from Salvador. Its 28 rooms and bungalows are tastefullydecorated with the work of local artisans andsome boast private pools. There is an impressivespa with a wide range of treatments available forcomplete relaxation. In front of the property thegolden sand beach is virtually deserted apartfrom other hotel guests, adding to the hotel'sfeeling of glorious seclusion. There is a widerange of activities and excursions that can bearranged locally with the reception staff, rangingfrom buggy tours to boating trips. TXAIRESORT, ITACARÉTxai Resort is located between the fishing villageof Itacaré and the city of Ilhéus, home to one ofBrazil's literary greats, Jorge Amado. The hotelfaces a long stretch of golden sand and many of its apartments and bungalows overlook thepalm-fringed sea beyond. With their largewindows and terraces, the rooms have aspacious airy feel, with simple and tastefuldecoration featuring earthen tones and localartwork. The hotel has two restaurants serving arange of Bahian delicacies such as shrimp and fishdishes stewed in coconut milk. Guests can enjoytime at the hotel's fabulous spa which offerswonderful views of the ocean, aromatic baths, a sauna, steam room and of course extensivemassage services. One of the best things aboutthe hotel is that, despite having 40 rooms, it hasmanaged to maintain the feel of a small boutiqueproperty. Rooms and communal areas aretucked away between the palm trees, nobuilding is more than two storeys tall and you'lloften have the beach to yourself.www.audleytravel.com/brazil ?01993 838 610 ?Brazil67TrancosoLocated just south of the historic town of PortoSeguro, this sleepy village is rapidly becomingone of the most sought-after beach destinationsin Brazil. The original fishing village still exists,and life there is centred on the main grassysquare, with its whitewashed 17th centurychurch, which claims to have held the first massin Brazil. Stretching away from the village aremiles of wonderful beaches. POUSADAETNIA, TRANCOSOPousada Etnia is a truly delightful place to stay.The eight rooms are individually decorated andhave been created by an Italian fashion designer.There is a beautiful swimming pool, and thewhole place exudes understated sophistication.Although it isn't a beach front property, the seais only a five minute walk away, as is the mainsquare. Its gardens have a tropical feel and givethe property a sense of seclusion despite itscentral location.VILLASDETRANCOSO, NEARTRANCOSOVillas de Trancoso has just five villas, made from locally-sourced Brazilian woods, all ofwhich have their own veranda and seating areaand are furnished with local artwork and fabricswhich complement the beautiful linen bedding.The villas are perched next to a gorgeousgolden palm-lined beach and there is a beachbar on hand for refreshments whilst the villageof Trancoso is within walking distance. Guestscan enjoy an excellent range of Brazilian andinternational dishes in the hotel's restaurant or if they choose, under the stars on the beach or by the pool.Txai ResortMoorea Master Bungalow, Kiaroa Luxury ResortItacaré beachMain square, TrancosoPousada Etnia

CONVENTODOCARMO,SALVADORThis charmingly restored 16th century conventcombines character with five star facilities such as a swimming pool, butler service and spa.Certain features of the convent have beenimmaculately preserved such as the Sacristywhere guests can marvel at the opulent goldenornamentation. The hotel has 90 beautifullydecorated and well-equipped rooms and suites. Ifyou do not feel like sampling some of thedelicious food at the local restaurants in thePelourinho district, then it has its own finerestaurant and bar.CASADOAMARELINDO,SALVADORSuperbly located in the historic centre ofSalvador, this charming hotel occupies a fullyrestored 19th century building. Furnished to highspecifications and lovingly run, there are just tenrooms, with decoration inspired by the Bahiancolonial culture with a touch of African influence.Boasting a small swimming pool and rooftop barwith breathtaking views over the Bay of Todos osSantos, wonderful 'home style' cooking using localingredients and a bar stocked with local cachaças,you are well placed to relax and enjoy theexperience that is Salvador.Salvador Brazil's oldest city, the capital of the state of Bahia,and formerly the capital of Brazil itself, is certainlyone of the most beautiful and interesting in thecountry. Influences from Portugal, Africa and Brazilare all evident and seem to collide here in afascinating cultural melting pot. The legacy of thePortuguese is present in the cobbled streets ofthe historic Pelourinho district, lined with itspastel-hued colonial buildings. However, it is theAfrican influence that really makes a visit toSalvador unique. The enduring and vibrant culture,food and religion of the African slave era are stillevident, from the graceful art form of capoeira,the part-dance, part-martial art once used by theslaves as a form of rebellion, to the pulsing music,dance and colourful costumes of the Candombléreligion, a fusion of Catholicism and Africanindigenous rituals. By day, you can enjoy its cultural heritage bystrolling past ornate churches and candy-colouredmansions, through doorways piled high with folkart, local sculptures and musical instruments andacross tranquil courtyards covered in flowers.Afterwards, as the sun sets, enjoy a delicious mealof one of the spicy specialities of Bahian cuisine,take in a theatre performance or simply pull up astool in one of the bars and watch the vibrantnightlife unfold.68Street dancers, SalvadorCasa do Amarelindo, SalvadorCapoeira on the streets, Salvador