While the full name is São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos, it is also known as Salvador or simply Bahia.
This enchanting state, where the African influence – beliefs, cultures, scents, rhythms – remains quite strong, is becoming a popular jetset destination. Much of the appeal is in the white sandy beaches skirting the chic new hotels, like the Uxua Casa designed by Dutch architect Wilbert Das and made in great
part from recycled materials.
Another upscale address is the soon-to-open Fasano Resort, new crowning element of the major Brazilian chain. But the real soul of the place is ancient Salvador, so dearly loved by the great writer Jorge Amado that he described this land as “the most mysterious in the world, with languid women, goldembroidered churches (a total of 365, one for every day

of the year), folk festivals and magic rituals.” It’s surely worth a trip, now more than ever before, for what the poet of Bahia called “the rot of slums and brothels” has given way to yacht clubs, art galleries and classy restaurants. One is Trapiche de Adelaide, famous for its magnificent view of the bay.

MARDI GRAS LAND
Salvador is best known for Mardi Gras Week, when the streets of the historic Pelourinho district come alive with dazzling color. This is also where to find the city’s oldest museum-hotel, the Pestana Convento do Carmo built in 1586 and now recently renovated. Another highlight of the neighborhood is La Villa Bahia, an elegant residence with wellness spa and two charming secret patios. Then nearby is the Zank Hotel with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. The two churches that demand a visit are the Sao Francisco,

with rich Portuguese porcelain ceramic ornamentation, and the austere Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Pretos which bears important witness to the suffering of the African slaves. And if you smell palm oil and peanut sauce while strolling through town that means you’ve come to the new Museum of Bahian Gastronomy complete with picturesque restaurant. The waiters in colored turbans wear ruffled garb inspired by the costumes typical of Candomblè – or a religion of African origin, the Brazilian version of voodoo. All set to hop on a plane for Brazil?

BAHIA TRAVEL GUIDE
A voodoo ceremony is a must experience, but bypass the tourist variety and head for the Ile Axè Opo Afonià club (declared a national treasure by the Brazilian government) in the Cabula area. For capoeira, rather,

the Fundacao Mestre Bimba puts on a show every Friday night at the Terreiro de Jesus.