Aram Yami Hotel

Much like Salvador, the city it calls home, Aram Yami is an eclectic mix of colonial style and contemporary accents. Surrounded by the vibrant colors of the historic old town, the hotel is a boutique housed in a 19th-century residence, affording views of the Todos os Santos Bay that bring to mind a beachfront retreat. With only five rooms, guests can look forward to the personalized experience of an upscale bed-and-breakfast, albeit one where much of the décor is given over to Asian art objects, specifically golden Buddhist wall hangings. Somehow, the hotel still manages to feel wholly Brazilian — maybe it’s the multiple swimming pools.

One of those pools is private and located inside the bottom-floor guest room, a two-bedroom master suite that also includes a terrace, making it perfect for two couples or a small family. The other pool is on the roof, where the view of the bay is completely unobstructed — not something that can be taken for granted so close to the old city. Despite the aesthetic slipperiness, the rooms are thoroughly modern, with a proud green streak running through them. Solar energy powers the wi-fi and air-conditioning, while the organic bathroom amenities are derived from Amazonian herbs.

There isn’t a restaurant, but guests should expect a hot breakfast delivered right to their rooms every morning. The lobby bar stays open round the clock; a welcome convenience for guests whose nightcap is late in the evening and those who crave a breakfast cocktail.

Travel advisory: Passport and visa requirements differ from country to country. Please check with your local authority before booking.

How to get there: Aram Yami Hotel is 28 km from Salvador Airport. Transfers can be arranged for BRL125 for 1-3 guests,and BRL160 for 4-6 guests, per way.