
We flew with Tam airlines from London Heathrow, the entertainment and seat pitch was great however the food was a little lacking. We did speak to a rep for TAM who said the majority of the planes are having a refurbishment and they are also introducing new routes from Europe to South America, which I think will be great for the airline.
Our first stop was Salvador which is in North-Eastern Brazil. Salvador and the surrounding area has so much to offer.
On arrival we drove straight up to Praia do Forte which is around an hour away from Salvador City and historical centre Pelourinho. Praia do forte has some wonderful hotels and beaches, we visited the Tivoli Eco Resort which I was really impressed with, the rooms are beautifully decorated and each terrace/balcony comes with a hammock which I thought was a nice touch. The property caters for all ages, there are sections which are ‘adults only’ and then there are the more family orientated pools and there’s a massive kids club. The hotel is on a lovely stretch of beach just 5 minutes’ walk away from Praia do forte village.
We spent a couple of hours relaxing at the hotel after our long flight. Then we went to a traditional Bahia show in the old town called Balé Folclórico da Bahia. I would highly recommend this show, its set in a very small theatre down a cobbled side street in Pelourinho. The show focuses on two main areas, Candomble and Capoeira, which were created by African descendants but is native to Brazil. Candomble focuses on worshipping African Gods but incorporating Catholicism. Capoeira is a form of martial arts, very fast paced to music.

The next day we had an early start as we had two back to back half day tours, the first was a more historical tour starting in Barra at the Fort Santo Antonio da Barra which was built in the 1500’s. It is one of many forts which overlook the bay.
If I was to visit this area again I would try and stay in Praia do forte and then arrange city tours and trips to Salvador, as then you have the best of both worlds, a wonderful 4/5 star beach front property which you can mix up then with tours to the city and Barra.