Back in May, I had the pleasure of jetting off to Brazil with a fantastic group, flying with TAP Air Portugal from London Heathrow via Lisbon. The journey was incredibly smooth, and the spacious 2-4-2 seating configuration on the long-haul Airbus A330-900neo made for a very comfortable flight. With great food and an attentive crew, TAP comes highly recommended for future itineraries. We were also treated to time in the lounge at Lisbon, which was a welcome respite during our transit.
The Vibrant Soul of Salvador, Bahia
Our adventure began in Salvador, where we received a wonderful welcome from our private guide, Isaco, and a traditional Baiana lady who gifted us the iconic Fita do Senhor do Bonfim (Salvador Wish Bracelets)—a beautiful, 200-year-old Afro-Brazilian good luck charm.
We checked into the legendary Fera Palace, Bahia’s premier luxury hotel. Originally opened in 1934, this Art Deco gem was inspired by New York’s Flatiron Building.
Highlights from Salvador:
- Cultural Immersion: A fascinating walking tour of the historic Pelourinho district, followed by an energising drumming workshop with the incredible Banda Didá.
- Luxury & Architecture: A site inspection and delicious lunch at the elegant Fasano Salvador, and site visits to the charming Villa Bahia and Casa do Amarelindo, which showcase the variety of boutique stays available here.
- Evening Magic: Sundowners on the Fera Palace rooftop, followed by a performance from the Balé Folclórico da Bahia—a blend of contemporary dance, capoeira, and local folklore that perfectly captures the state’s rich history.
Tropical Relaxation at Praia do Forte
The next day, we took a scenic two-hour drive to the Tivoli Eco Resort in Praia do Forte, a stunning beachfront sanctuary complete with an indulgent spa and exceptional dining. The rooms all feature sea views and large, inviting balcony hammocks, and the kids’ clubs are top-notch.
We spent a peaceful morning kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the river just behind the property. A short walk (or a quick, fun tuk-tuk ride) brought us into the bustling village of Praia do Forte. We loved its colourful buildings, great shopping streets, and vibrant local vibe. We knew we had found the right lunch spot when we ordered a phenomenal moqueca (traditional fish stew) at a beachside restaurant packed with locals. Back at the resort, the group split time between the massive, state-of-the-art gym and unwinding in the open-air spa pools.
The Magic of Rio de Janeiro
For the final chapter of our trip, we flew into the mighty Rio de Janeiro for a spoiling three nights at the iconic Belmond Copacabana Palace. The staff were absolutely charming and incredibly helpful, the rooms were beautiful, and we were treated to accommodations with grand French windows opening up to beachfront views. Walking the corridors felt like stepping into history, with their “hall of fame” lined with professional photographs of iconic faces from past and present.
On our first evening, we enjoyed an exquisite tasting menu from the Michelin-starred Pan-Asian restaurant inside the hotel, Mee.
The following day, after yet another epic breakfast, we were picked up in a cool 4×4 jeep for a drive through the lush Tijuca Forest, en route to the Christ the Redeemer statue for the obligatory selfies. From there, we drove through the gorgeous Santa Teresa neighbourhood, stopping for lunch at Aprazível, known for its authentic Brazilian flavours and stunning hillside setting. While in the area, we visited the Santa Teresa Hotel RJ – MGallery, a unique, design-forward boutique property tucked away in the hills. It is the perfect off-beach oasis and pairs beautifully with a few nights on the coast to experience a different, more bohemian side of the city.
We continued to Sugarloaf Mountain just in time for sunset views over Guanabara Bay—topped off with a classic caipirinha, of course. If that wasn’t enough, we then headed out for a traditional dinner at a Churrascaria for a rodizio-style dining experience. Later that evening, some of the group went off to watch a football match at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, which is an absolute bucket-list experience for any sports fan, regardless of who is playing.
The next day brought a fascinating tour through downtown Rio, where our Carnaval experience was a true highlight. We walked through the massive warehouses where this year’s floats were waiting to be recycled, learned about the year-long lifecycle of Carnaval preparation, and even got to don some fabulous costumes before practising our samba steps with the professionals. Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch downtown in the leafy, historic setting of Cais do Oriente, offering a refreshing look at the colonial side of Rio’s architecture.
To round out our time in Rio and ensure we could recommend the perfect fit for every type of client, we spent time exploring several other exceptional properties. We enjoyed rooftop sunset drinks at the ultra-chic Fasano Rio de Janeiro, checking out their famous wall of celebrity thank-you notes before indulging in a dinner at their restaurant, Geo Rio.
We also inspected a trio of fantastic properties along the coast:
- Miramar by Windsor: A 5-star option boasting an incredible rooftop infinity pool with panoramic ocean views, a modern gym, fine Italian dining at Alloro al Miramar, and personalised butler service.
- Windsor California: A contemporary, upscale 4-star gem right in the heart of Copacabana, offering oceanfront rooms, a panoramic rooftop pool, a bar, and a sauna.
- PortoBay Rio de Janeiro: A chic, modern choice featuring spacious rooms with private balconies and beautiful sea views, crowned by a rooftop terrace overlooking the Atlantic and Christ the Redeemer.
From the rich Afro-Brazilian heritage of Bahia to the beachside glamour and colonial history of Rio, this trip highlighted just how diverse, sophisticated, and captivating Brazil is for every type of traveller.
For more information on Brazil or any adventures with Be Brazil Travel Partners, please contact millie@americas.co.uk
