New Year’s Eve celebrations are a big deal around the world, but in Salvador we take it to a different level. The phrase “go big or go home” is true when it comes to Salvador and its ability to throw a party. We host the biggest New Year’s celebration in Brazil — a free multi-day […]
My idea of the perfect beach experience involves space to lay out a sarong, a book, and some peace and quiet. I want to look out at the water, daydream, and recharge. If you share my vision, the beaches in Salvador, Brazil can be a challenge. There are three beach modes here in Salvador, and […]
Sunset is my favorite time of day here in Salvador. And it’s not just because the temperature drops a wee bit. Instead it’s because of the rich sunset tradition here in Salvador. Rich sunset tradition, you may ask? You bet! Every evening at the Farol (lighthouse) in Barra between dozens to hundreds of people gather […]
My husband and I have a saying, “Barra tem tudo” (“Barra has everything”). We live in Barra, and before buying our apartment looked at a bunch of other neighborhoods, but kept coming back to Barra for the sheer convenience — and ocean views. Are there less expensive places to stay? Sure. Do they have the […]
Sadly, Estrela do Mar has closed, but we also love Pousada Papaya Verde and Barra has lots of other great housing options. I stayed in Pousada Estrela do Mar my very first trip to Salvador so it will always have a special place in my heart. It is this pousada where I roomed with the woman […]
The Hit Hotel in Barra, Salvador is located at the port of Barra, a fantastic location, right on the Orla across from the famous Porto da Barra beach. When you leave the hotel you literally cross the street and you are at the steps leading down to the beach. And I do mean “literally”, not […]
When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade — or, in our case, green papaya juice. Our (mis)adventure started when we had our apartment painted and the strong smell of fumes drove us out and we had to find a new place to sleep while the fumes dispersed. Since staying in a hotel or pousada […]
Interested in learning a bit of Portuguese while you are here in Salvador? Then Barra is the neighborhood for you — all three of the Portuguese schools in Salvador that are geared towards foreigners are located in Barra. The basic model for teaching Portuguese is almost identical across the three schools and they all have very […]