Pousada des Arts, Salvador (nr. Pelourinho), Bahia - artistic beauty in the historical centre of Salvador, overlooking the bay

The Pousada  des Arts is a sister pousada to the Pousada das Flores just across the road, both French owned and housed in beautiful listed colonial mansions in the historical centre of Salvador. As the name suggests this is a pousada dedicated to the arts and from the moment you walk in your eyes are drawn to incredible paintings, sculptures, tiles and  hangings- all set in a wonderful open lounge space filled with plants and flowers and local handicrafts.

The artistic theme continues in the 8 suites, many of shich have varandas and views over the bay. These are set around a traditional interior well where you can see up to the skylight at the top of the building and down to the exhibition space and plants downstairs. Unlike the Pousada das Flores where it was possible to refurbish an existing house, in this case all that remained of the original building was effectively the facade, so the interiors are actually new but use wherever possible original materials, including someof the original floorboards. It actually took four years to finish the pousada with the help of local architects, designers, and artisans with the focus always on providing comfort within a place of extreme architectural, cultural and natural beauty. 

The split airconditioning, hairdirers, beauty products and wi-fi will be important for many, but for me the privilege was just in staying in a place where you can look over the bay and feel steeped in colour and harmony and  the unique Brazilian/african culture.

The Pousada das Flores is situated in the historic area of Santo Antonio, with its quiet sleepy colonial streets and houses overlooking the Baia de Todos dos Santos (All Saints Bay).  Five minutes walk in one direction you have the Fort of Sao Antonio which latterly was used as a prison and is now the major capoeira centre in the world. In the other direction is the Pelourinho, the main square of the historical centre of Salvador, with its churches, museums, bars and restaurants. 

Salvador itself is a magical place: former capital of Brazil, third largest city in Brazil, situated in one of the largest states, Bahia, a state approximately the size of France. Home through the centuries to over 6 million slaves, this is a city which is proud of its african heritage of culture, dance, food, and music. However it is also a city which has suffered from sucessive governments who have failed to deal with social problems and the upkeep of all but the most important colonial buildings. The result in many places is a faded rundown glory, but a glory where you can still see the local african dance, capoeira, in the streets, and hear snatches of music and drums from unlikely places, and eat acaraje, deep fried to order by enormous white clad turbaned ladies...Drop your bags at the pousada, put on flat shoes, get a guide like Christophe who  knows culture as well as sights and go exploring on foot. This is an unforgettable experience.

• Tour of the historical centre with Christophe
• Cultural tour including Mercado Sao Joaquim
• Saveiro trip at sunset or for 3 days
• Bale Folclorico- the folkloric ballet
• Restaurants: La Figa, Amado, Boi Preto 

• beautiful colonial mansion overlooking the bay
• excellent personalised service
• support of local community projects
• interior design using colour and local handicrafts
• beautiful leafy lounge downstairs with art exhibition

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Price Guide

Prices below are low season rates for two people in brazilian reais (R$). Standard double room, with en-suite shower room, breakfast included.

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