Anima Hotel

Lovely secluded beach spot with a fantastic restaurant - yet only 15 minutes from Morro de São Paulo for those who want to party

On the island of Tinhare, this is a top spot in which to chill out after a few days in Salvador - you couldn't get much more of a contrast to the latter's hustle and bustle. It's a real oasis of calm. Set alongside a huge, palm-fringed beach, it's a small, simple set-up. There's an open, airy, low-slung main building containing the reception, a kitchen, and dining room, plus a a sitting area-cum-library with a few books, games, changing art exhibits and a collection of 200 DVDs to borrow for your room. Next to that there is an attractive pool and deck with plenty of loungers on which to soak up the sun.

The 9 cottages are spaced well apart to ensure privacy, and set back from the main building along a pathway through woods. Food is a real highlight, with a delicious fusion of Brazilian, French, Asian and Italian concepts. And best of all, while Anima's location is very secluded, there's a regular shuttle into Morro de São Paulo, which in season really hums with late night DJ parties on the beach.

Highs

• Beautifully quiet and laid-back location
• Great food, especially the dinners, which are served in a romantic candlelit open-air restaurant
• The staff are very friendly, yet you never feel crowded
• The huge, palm-fringed beach (Praia do Encanto) is arguably Morro's best

Lows

• It could be too secluded for some, despite the relative proximity of Morro de São Paulo (7km away)
• The 2-hour boat ride from Salvador can be pretty choppy, so if you're prone to sea sickness consider taking the 20-minute air taxi