Tivoli Ecoresort Praia Do Forte, Bahia Welcomes Visitors To Enjoy The Sun, Beaches, Nature And Culture Of Northeast Brazil

Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte, Bahia (www.tivolihotels.com) is flawlessly designed for ecotourism, a bit of history, and lavish luxurious recreation and relaxation.

The ecologically supportive resort is perfectly situated 55km north of Salvador international airport on the coast road in Praia do Forte, a bustling former fishing village. The palm-lined main street is packed with chic boutiques, shops, bars, restaurants and the occasional fishing bungalow from another time. Anchored on other side of town, past white sandy beaches, is a fascinating successful sea-turtle sanctuary. Nearby are the ruins of Castelo Garcia d'Ávila, the first Portuguese structure of note in Brazil, dating from 1552, that gives the town its name (fort beach). All this with a resort nestled amid over 300,000 square meters of protected forest, wildlife and coastline that only uses 20% of that available space.

Chosen South America's Best Spa Resort, The Tivoli's spas are exquisite sanctuaries of wellness. There are comprehensive choices for body and facial care, massages, thalassotherapy (seawater therapy). Your senses will awaken with hydrating cures and other relaxing treatments on the spa menu including Lymphatic Drainage, Shiatsu, stone, silk massage and reflexology.

Each of the 290 luxury suites, features private balconies and hammocks to swing in while watching the stunning setting sun. Set among the groves of coconut palms and verdant tropical gardens suites and rooms are arranged in quaint two-story annexes.

The resort is outfitted with three restaurants and four bars. The Goa features a traditional international buffet featuring over 100 items and several cooking stations for fresh pastas, grilled steaks, and Bahian cuisine. Two other restaurants, Tabaréu and À Sombra do Coqueiral are either beachfront à la carte serviced or have special chef's creations. Of particular note, a unique green salad dressed with a basil and oil "ice cream," and a weekly Caipirinha and Feijoada Festival. Feijoada, the Brazilian national dish, comes from the word for beans, is a stew made with black beans, pork and beef served with rice and sprinkled with farofa, toasted manioc.

Besides being socially conscious with conservationism and social and educational programs ("Eco" is even in the resort name!), Tivoli places an emphasis on families and children. There are over 80 activities for adults and children, a special camp for children and nightly musical attractions.

For the animal lovers and environmentally minded, the main station for the nonprofit organization Projeto TAMAR (www.tamar.org.br) — the name comes from the Portuguese word for sea turtle, tartaruga marinha) is located in the town a short walk from the resort. Impressively designed, you can get up close to exhibition pools with sea turtles, sharks and other marine creatures. Female turtles use magnetic geolocation to come back to the place where they were born to spawn. Endangered eggs are removed and transported or fenced off to be cared for in protected sands before the hatchlings are released into the Atlantic. Over 35 million hatchlings have been released since the program began more than 30 years ago. The various species of turtles have been tracked as far as way as the Caribbean and the African Gold Coast, as they are saved from extinction.

For a Caipirinha or snack of fresh clams, the Souza Bar inside the Projeto TAMAR station, has a dramatic setting and view along the rocky coastline. There is also a gift shop whose revenues support the project.

With a little luck, you might even spot a pod of humpback whales off the shore in season between July and November. Although these whales are more easily spotted via boating excursions that launch adjacent to the station.

A short distance away via bike path overlooking the ocean cliffs is the ruins of Castelo Garcia d'Ávila (www.fgd.org.br). Part of a vast land grant (larger than Portugal itself), the castle was set up by Garcia d'Ávila as part of a defense network for the colony and Salvador, and as the first farm in Brazil. You can climb and explore the ruins and the completely renovated chapel while enjoying the cool ocean breezes and vistas.

Also, nearby is the Sapiranga reserve with over 600,000 hectares of waterfalls and tropical and subtropical forests. There are biking and hiking trails, wildlife tours and even a zip-line.

Travel expenses for this article were paid for by LATAM Airlines.