Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte

This sprawling resort has a strong focus on sustainability and ecotourism, and everything has been created to have the lowest possible environmental impact. Built over 30 years ago, it's set in tropical forests that abut the beach, with sprawling lush green gardens, palm trees, coconut grooves, and a variety of small animals roving around, such as monkeys and iguanas. Architecture is kept simple, with Brazilian wood structures and palapa-covered buildings. The resort looks out onto the glittering waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and the golden sands fringing it. During the day, guests tend to congregate on the sun loungers by the beach, or at the hotel's adult-only infinity pool, while kids play in the children's pool or at the kids' club. The property is beautifully illuminated at night, providing a peaceful setting, especially for dining. The vibe is generally relaxed and laid-back, and although it attracts a lot of families, the spacious grounds make it easy to find some peace and quiet. 

The Tivoli Ecoresort overlooks the golden sands and blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can walk to Praia do Forte village in just 10 minutes. The main pedestrian walkway, Almeda de Sol, is lined with upmarket designer shops and stylish restaurants, leading up to a sea-turtle reserve and historic castle ruins. Thrill-seekers can canoe in the nearby Timeantube Lagoon, which is just a five-minute walk away, or try zip-lining, biking, and hiking at the Sapiranga Forest Reserve, which is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. One of the most significant attractions in the area is the historic Garcia D'Avila Castle -- a set of castle ruins dating back to 1552 -- which is 10 minutes away by car. Salvador International Airport is around an hour's drive from the hotel, while the city of Salvador will take about 80 minutes to reach by car.

The hotel offers a variety of rooms types, including guest rooms, suites, and villas. All 287 units have furnished sea-facing balconies, with additional hammocks for relaxing. All rooms are quiet, though Premium Rooms are set in a quieter part of the resort, surrounded by green tropical gardens. All rooms are designed in traditional Bahian-style, with colorful tadelakt walls, glossy tiled floors, and Brazilian wood structural accents. King-size beds are dressed in fresh white bedding, with backlit wooden headboards that create a cozy, relaxing ambience. Each room has a separate seating area, with soft striped couches and contemporary wooden standing lamps. All rooms are well-appointed, with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, safes, phones, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free robes and slippers. Higher category rooms add Nespresso coffeemakers. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, with tiled countertops, vessel sinks, large walk-in rainfall showers, and free eco-friendly toiletries. We did spot a little bit of discolored grout in some of the showers that we photographed, which is common in tropical climates, but disappointing nonetheless. 

Tivoli Ecoresort is located right on the beach, with a grassy area that's lined with sun loungers and palapa-covered umbrellas. The resort has eight pools, including an adult-only pool and separate children's pool. Three restaurants serve a mix of local and international cuisines. Sombra de Coquerial offers a la carte Mediterranean dishes; Goa offers hearty Afro-Bahian cuisine; and Tabareu serves salads, seafood, and meat dishes. The property has three bars, serving fresh cocktails and snacks throughout the day. A generous breakfast and dinner buffet is served daily, though lunch is not included in the half-board rates. The full-service spa provides various massage and body treatments, as well as a sauna, plunge pool, and hot tubs. The hotel offers an abundance of activities, including over 30 outdoor sports activities, water activities, and an impressive kids' club with a theater, playground, and games -- though the entertainers speak Portuguese, not English. The resort also caters for business travelers, and has five modern meeting rooms. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, room service, concierge, laundry, car rentals, and free self-parking. Airport transfers can be arranged for a fee. Although the hotel has a prime beach location and plentiful amenities, Wi-Fi costs extra, which is disappointing and surprising considering the price.