Arraial d'Ajuda, Brazil
Maitei Hotel
Bahian hillside pousada
Bahian hillside pousada
This hillside pousada looks out over Mucugê beach, keeping days slow with ocean-facing loungers and afternoon caipirinhas.
What it’s good at
Notable
Architect Luciano Soares combined colonial roof tiles with polished cement and panoramic glass.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The hilltop Hotel Maitei doesn’t offer any earth-shattering design innovations… the place executes its formula with panache.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Boutiques and lively restaurants line Rua do Mucugê outside, and the beach is a short walk downhill.
1 of 4
The rooms
Double whirlpool bathtubs come standard, and selected rooms open onto balconies looking straight out across the ocean.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The blue-tiled rooftop pool looks straight across the water from an elevated timber deck.
The spa
The two-person treatment room hosts massage rituals, and a steam sauna opens directly onto the pool.
Restaurant
Restaurante Maitei
The 22-seat dining room opens toward the sea through floor-to-ceiling glass, hosting three-course dinners on Thursday nights.
At the table
The covered terrace bar serves cocktails shaken with gin, cardamom, and cacao nectar overlooking the pool.
How it began
The name means greetings in Tupi-Guarani, chosen by founder Érika Sanches when opening the property in 2005.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.