Zank Boutique Hotel

Hotel description

Crisp all-white decor and ocean views are nothing new in the realm of beachfront boutiques. But in the Brazilian colonial capital of Salvador da Bahia, where dated luxury resorts and sandy-floored guesthouses dot the coast, the Zank Boutique Hotel amounts to a very stylish alternative.

The minimalist-by-the-sea look is a formula for a good reason, after all, and is well-exemplified in the hotel’s twenty ‘apartments,’ split between the original historic building and an adjoining structure. Shiny hardwood floors and stark contemporary furniture — crafted by Brazilian artists, of course — are set off by blindingly white Egyptian cotton linens, while gauzy white drapes border huge picture windows facing out to the Atlantic. King-size beds and wireless internet capability come standard; Classe rooms feature bathtubs, while Estilo rooms contain smaller bathrooms with showers. The clifftop Zank is run by three sisters who’ve integrated charming details into the mix, like a small library stocked with cordel literature (traditional in northeast Brazil) and original artwork and decorative pieces throughout the property.

The hotel’s location in the neighborhood of Rio Vermelho is an asset for travelers who’d rather avoid the crush of tourists and mediocre restaurants around the city’s UNESCO-anointed historic section of Pelourinho. The upscale area around the Zank is rife with recommendable dining venues, all within walking distance of the hotel, and an aesthetically pleasing stretch of beach awaits guests who venture just a few minutes towards the coastline. Back at the hotel, an infinity plunge pool graces the rooftop, and the petite Drika Saad Spa caters to guests in search of further relaxation. Dressed-up versions of cheap-and-tasty Salvadoran cuisine — heavy on seafood, rice, and coconut — are served on the terrace of the Zank Restô.