We stayed in a standard bungalow for four nights in September. This proved an excellent way to wind up our visit to Brazil. The property is situated on a perfect beach amongst swaying coconut palms and is 100% geared to rest and relaxation.
We flew to Ilheus airport and took the hotel transportation service to the resort - transfer time is around 50 mins. When you leave the resort has their own lounge at the airport where you can take coffee and wait for your plane - a really nice touch.
Our standard bungalow accommodation was very spacious if a little dated. There was an outside shower which was fun, and all other facilities were inside the bungalow which overlooked the coastline. The bungalow was well furnished in a mid-range kind of a way. Bathrobes were provided (but no slippers), there was a minibar, nice toiletries, good quality towels etc.
Better than the bungalow was the shared space. The resort is large and there are numerous rooms to read in, airy pagodas, shady seats - and all very uncrowded. The resort felt very underoccupied at the time we visited but I can't imagine that it would ever feel over-run.
There are two large pools with comfortable sun loungers and a good poolside drinks service. Lunch runs from 1-5pm poolside and offers a buffet. We tried this once but found the (supposedly hot) food cold. We asked for other options the next day but these are limited to two pasta dishes. We suggested they serve sandwiches but were told this wasn't possible - disappointing but, as often here, it might be that English language difficulties got in the way.
We used the Shamesh spa for massages (BrR 200 per hour)which were great - the views from this hilltop facility are breathtaking and even if you don't take a treatment you can laze away your time in the plunge pool or in the sauna with a panoramic view of the ocean.
We ate most of our meals in the resort and these were good, if not world class. Most disappointing was the evening dinner which was served in a very large but empty dining room lacking in atmosphere. Throughout the resort the service was always well meaning but variable in terms of quality. For example our room service snack one day turned up without any cups for the coffee, napkins for the food or any salt and pepper. We complained about this at the Reception desk but it was still billed in full. Also many staff did not speak English and this caused us a few problems - for example it was tough to understand what the made-to-order breakfast choices were etc.
The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle to Itacare three times each day. Around 30 minutes away, this is a trendy surfer town and well worth a visit one evening for a change of scene and some different dining choices.
Apart form the location and the spacious communal facilites we also enjoyed the music which played in the communal areas - very relaxing.
Negatives? There's little written information in your bungalow to help familiarise guests with the resort, its layout and faciliities. When you arrive the person who shows you to your bungalow reels off a list of what happens where but it's too much to take in. Also for the price (which is at Four Seasons level or above) we felt that the in-bungalow facilites could have been more luxurious and would benefit from updating.
You should also know that there is TV only in the communal area and there is no mobile phone signal in the resort. Internet access is available on a complimantary basis using the resort's PCs or wireless connections in the library.
All in all, a great experience and a truly relaxing break.
- Txai Hotel Ilheus
- Txai Resort Ilheus
