Cana Brava All Inclusive Resort

There’s loads for adults and kids to do at this gorgeous resort. My kids, ages 4 and 6, especially loved clubinho do sol, the park, beach, pool, and zip line. I had fun with the beach dance lessons and workout class, and also got a massage, which cost extra. The food could be better.

We came from Belgium to Ilhéus for a family holiday, looking for fun, peace, and time to relax together. It was a week in paradise, and our 6-year-old had the time of his life. Tio Molusco and Tio Salsicha were just exceptional. Such a great time, I highly recommend it!

The beach and pools have been great, and the weather is amazing. The staff are lovely, especially Robert do Carmo, who’s friendly and funny. Food is mostly good with plenty of choice, and the themed nights at the main restaurant help keep things varied. I’d probably come back, perhaps in one of the newer villas. A few things kept this from feeling like a five-star stay. The apartments are worn: rusty mirror edges, battered counter corners, old curtains, and rooms that could use paint. The Wi-Fi really needs to improve, and their confirmed bot, "Jorginho", can’t answer basic questions, so the tech needs an update. Service would be better if every food station had plates and cutlery. There’s also nowhere to eat between 6am and 7am. Parents with kids who are up early would appreciate that, and opening the kids’ pool at 9am is tough when many children have already been awake for 3 or 4 hours and are running out of patience.

The resort is pleasant, with a beach-view chill-out area and a separate pool by reception that’s mostly for adults if you want a break from kids running and shouting. The food and drinks are good, and the beer is better than at the average all-inclusive place I’ve tried in Brazil. Guest service was mediocre, though. Check-in was very slow, with a long wait. If your flight is later in the afternoon, you’re stuck at reception after checkout and can’t use the hotel facilities while waiting for your ride. They’ll treat you like you’re trespassing if they see you walking around without the arrival bracelet. Other resorts I’ve stayed at let guests relax by the pool and have snacks or coffee while they wait, even though so much gets thrown out each day. Here they’re happy to take your money and treat you well during the stay, but that ends at checkout.