The beach/resort zone in Barra's definitely far afield if you're looking for walking access to the tourist staples like Lapa, Santa Teresa, Corcovado, Sugarloaf, Copacabana, and Ipanema, but its a 30-60 minute uber trip to get you there (for ~$15).

Its a bit like Cabo where the resort properties are a car ride from Cabo San Lucas itself, but they're each well-equipped for folks who are there for a resort vacation - spa, restaurants, pools, lounges, beach, golf, etc... Easy enough to pack up for the day and head into the city, though (at which point you have the metro and trams).

I don't know that I'd stay there again (not usually looking for a resort vacation), but the place is in great shape, the food was really well done, the staff very friendly, and the views nice.