THE NORTH EAST
The north-east of Brazil, from a tourist point of view, is all about the beach. The states of Rio Grande do Norte, Paraiba, Pernambuco and Alagoas form this corner of Brazil which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and also include the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, 350 kilometres off the coast.
The two biggest cities in the area are Recife and Natal which are beach destinations in their own right but better locations lie further afield. Recife, the Venice of Brazil due to its canal system, is certainly worth a visit during carnival time as they have one of the biggest carnival’s in Brazil which combines perfectly with nearby Olinda, the colonial jewel of the north-east. 45 minutes to the south of Recife is the town of Porto de Galinhas, one of the most popular beach towns in Brazil. The ‘port of chickens’ is named as such due to a history which dates back to the slave trade and now people flock to the region for other reasons. The offshore reef which runs down this part of the coast is a big draw as it traps thousands of colourful fish and enables fabulous snorkelling, close to the beach. Just south is Praia do Carneiros, arguably one of Brazil’s finest beaches. The road south of Porto de Galinhas leads into Alagoas state which is less developed with some wonderful little boutique pousadas and untouched beaches. The off-shore reef is still reachable from Maragogi whereas further south in Sao Miguel dos Milagres, tourists are at a minimum. Close to Natal, there are more wonderful beaches, perhaps the best known is the Praia do Pipa, 90-minute drive south of Natal airport. The town is a favourite with backpackers and surfers but has some excellent properties too for a luxury break.
Perhaps the star of the north-east Brazil is away from the mainland by taking an hour long flight to Fernando de Noronha. This is an archipelago of 21 different islands, albeit only one has accommodation on it, and is a protected marine park. Visitor numbers are restricted to the islands and there are only a limited number of hotel beds which makes Fernando de Noronha an exclusive destination. It’s a favoured destination of celebrities, particularly over holiday periods. The main island is home to some beautiful beaches, including the Baia do Sancho, which is regularly voted as one of the top two beaches in the world. The islands are great for snorkelling, there are superb wreck dives just off-shore while many surfers head to the islands for the superb breaks. The north-east makes a perfect end to any trip in Brazil with lots of remote beaches and luxury properties.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
Pousada Maravilha – Fernando de Noronha
Pousada Maravilha is hidden on a beautiful Bay of the South eastern side of Fernando de Noronha, overlooking the turquoise water, dramatic sea cliffs, and volcanic rocks rising out of the blue waters. The Pousada Maravilha has just eight bungalows and apartments nestled into the hillside. Each one offers beautiful decking overlooking views of the stunning bay, often visited by dolphins and turtles. The design is based around simple, tasteful and sustainable elements. All bedrooms have air-conditioning, LCD TV DVD, King size bed, Egyptian cotton sheets bathrobes and designer toiletries. Pousada Maravilha also offers an infinity pool, sauna, and massage parlour. The guest house provides a comprehensive beach service to ensure you are well looked after when relaxing on the beach and for those who want to explore the area there is a boat ride around the Island. The restaurant is a real delight with the menu full of modern twists on regional favourites. We would highly recommend the ravioli stuffed with beef and the selection of regional cheeses.
Nannai Noronha Solar dos Ventos – Fernando de Noronha
Pousada Maravilha is hidden on a beautiful Bay of the South eastern side of Fernando de Noronha, overlooking the turquoise water, dramatic sea cliffs, and volcanic rocks rising out of the blue waters. The Pousada Maravilha has just eight bungalows and apartments nestled into the hillside. Each one offers beautiful decking overlooking views of the stunning bay, often visited by dolphins and turtles. The design is based around simple, tasteful and sustainable elements. All bedrooms have air-conditioning, LCD TV DVD, King size bed, Egyptian cotton sheets bathrobes and designer toiletries. Pousada Maravilha also offers an infinity pool, sauna, and massage parlour. The guest house provides a comprehensive beach service to ensure you are well looked after when relaxing on the beach and for those who want to explore the area there is a boat ride around the Island. The restaurant is a real delight with the menu full of modern twists on regional favourites. We would highly recommend the ravioli stuffed with beef and the selection of regional cheeses.
Pousada Ze Maria – Fernando de Noromha
Nestled next to the Pico Hill, the Island’s most famous landmark, Pousada Ze Maria has been designed to perfectly integrate into its unique natural environment. There was no removal of trees for the building of the properties, the swimming pool is designed in levels to fit perfectly into the staggered hillside and the bungalows have been built on stilts to ensure that the natural flow of water is not interrupted. The Pousada Ze Maria consists of 6 apartments and 12 bungalows with a balcony and a hammock to appreciate the beautiful sea views. Three deluxe bungalows offer both whirlpool and balconies with views of both the majestic Pico Hill and the turquoise ocean. All rooms have telephones, fridge, air conditioning, thermal and acoustic insulation and solar-heated and boiler-heated combined showers. The highlight of the Pousada is the restaurant. Local dishes are freshly prepared by Ze Maria himself, with ingredients grown in the hydroponic garden. The menu combines the zest of Brazilian food and culture with local produce and regional charm. There is also a sushi bar which offers fresh seafood and a chilled Zen atmosphere to complete the experience.
Nannai Resort and Spa – Porto de Galinhas
The Nannai Resort and Spa is nestled on the beautiful Muro Alto Beach, just 9km from Porto de Galinhas. Muro Alto Beach is made up of pure white sand, turquoise crystal-clear sea and coconut palms creating space for relaxing in the shade. This is a dream location on one of the most spectacular coastal areas of Brazil. Nannai Resort and Spa offers both rooms and bungalows which are designed around Polynesian style, open space, dark wood and beautiful textiles ensure a relaxing and chic stay. The bungalows feature a private pool, jacuzzi or massage gazebo. The resort ethos is built around relaxation and exploration. An extensive 6,000m² set of pools provides crystal clear waters at various depths with amazing views of the garden and the coast. For those looking for activities then you won’t be disappointed at the Nannai Resort and Spa. Everything from water volleyball, tennis, mini golf, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding and many more are on offer. After you can relax in the beautiful Nannai Spa by L’Occitane and treat yourself to one of their numerous body and facial treatments, saunas and hydrotherapy. A beauty studio, library, jacuzzi and 24 hour room service are also available. The resort offers a wonderful gastronomical experience with a spacious and cool restaurant under a covered veranda, a perfect spot to enjoy the views of the beautiful sea and breath-taking sunsets. There are also 2 bars providing drinks and delicate hors d’oevres. These can be enjoyed on the beach with beach chairs and parasols or by the pool area.
Toca da Coruja – Praia da Pipa
Perfectly placed in the lush Atlantic forest, the Toca da Coruja is a tranquil haven offering secluded swimming pools, luxurious bungalows and exquisite dining with easy access to the bars and restaurants of Praia da Pipa. Hidden in the depths forest, Toca da Coruja is an extremely private pousada and the perfect place to enjoy the beach and nightlife of Praia da Pipa and experience the wildlife of the region. You are only a short walk away from spotting neon-pink dragonflies, forest lizards and monkeys! What more could you ask for? Twelve luxury bungalows are spread throughout the forest, with eight ‘special’ bungalows occupying a two-storey building. The rooms are individually decorated with reconditioned furniture, crisp linen, low romantic lighting and beautiful large bathrooms. The luxury bungalows provide verandas with rocking chairs and hammocks to allow for star gazing and staring at the beautiful forest canopy. A rainforest shower room opens onto an open-air hydro massage bath for the perfect relaxing rainforest experience. The ‘special’ bungalows are slightly smaller with a choice or terrace or balcony. The Toca da Coruja has three secluded pools, a candlelit bar and a perfect thatched open sided library. For further relaxation there is a beautiful L’Occitane Spa, which offers numerous treatments to soothe body and mind.
Kenoa Resort – Barra de São Miguel
Located on the beautiful beach of Barra de São Miguel and next to a nature reserve, Kenoa’s ethos is based around the beauty of nature. The resort architect, Osvaldo Tenório excels in creating perfect harmony of high levels of comfort and luxury with respect and inspiration through his ecological design. One of the most unique features are the rainforest Eucalyptus tree trunks that are placed throughout the hotel. Each of the 23 villas at Kenoa Resort are inspired by the local environment, large glass windows flood rooms with light, local stone and wood are used to create a unity with the space. The interior design and furnishings are sourced globally, from Africa to the Amazon. No element of the experience has been ignored, textures, aromas and essences have all been considered to ensure the most luxurious stay. Most villas offer a king-sized bed, interior gardens, traditional Japanese ofuro tubs, wine cellars and infinity pools Both larger and smaller villa options are available. Twin chemical free infinity pools line the pool beach area, with beach showers, comfortable pool loungers as well as a drink, sushi and snack service. For those feeling more adventurous you can choose from a variety of activities including, snorkelling, diving, fishing as well as canoeing and surf lessons. At the nearby Lagoa de Roteiro you can explore the river estuary and mangroves and taste the freshest oysters available from your dugout canoe (we highly recommend this!)
Casa Acayu – São Miguel dos Milagres
Perfectly nestled between tropical palms and the turquoise sea of Alagoas, Casa Acayu’s set of bungalows offer an ideal setting, extreme privacy and bespoke luxury. The Portuguese owners of Casa Acayu have spent three decades working in the hospitality and interior design world and have used this knowledge and experience to create a beautiful masterpiece. Tropical flowers and design are present throughout the bungalows, arts and crafts and luxurious soft furnishes are abundant to create an intimate and homely experience. All accommodation offers free wi-fi, air conditioning, extra movie and music channels, cable TV, mini-bar and high-quality linens. Casa Acayu is the perfect place to relax with a pool bar, secluded loungers and beautiful swimming pool. There is also a beach service to ensure you are comfortable on the white sands. For extra relaxation and luxury then head to the Acayu Zen for a soothing massage. Chose from a relaxing massage combing shiatsu and ayurvedic principles, a hot stone massage or lymphatic drainage for a deep cleanse. All of these options are available in the spa or in the privacy of your own bungalow. For a more romantic setting then the night jacuzzi bath by candlelight is perfect. For those looking for some adventure then head for the stand-up paddle board or kayaking or ride among the coconut trees on one of bikes provided by the casa. There is also a gym with treadmills and Technogym training equipment.