At the 120 resorts in Brazil, the mood is one of optimism regarding summer vacations. According to Sergio Souza, president of the Resorts Brasil association, which has 53 members, the occupancy rate at the turn of the year should reach close to 80% — the same as in the pre-pandemic era.
For Sergio, factors such as the rise in the dollar, the soaring price of tickets abroad and even insecurity in relation to the new variant of the coronavirus have inhibited international travel. “With this, Brazilian destinations are more competitive. Since October, we have felt a gradual increase in reservations”, he summarizes.
Not even the high rates, which are at least 20% higher than in 2019, have frightened guests willing to spend a few days in large accommodation and leisure complexes. Many no longer have vacancies for the last few weeks of 2021.
Beach resorts, as usual, have been the most sought after for the high season, but there are options for those who prefer the quiet of the mountains or rural landscapes. The following selection includes three styles of guests: those who don’t give up on luxury, families looking for fun and couples looking for romance.
for families
Salinas Maragogi All Inclusive Resort
It occupies an area of 66,000 m², squeezed between the Rio Maragogi and the sea in Alagoas, in the middle of Costa dos Corais, known as the Brazilian Caribbean. The natural pools of warm and transparent water are among the main attractions. With the new block of 42 apartments that has just opened, it now has 344 units. It works on the all-inclusive system and has four bars, three restaurants and a leisure structure with an aquatic complex, kayak, stand up paddle, canopy tours, zip line, circus trapeze, mini golf, banana boat, disco boat, dance and diving classes.
How much: double rate from R$2,379 in the period between December 20th and 25th (minimum stay of three nights); child up to 12 years old does not pay (limited to one child per couple).
salinas.com.br/pt/maragogi
Tauá Resort Atibaia
In the interior of São Paulo, it has a leisure structure focused on children. In addition to an indoor water park, with 15 attractions in a heated environment that work even on rainy days, it maintains a mini-city with creative and educational workshops. For parents, there are multi-sport courts, gyms and wellness activities. This summer, the resort gets a complete beach scenography, with sun loungers on the sand, beach tennis and beach volleyball courts, and gastronomic tents with menus of typical coastal foods.
How much: at Christmas, the four-night package for couples, with full board (drinks aside) and supper on the 24th, costs R$7,294.50 (two children up to 6 years old do not pay).
reservas.tauaresorts.com.br
Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte
Located in an old fishing village 56 kilometers from the airport in Salvador (BA), the resort is next to an Atlantic Forest reserve, sea turtle spawning points and whale watching areas. A coconut grove shades the gardens and makes up the landscape of 12 kilometers of beach, where coral reefs form natural pools. While adults relax at Anantara Spa, with a menu of Thai massages, children are entertained at the Careta Careta children’s club, which includes services for babies and teenagers. New Year’s Eve, with supper included and a party with an open bar, will feature concerts by singer Margareth Menezes and Banda Eva, as well as a procession with offerings for Iemanjá. Outside the holiday season, reservations made 60 days in advance have a 10% discount on accommodation.
How much: The package for couples, from December 25th to January 1st, with breakfast, dinner and New Year’s Eve program included, starts at R$33,185.
tivolihotels.com/pt/tivoli-ecoresort-praia-do-forte
Eco Resort Brooms
It is located in Vale do Paraíba, a region that concentrates some of the most beautiful farms in the Coffee Cycle, 407 kilometers from the center of São Paulo. The rural climate property has attractions for all ages: lake with pedal boat, small farm with animal feeding, tour of the vegetable garden, “skibunda”, competitions, natural waterfalls, zip line, an outdoor pool and a heated indoor pool, sauna, game outdoor giant chess, game room, cinema and nightclub. For the January 2022 holidays, it offers promotional packages with full board and up to two free children (one up to 12 years old and the other up to five).
How much: in January, packages of five days and four nights, Monday to Friday, with all meals included, cost R$2,828 (for one adult and two children) or R$3,536 (for two adults and two children).
vassourasecoresort.com.br
Islands of Lake Eco Resort
Located in Caldas Novas (GO), next to Lake Corumbá, it has 360 apartments and a leisure structure that comprises a complex of outdoor pools, indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, gym and playground in the water. Offers easy access to nearby water parks.
Meals can take place around the pools, in the restaurant or at the bar, while the children frequent the kids’ cafeteria.
How much: with CVC, daily rates in January cost R$240 per person, in a double room with breakfast, with a minimum stay of two nights (free for two children up to 12 years old in the same room).
cvc.com.br
romantic resorts
Kenoa Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort
Located in Barra de São Miguel, 30 kilometers from Maceió (AL), it has only 23 accommodations, all with sea views. Some have a hot tub on the porch, others a private heated infinity pool. Pampering such as Egyptian cotton sheets, goose-down pillows, wine cellar and Nespresso coffee maker are common to all units. With 200 m², Kenoa Villa also has a private garden, gazebo and private access to the beach. In addition to using the spa and enjoying the Kaamo, a mix of restaurant and wine bar with the signature of chef César Santos, and the Oficina do Sabor restaurant, in Olinda (PE), guests can schedule activities such as diving or surfing lessons, tours by speedboat or horseback riding on the beach.
How much: Double nights in high season, from January 2nd to February 25th, cost from R$2,700 to R$8,100, depending on the accommodation (minimum stay of three nights).
kenoaresort.com
Saint Andrews Castle
The only mountain hotel in Brazil, a member of the Relais & Châteaux association, is located in Gramado (RS). Guests of the 22 suites are pampered with services such as a butler at their disposal and may request a private transfer from the airports of Porto Alegre, Canela or Caxias do Sul, with a driver, helicopter or charter plane. The structure includes a spa, gym, cigar lounge, heated pool, wine cellar and gourmet kitchen, library, bar and boulangerie —some rooms can be reserved by couples seeking privacy. There are several programs for the summer vacation season, from the traditional Christmas Luz de Gramado to the Venetian Carnival with a masked ball. In February, the harvest season, guests participate in the harvesting and treading of grapes for wine production.
How much: packages for couples (five days and four nights), from Sunday to Thursday, between R$9,350 and R$23,500, with transfer, breakfast, two dinners, relaxing therapy and tours
www.saintandrews.com.br
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge
The jungle hotel is located in the middle of the Amazon Forest, next to the Anavilhanas National Park and on the banks of the Rio Negro, 180 kilometers from Manaus (AM). The chalets and bungalows provide an immersion in the forest and guests can alternate experiences of adventure and contemplation. Depending on the length of stay, it is possible to schedule bird watching at sunrise, recreational fishing for piranhas, tour of the archipelago among pink dolphins, forest trails, canoeing along streams, observation of nocturnal animals, tour of the Grutas do Madada and archery lessons. Note: Reservations are only available from February 1st, except for Carnival, which is also fully booked.
How much: in February, packages for couples cost from R$ 5,280 (two nights in a double chalet) to R$ 124,800 (five nights in a bungalow)
www.anavilhanaslodge.com
High luxury
Nannai Resort & Spa
On Muro Alto beach, nine kilometers from Porto de Galinhas (PE) and 54 kilometers from Recife (PE), it occupies an area of Atlantic Forest full of coconut trees and mangroves. The luxurious apartments and bungalows can have a view of the sea or the garden. It offers a wide range of sports activities in the pool and at sea, such as water aerobics, sailing, stand up paddle and kayaking, as well as a kids’ area, stretching sessions, dancing, golf and tennis. Guests can participate in experiences such as picnics (R$600 for the couple) and the dinner “Cozinhando com o Chef” (R$1,500 for the couple). At Nannai Spa by L’Occitane, the massage session costs R$ 970. For New Year’s Eve, reservations are sold out.
How much: daily rates for couples from R$ 2,650 (Garden apartment) and R$ 3,915 (bungalows)
nannai.com.br
Fasano Boa Vista
In the heart of the interior of São Paulo, less than 100 kilometers from the capital, Fazenda Boa Vista, where the resort is located, has 46 apartments surrounded by 100 acres of preserved native forest, 15 lakes, woods and gardens. In addition to the Fasano brand restaurant, swimming pool with bar service, terrace with two vintage snooker tables and a newly opened triathlon circuit, guests have tennis courts, a farm, kid’s club, equestrian center, heliport and two golf courses — one with 18 holes, designed by Randy Thompson, a former PGA Tour player — and another for international championships, designed by Arnold Palmer. The Boa Vista Spa occupies an area of 1,400 m², with eight individual massage rooms. Reservations for 2021 are already exhausted.
How much: rates for 2022 from R$2,662 per couple, with breakfast
fasano.com.br
Txai Resorts
The 92-hectare area in Itacaré (BA), just over an hour from Ilhéus airport, occupies an environmentally protected region and is on the passage route for whales, dolphins and sea turtles. The 38 bungalows, built on suspended wooden decks, are surrounded by a leisure structure that comprises six swimming pools, two bars, a fitness area, games room, tennis courts and the Shamash Healing Spa. At Orixás and Praia restaurants, menus focus on sophisticated versions of Bahian cuisine. One of the programs available are visits to cocoa farms, where you can witness the production of chocolate and taste the fruit straight from the tree.
How much: daily rates for couples, from December 2021 to March 2022, from R$ 2,150 (in superior apartment) to R$ 4,010 (in premium bungalow), with breakfast and one child up to 12 years old free of charge
txairesorts.com
Portobello Resort & Safari
Although the 152 apartments overlook the sea in Angra dos Reis (RJ), the beach is not the only attraction. In an area of 300,000 m², around 500 animals of the Brazilian, European and African fauna live, such as zebras, camels and flamingos, which can be admired on tours in 4×4 vehicles. Sports activities, horseback riding and a complete menu of nautical activities are also offered to guests. Full-board meals (drinks separately) take place at the Escuna and Pérgola restaurants, at the pizzeria overlooking the marina or at the lobby bar, with live music.
How much: the Christmas package, with five nights, starts at R$ 8,865 (couples without children) and includes a farewell supper and luau. For New Year’s Eve, the package with seven nights starts at R$ 18,949 (couples without children), with a party of the turn and a luau on the last day. In January, the daily rate of R$ 1,855 (couple without child, minimum of three nights) applies
portobelloresort.com.br
.
