2023-10-12 09:53:37
Nestled on the northeast coast of Brazil, the village of Pipa, its endless beaches, its turquoise waters and its exuberant nature, may well, once you have tasted it, become your master standard of the little tropical Eden.
To discover Pipa and its incredible row of enchanting beaches, take up residence at Madeiro Beach. A hotel whose idyllic location makes it simply exceptional. Perched on the cliff, overlooking the sublime Praia do Madeiro, it enjoys a breathtaking view of the ocean. A real gem discovered around ten years ago by three friends from Bordeaux and surfers during a trip to Brazil. Having fallen madly in love with the place, they transformed an aging pousada into a superb 4-star hotel with simple and elegant decor mixing Brazilian and Indonesian inspirations. 35 bungalows and suites, topped with their woven palm leaf roof and all with a terrace, are scattered within a tropical garden with more than 100 different species.
Both chic and relaxed, family-friendly and intimate, the Madeiro was designed by its designers as a large house with clean lines, which preserves the spirit of communion with the nature of this extraordinary spot. An ideal retreat, a sort of little paradise bubble, where you feel both immediately at home and totally disorientated, as if outside of time. Its swimming pool, made of compact Ibizan sand, its terrace, with panoramic views of the ocean, where you have breakfast to the sound of the waves in the company of friendly iguanas, and the welcome from the attentive and warm staff, complete table. Without forgetting a restaurant whose tasty cuisine combines Brazilian and international specialties.
Below, the immense beach of Madeiro Beach, bordered by ocher-red cliffs topped by tropical vegetation, is accessible directly from the hotel. You reach it by a wooden staircase of 160 steps clinging to the rock… before trying your hand at surfing, the sport which has greatly contributed to making the destination so popular. Over the past ten years, Pipa has become an essential spot for surfing enthusiasts from all over the world. The powerful and constant waves that break on its shores offer fans of all levels exceptional surfing opportunities. Whether you are an intrepid beginner or a seasoned professional, the different beaches of Pipa will delight you. Madeiro and its long, perfect waves make it easy to get up on your board, and are therefore particularly appreciated by novices and long board enthusiasts. While Praia do Amor, studded with volcanic rocks, is more suitable for shortboards and experienced riders…
Pipa’s reputation as a riding mecca was further strengthened when Italo Ferreira, who grew up in Baía Formosa, a charming little village nearby (and which can be visited on a jeep tour), was became world surfing champion in 2019… After having duly taken advantage of the waves, we have lunch with our feet in the sand in the second restaurant of the Madeiro Beach hotel, the beach bar, with a fresh salad, grilled fish or a succulent açai (purée made from a purple berry that grows on the palm tree of the same name and which is garnished with a string of tropical fruits).
Perfect waves are far from being Pipa’s only attraction. The region’s crystal clear waters invite kitesurfing enthusiasts to soar through the air, propelled by the constant, powerful winds that sweep across the coast. The sighting of dolphins, which are constantly present in the area, especially along Madeiro beach and in the aptly named Baia dos Golfinhos, also delights travelers. We enjoy their antics, which they sometimes perform just a few meters away, in a kayak, while surfing, or while swimming… For lovers of land adventures, we go on horseback or in a buggy to explore the golden dunes, the lagoons and the mangroves which constitute this exceptional site.
As evening approaches, we head off to have an aperitif and contemplate the setting sun in Tibau do Sul, a village located a few kilometers from Pipa and overlooking a huge lagoon ideal for boat or stand-up paddle rides. Opportunity to taste delicious oysters produced in this sort of tropical Arcachon basin. For dinner, return to Pipa to try one of the many addresses that this former fishing village has become in just a few decades one of the most stylish places on the Brazilian coast.
Special mention to Chez Marilia, a small charming restaurant with impeccable Italian cuisine, Apprecie, classy spots with Japanese influences and El Farolito, an Argentinian who masters beautiful cuts of beef and red wine as it should be. We will continue by stopping at a few caïpis or a few pingas (the delectable local hooch) while discovering the vibrant local nightlife, very pleasant whatever the day of the week. Electro DJ, forro, reggae or samba group, there is something for everyone. Very slightly off-centre, don’t miss the Taipa and its excellent live music program!
Madeiro Beach Hotel and Resort
The bill: from 178 euros per suite
The must: lulled by the song of the ocean, sip a caïpi caju on the terrace while contemplating the ballet of the surfers
Tip: don’t miss the lobster at the hotel’s beach bar
Pousada Aconchego
A great little hotel located in the heart of Pipa, but quiet, at the end of a charming little street with colorful cobblestones. Also run there by a Frenchman, the very friendly François, who fell in love with Pipa, its beaches and its surfing. Very privileged location therefore, a stone’s throw from the beach, restaurants, and nightlife, but comfort, relaxation and serenity within the grounds of the pousada, a series of rooms, some of which have terraces and sea views, in the middle of ‘a tropical garden of 1000 m2. Small outdoor pool, Wi-Fi and parking, air conditioning, and a great breakfast! Double room from 63 euros.
Charming rental with Abritel
Abritel, expert in vacation rentals for families and groups of friends, offers more than 2 million rentals in 190 countries around the world. Including many splendid villas and apartments in Pipa and throughout Brazil.
By Sébastien Bardos
1697340411
#Pipa #surfing #dolphins #açai