Mr Broad. You are spot on !!

We have just come back from two weeks in Ponta Negra and I thought it was a fantastic holiday destination. The coast line is awesome and we totally enjoyed the trips that were on offer. Also where else can you swim in a sea that's almost hot ?. The atmosphere in Salsa Street was great with the odd prostitute adding to the entertainment. (The most touristy part of Paris is also the main red light district !!) I saw many families enjoying Salsa street although I admit they were probably long gone before the real fun started !!

There is some tat around for sure but a lot less than in Goa for example or indeed many other prime tourist locations. Some tourists may be shocked initially but after a day or so you hardly notice it.

Beach sellers were a bit of a pain but not as persistant as in some destinations.

Something that few have mentioned it the outstanding choice of good eating places available. Never on a holiday have I eaten so well...even with the poor exchange rates.

I have no doubt that NE Brazil will, in time, become a major holiday destination for both Brazilians and Europeans. I was impressed with the ongoing infrastructure improvements and with the investment levels in Ponta Negra and although the upgrading of the main road to Rio is way behind schedule it is clearly happening.

My real reservation is one of timing as clearly the existing airport is a major constraint to growth and development.Sadly I must conclude that what I thought was a good 5 year investment (Grand Natal Golf) is probably nearer ten years.....too long for me to wait I fear.

K

KDJX,

I second your positive comments regarding Ponta Negra! Rather than off-plan, why don't you consider buying a resale property there, which can be managed through a pool system that is up and running?

Best,

celt

Oh glad you enjoyed your hoilday,apart from the GNG disaster.Nice to hear positive comments from tourists .The beaches are stunning and the buggy trips are great for 1st time around,not sure about outstanding restaurants though,but when frequented the novelty soon wears off I guess.Did you get your deposit back ?There is a company that is trying to sort it out.Marben International.Read the thread.Interesting stuff!

Regarding the restaurants, if you compare what you get at "Camaroes" on Roberto Freire with anything you would get in most European coutries for the same price, and consider service, ambience, food quality and quantity, it's superb.

Again, take the same comparisons and apply them to "Lampioes" in Pipa and I have the same opinion.

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Yes, I work for a Real Estate company doing market research and analysis but I'm not involved in sales.

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I adore Camaroes and Sal e Brasa,but really that is it for excellent restaurants (Brasilian style) in Natal . Of course Brasil has amazing food but that does not mean here.Meat restaurants have the same variety,sertinejo.Love pizza but not here.I have searched high and low .

You have searched high and low for a good Pizza restaurant in Natal but not found one????

How long have you been living there?

Again it's personal frame of reference so a great pizza can be different for me than to you but I had the best pizza of my life in Natal - fresh rucola pizza.

But you probably like deep pan pizza - these were shallow pan just the way I like them

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Yes, I work for a Real Estate company doing market research and analysis but I'm not involved in sales.

Have a nice day

Have you heard that the government are thinking of building an airport close to Sao Jose Mipibu?

You mean Sao José de Mipibu south of Parnamirim in Rio Grande do Norte?

No, I hadn't heard that - where did you hear it from and have you found anything to back it up yet?

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Yes, I work for a Real Estate company doing market research and analysis but I'm not involved in sales.

Have a nice day

JMBroad , you put together quite impressive comments. You clearly know what you are talking about. Thanks also for the KDJX and Celt additional comments. Dotty thank you too for… just thanks.
It’s kind of awkward a Brazilian learn from foreigners, but I’ve been away for so long. My last visit to the NE was 10 years ago, Salvador, in which I’m not particular interested at this point. I’m not looking for a property for investment, I do have some stocks & bonds which I’ll not tap in. I’m just looking for a reasonable summer villa (preferable) for my children feel some ground under their feet. I should stop travel a bit, for their good. If it appreciate in value, it will be a welcome +. If I buy off-plan is ok, if not, it will stay closed at least 10 months a year, but that’s ok too. I’ll sell my apartment in the South, where the weather is usually windy and cold during my vacations (July or August) and buy in the North-East. This coming Summer I should have, at most, 10 days to travel around NE. We’re planning to land in Fortaleza and drive to Natal. Not particular sure if I’ll buy something this year, short stay, or just look around. Anyone have any particular suggestions in terms of beach that doesn’t stay more than 50km from the capitals? I saw some pictures of Ponta Negra, I’ll look at it. Any other neighborhood in Natal, close to the beach, that still has reasonable prices and is really nice?
Dotty…
Sorry for the free riding.
P.S.: If anyone would like to adivice any other state, it is ok, but I just don't have time to visit all this year.

Hi FCZ,

Have a look at Pipa 80km south of Natal (so outside of your range of 50km, but worth a look in my opinion). There is plenty of information about it on www.pipa.com.br and a multitude of other websites.

Regards,
Rob.

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