Pontal dos Carneiros Beach Bungalows

Our four nights at Pontal dos Carneiros Beach Bungalows felt like a real reset, and my wife and I are already thinking about coming back. It’s a peaceful spot for couples, with no pool parties or kids’ clubs. The Wi-Fi is there but unreliable enough to help you unplug. We spent evenings looking at the stars from our veranda and walking slowly along the bioluminescent shore. The bungalows sit right on Carneiros Beach, with no roads or crowds between you and the turquoise water, palms, and waves. At low tide, natural pools appear just outside, making for an easy morning swim. Our beachfront bungalow had a high thatched ceiling, polished floors, and shutters opening onto an uninterrupted ocean view. There was also a roomy outdoor shower with river-stone flooring, woven baskets, coconut-shell soap dishes, and a minibar stocked with fresh items. Housekeeping was spotless, refreshing the room twice daily and leaving swan-folded towels and hibiscus flowers on the bed. The staff were warm and seemed to anticipate what we needed. Breakfast on the deck was a highlight: fresh tropical juices, including cajá-mango, made-to-order tapioca pancakes, local farm cheeses, and fruit that changed each day, from pitaya to custard apple. The eggs Benedict were perfectly done. For a quiet couple’s getaway, it was wonderful. I’d book the beachfront bungalow, pack light, and enjoy the place. Five out of five.

The views were world-class, the food fantastic, and the staff attentive. One of the best vacation stays I’ve had.

We returned after two years because we’d loved this resort so much, but the second stay didn’t match the first, even though it’s still an incredible place. Our upstairs bungalow was the same size as the ground-floor one we’d had before, but it was worn and apparently hadn’t yet been renovated. The king bed was very comfortable and the furnishings attractive, though the sofa had an awful, offensive stain. The old Jacuzzi was large and usable, but its controls didn’t work. Most mornings the chambermaids’ station was right below our stairs, so staff spent a lot of time there. Other rooms were vacant, and we asked to move, but reception said there’d be an extra charge. At first, she couldn’t tell us the amount and asked us to return later. When she said it would be R$390 for the night, I declined. I still don’t understand why she didn’t know the price earlier, or why an available room couldn’t be offered to an unhappy guest. Nearly all the employees were kind and helpful. Our chambermaid was pleasant, waiter Renato was great, and the receptionist at checkout was exceptionally professional and charming, though I’m sorry I can’t recall her name. The pool bar bartenders and restaurant waiters were also excellent. We were welcomed with coconut water and a complimentary bottle of spumante. On our previous visit there had also been a fruit plate, which we didn’t get this time, but at checkout they gave us a nice jar of cocada made at the hotel. Breakfast is included and was very good, with cakes, breads, fruit, condiments, specialty drink shots, juices, coconut water and tea. Hot choices included omelets, tapiocas with a filling of your choice, and eggs Benedict.

The view from this lovely location is stunning, and breakfast was delicious. The staff were friendly and everything felt delightful. Just a heads-up for anyone who relies on Wi-Fi: there’s no Wi-Fi in bangalô number 7. 😂