Hotels of Ceará
Brazil
Northeast Brazil is surely on every kiter’s list of places to visit. If you’re thinking of heading that way but are not sure where to stay, check out this guide from Axel Reese…
Northeast Brazil is surely on every kiter’s list of places to visit. If you’re thinking of heading that way but are not sure where to stay, check out this guide from Axel Reese…
Cast your mind back to November 2002… A group of kiters including Bernie Hisse, then CEO of CORE, Kristin Boese, ex-former world cup pro, and myself, Axel Reese, “conquered” spots like Taíba and Paracuru in the Ceará region of north-east Brazil, spots still completely unknown at the time as kiting was practically non-existent there. During our two weeks of endless wind, we only saw five other kiters, at Cauipe lagoon. All the other beaches were empty. Compared to today, where thousands of kiters visit Ceará, it’s hard to imagine! We wrote a story “Sambo do Brasil”, published in Germany’s KITE Magazine, a world-first story. The rest is history…
Our first port of call back then was Manni Spuck. The German resident of Cumbuco was just setting up his pousada, Tropical Wind. His two rooms were not big enough for our group of seven, so we were able to move into the Paradise Hotel. How lucky we were that this hotel existed back then, because there was hardly anywhere else to stay for miles around, at most some small local pousadas, such as in Pecém. Things could not be more different nowadays. Because of the mass migration of kiters to Ceará every autumn, not only has more and more simple accommodation emerged, but also upmarket hotels located right on the most beautiful beaches.
Here are some of my recommendations for the most exclusive hotels at key spots along the coast, hotels with breathtaking architectural styles, beautiful views, great service, lovingly crafted details, and so much more:
Although not an upmarket hotel, this deserves a mention as Cumbuco’s first pousada. Manni is also a great contact point for kiters in Cumbuco, always super helpful. He says, “I had been a windsurfer for decades and an importer for Fanatic windsurf boards in Brazil since the 90s. The eternal trade wind that we have here in the second half of the year was of course already there before kiting. We brought the Windsurf World Cup to Fortaleza in 1996, where Bernie Hiss, then still a windsurfing pro, took part. We got to know each other and so of course we all met up when you came to Cumbuco in 2002 for the fledgling sport of kiting. Bernie wanted to promote his Carved boards, the brand being just two years old then, as well as enjoy the endless wind and beaches here. And I wanted to show the world what we have here with guaranteed wind from July to December. There were sandy tracks, no restaurants, no other tourism, no kiters, and the locals lived off fishing.”
The Saline Hotel in Taíba has marvelous architecture, very attentive service, and an equally marvelous infinity pool. The famous Taíba Lagoon is a short drive away or, about three hours before and after high tide, you can also kite right in front of the hotel. I spoke to Vanessa Salgado from the hotel.
Saline Taíba was founded with the vision of providing a tranquil retreat where luxury, nature and exceptional service blend seamlessly. As a boutique beach hotel just steps from the ocean, we wanted to create an intimate, exclusive environment where guests can relax to the sound of the waves and fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of Taíba. Not only do we want to offer a sophisticated and authentic retreat, but also a first-class gastronomic experience with a focus on creative cuisine that highlights local flavors and fresh ingredients.
The design of Saline Taíba embodies a minimalist and sophisticated aesthetic that harmonizes with its location by the sea. Our architecture is characterized by clean lines and natural materials, creating a seamless connection to the beach just a few meters away. The infinity pool, which extends towards the sea, enhances the feeling of boundless relaxation and brings guests closer to nature. Each room and common area is adorned with locally inspired décor that celebrates the culture and craftsmanship of Ceará while maintaining an understated elegance that complements the surroundings.
We offers 22 luxurious options, including suites and villas, carefully designed to provide privacy and comfort, varying from 60 to 160m2. Of the 22, 15 have private pools. Casa Saline, a spacious 160m2 villa, has two bedrooms and two private pools, one of which is heated and equipped with a Jacuzzi. With seven different room categories, we can accommodate up to 55 guests at full occupancy.
In high season (Oct & Nov 2025), our rates for a couple range from R$ 1,950 (320 euros) to R$ 5,450 (900 euros) per night, including a delicious regional breakfast prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Our prime location and exceptional beachfront setting have attracted many elite kiters like Rita Arnaus, Paula Novotna, Reno Romeu, Ruben Lenten, Bruna Kajiya, Paul Serin, Therese Taabbel, Alex Neto and Gianmaria Coccoluto, underlining Taíba’s status as a world-class kite destination.
Our beach restaurant Korali offers a varied menu using fresh local ingredients and regional flavors so guests can enjoy the taste of Ceará. From light pre-surf meals to delicious dinners, we endeavor to provide a quality gastronomic experience.
We offer a range of wellness services, including a spa and fitness center, so guests can recharge their batteries in a tranquil setting. In addition to kiting, guests can explore the natural beauty of Taíba on dune tours or quad biking and enjoy traditional beach dinners.
Taíba – Saline Hotel
Taíba – Saline Hotel
Taíba – Saline Hotel
Taíba – Saline Hotel
The VentoVinte, under German management and with its distinctive architecture, blends into the landscape of this small fishing village. The restaurant offers very good food. And in combination with the spot, it is my favorite! I spoke to owner and pro kiter, Dennis Petersen.
VentoVinte was created to open up an undiscovered place with the best conditions for water sports. Our vision is to offer a place where kiting, wingfoiling, windsurfing and even classic surfing can be experienced at the highest level. Emboaca offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure – the perfect place to get away from it all and fully immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience. Our round bungalows, exclusively designed and perfectly integrated into nature, offer a luxurious yet authentic environment. We provide a paradisiacal getaway where relaxation and water sports await on the doorstep.
The design of VentoVinte was inspired by the surrounding nature and strives to combine both aesthetics and functionality. The round bungalows not only offer a panoramic view of the coconut palms and the sea, but also create a harmonious connection to the landscape. With natural materials and open architecture, we create an ambience that is both modern and close to nature. Our bungalows and lofts offer sophisticated comfort in an exceptional design. The architecture has won an architecture award!
We offer three Deluxe Bungalows with Garden View, three with Ocean View, and four with Rooftop, all 25m2 for a maximum of three guests, with air conditioning and minibar. We also have two Ocean Lofts of 50m2 with a gallery, ideal for up to five people, as well as four glamping tents with shared bathroom and fan, an experience for those who want to be close to nature.
Our room rates vary from R$ 670 (110 euros) to R$ 1300 (220 euros) per night, and we offer special discounts for longer stays. The tents start from R$300 (50 euros) a night.
We have had the pleasure of welcoming some of the best kiters as well as surfing legend, Italo Ferreira, and Bernie Hiss, ex-CEO of CORE.
VentoVinte is more than just a hotel – it’s an oasis for kiters and nature lovers. Our round bungalows, the unrivaled kiting right on the doorstep, and our healthy, delicious food are just some of our highlights. The charming fishing village of Emboaca, nestled in peace and nature, makes VentoVinte the perfect choice for a relaxing and sporty holiday.
Emboaca – VentoVinte Hotel
Emboaca – VentoVinte Hotel
Emboaca – VentoVinte Hotel
Emboaca – VentoVinte Hotel
Emboaca – VentoVinte Hotel
On arrival at the Club de Mar, our group of 12 travelers stood there open-mouthed for several minutes. The view across the rooms, past terrace and infinity pools, through the palm trees directly onto the kite spot, mesmerized everyone. The Club de Mar is fantastically beautiful and yet so unmistakable. The architecture has a clear language throughout, with the cube style and the grey colors and concrete elements, it nestles so beautifully and perfectly into the hillside in Icaraizinho. For me it is the most beautiful accommodation, with each room just a few steps from the beach. It’s all about minimalism, style and excellent service. Every detail has been designed for your relaxation.
A cube style that runs consistently throughout the hotel, with a color scheme of natural tones, grey and a touch of concrete. All paired with this exciting minimalism, embedded in nature with the beach. Its minimalist design emphasizes the sea on the horizon and invites you to relax on the sofas overlooking the panoramic view.
There are 16 suites with private balconies and sea views, each for up to four people. With a fully equipped kitchen and an integrated living room, functionality and style merge in a 77m2 space that offers comfort and practicality for families, couples and groups of friends.
R$ 1,200 (200 euros) upwards.
Paula Novotna, among others.
There is kite storage directly under the hotel. A member of the hotel staff will also be happy to help you set up, take down, launch and land your kite.
Icaraizinho – Club de Mar Hotel
Icaraizinho – Club de Mar Hotel
Icaraizinho – Club de Mar Hotel
Icaraizinho – Club de Mar Hotel
Rancho de Peixe and Vila Kalango are sister hotels, run by the same owner. The bungalows in Preá are of a very high quality, built only of wood and very beautiful. The service provided to guests by the staff is excellent. The water sports center at Preá also shines with a level of service that we have never experienced anywhere else in the world – every kite is pumped up by staff and packed away after your session, your bar is rinsed in fresh water and put back in the locker – we have never experienced it like this anywhere else in the world. The cuisine is also excellent. I spoke to Luisa from the hotel.
Everything here was and is designed to preserve tranquility, good winds, nature and the local community. That is our essence. For us, the essential experiences are based on simplicity. We are immersed in nature, where we learn to live with it and respect it so that future generations can also experience the essence of this paradise. When designing our bungalows, we had the natural circulation of the wind in mind. We seek comfort with charm, poetry and feet in the sand.
The architecture aims to integrate and connect with nature. We have made nature the main attraction and have therefore omitted televisions in the bungalows and avoided excessive consumption to encourage guests to connect with the essence of the place. We have also done away with an electricity generator because it pollutes the environment. Sustainability is our essence; we are ESG activists. We have prepared the beach houses with everything you need and nothing more, with everything you can imagine and nothing less – sand for your bare feet, delicacies for you to eat, the freedom you have been dreaming of, local colors… We take care of everything.
Our 26 bungalows in Preá and 15 in Jericoacoara are located right on the beach and all have a balcony with hammocks and deckchairs where you can relax. The rooms are spacious and have been designed with enough space to ensure your privacy and exclusivity. They are all furnished with wood and thatch, which are permeated by the wind to provide even more freshness in the accommodation.
From R$ 1,900 (320 euros).
It reads like a who’s who of kiting and winging: Mitu Monteiro, Gabriel Benetton, Titouan Galea, Mikaili Sol, Francesco Cappuzzo, Paula Novotna and others.
For lovers of wind sports, our highlight is the Rancho do Peixe water sports center. We offer kite and wingfoiling courses for all levels, from beginner to advanced, with experienced instructors and high-quality equipment, as well as equipment hire and storage.
Preá – Rancho de Peixe
Preá – Rancho de Peixe
Preá – Rancho de Peixe
Jericoacoara – Vila Kalango
Preá – Rancho de Peixe
Jericoacoara – Vila Kalango
The Villa Zen is located in the heart of Maceio, about 100 meters from the beach, and I think is the most beautiful hotel in the village. While the aforementioned hotels might be more luxurious, you can tell that every kiter enjoys being a guest at Villa Zen! And yet very few kiters make it all the way up to Maceio, around 90 minutes north of Jericoacoara. It’s worth the trip – at certain tide states for instance, you can expect very clean, long-running waves. I spoke to Nataniel.
We aim to offer a hotel with high quality services, comfort and good food in Praia do Maceió, a small fishing village, where we try to raise the level of services offered. And all this at a fair price for the guests.
Inspired by Italian villas, we try to offer each guest exclusivity and a peaceful environment. The wood breaks up the rigidity of the concrete and, together with our garden, helps to create a place to relax and enjoy the local nature. We have the privilege of being able to enjoy the wind, the sky and the view of the dunes from our roof terrace, which completes the experience for our guests.
With 18 rooms, we can accommodate up to 50 guests on average.
Prices start at R$ 700 (120 euros) for two people, including breakfast. We have about four categories, so the price goes up if it has a jacuzzi or is a bigger room.
Aaron Hadlow, Reno Romeu and others.
Maceio – Villa Zen Hotel
Maceio – Villa Zen Hotel
Maceio
Maceio
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