The project

This project is months away from complete licencing of a major resort with 5km of beach, an approved marina in the river delta, golf courses, hotels and residential areas less than one hour from Natal.

Marina

While construction in the sea or lakes is environmentally hard to clear in Brazil, this project recuperates man-made shrimp farming floodlands of no ecological value. The marina itself would use floating piers with (initially) 450 moorings in the vast "lake" formed by the river delta; the marina village with canals and homes would be in those floodlands.

Natal being the "corner" of Brazil, closest to Europe and Africa, and only 3 days from the Caribbean, it is a strategic location for atlantic sailors ànd it could provide a safe (and cheaper) harbour for yachts that want to avoid the Caribbean hurricane season.

 

the area earmarked for development of the "marina" village, with canalfront homes

 

Golf

A masterplan developed for the first 500ha includes two 18 hole golf courses that make use of the area's small hills, dunes, lakes and palm groves to create an interesting golf experience. Several hilltop subplots are available that would have great views to the golf, the dunes and the marina/lagoon.

The golf course (and the whole resort) will benefit from the variety of slopes, lakes, dunes, forests...

 

Beach and dunes

The property has a 5 km ocean beach of white (but relatively hard) sand with impressive dunes in the back. The project features a cable lift that will take guests quickly from the residential areas over the dunes; but the dunes provide a great experience for walks, horseriding, thrilling buggy rides and great views to both the sea, the resort, and the lagoon.

On top of this, the area also features white sandy beaches inside the lagoon, with natural swimming pools fronted by a mangrove area that will provide a very exotic experience.

leaving by mini-ferry from Tibau - the shore of the lagoon - dolphins come here to catch their fish

further away from the lagoon, the beach is completely virgin and may need a bit of "dressing up"

the dunes, some 30 to 40m high, are gorgeous and also protect from Natal's strong winds

the steep dunes feature spectacular buggy rides; behind the dunes the golf/resort area is very green

 

The "point" and the laguna

The point is a beautiful, varied exotic palm tree garden with great views to the lagoon, and close to the ferry crossing the laguna. It would be the "logical" spot for larger hotels, although the beauty of the garden would be better exploited with small bungalows - either for a hotel or residential tourism.

the marina berths will be on floating piers inside the lake; and provide access to large boats

lakeside beaches and natural pools are formed between the lake and the shore

 

Natal Airport

The current airport, just south of Natal, is small but modern and already receives many charter flights from Scandinavia and Italy.

Driving time from this airport will probably be around 50 minutes.

Of all Brazilian airports, Natal is the one closest to Europe (only 6:45h from Lisboa). Therefore, it will get a new airport, which will be the largest in South America, take the future giant Boeing planes, and serve as a hub for the continent. The new airport, however, will be located north of Natal - i.e. some 20-25 minutes further away; and would probably get most international flights.

All in all, Natal is too far away from São Paulo to cater for the local luxury market (some 6hrs of flights, with 2 stops); but it's proximity to Europe and the Caribbean compensate for this.