Amazon Adventures

Brazil

Praia do Forte Ecoresort

Fazenda Praia do Forte (“Praia do Forte Farm”) was purchased with the goal of preserving and maintaining through sustainable development, based on the motto “Enjoy Without Destroying.” Its natural resources have been kept without preventing people from enjoying the wonders it offers. For that, it was necessary to create a development plan that would embrace all the links of the chain that makes Praia do Forte a paradise on earth.

The designation of an area for environmental protection, the establishment of rules relating to constructions in the region, in order to ensure an organized growth, and the creation of the Garcia D'Ávila Foundation were the first steps taken toward preservation. The Garcia D'Ávila Foundation is responsible for developing projects in areas such as environmental protection, education, and culture, and it also watches to see that urban restrictions are met.

The next phase was to make sure that the local community participate in the development of the region, making a planned and joint growth possible, one that would benefit all the people involved in the process. The Fishermen's Village was maintained, with its space donated to the municipality, and the stipulation that the local fishermen's houses be passed on to their children, never sold. This guaranteed the preservation of the regional culture and the participation of the community in the sustained tourism that was created.

From the moment the environment and community protection were ensured, the next step was to create the Praia do Forte EcoResort & Thalasso Spa. The hotel provides in all aspects the sensation of well-being and direct contact with nature, while it offers comfort and services of unquestionable quality, satisfying the most demanding tastes. The facilities offered by the EcoResort ensure the satisfaction of its guests.

Its high level of service, 70% of which is provided by a local workforce, is the result of not only continuous training, but, above all, of the fundamental education that the Garcia D'Ávila Foundation provides to the community and neighboring districts. The educational program starts with an adult literacy program, from fundamental education until they are prepared for the University, which, we are proud to say, some of our ex-students attend. The Foundation also takes care of children of the Semente Project (“Seed Project”), who receive special attention, from tutoring to food, so as to ensure that nothing interferes with the learning process.

In this atmosphere, you have the opportunity to be in direct contact with nature, surrounded by happy people who work for your well-being at the Praia do Forte EcoResort & Thalasso Spa . The moments experienced here with family bring high quality of life. Stress is forgotten and it is possible to remember that the small pleasures of life are the most important.

Forget diets! The Praia do Forte EcoResort & Thalasso Spa's cuisine brings together unique flavors served with a special flair. There are three world-class restaurants – Goa, Tabaréu, and A Sombra do Coqueiral – ready to serve you the best in international and Bahian cuisine. Ethnic dishes have an exotic touch based on exclusive recipes that include seafood, such as Shrimp with Coconut Sauce, and Sapiranga Shrimp, two of our guests' favorite dishes.

Cultivating laziness can really be wonderful. But after savoring so many delicacies in our restaurants, it is always good to engage in some exercise so that it won't weigh on the conscience. And there are many options at the Praia do Forte EcoResort & Thalasso Spa : classes in a variety of sports and Bahian dances, as well as a program of activities specifically for children at Careta Careta Club, which will have every kid up and moving.

There are more than 30 different activities for adults, youth, and children that range from water sports to traditional activities such as volleyball, water aerobics, and soccer. Everything is carefully planned and monitored by qualified instructors, in order to help you achieve a better quality of life.

At the Praia do Forte EcoResort & Thalasso Spa , concepts such as sustainable development and protection of nature are at the heart of all activities and an ongoing focus of all the areas of the hotel. Conscious of the fact that local biodiversity must be carefully preserved and respected, the EcoResort offers its guests a wide variety of eco-tours, which, in addition to educating, provide a unique experience of contact with nature. Admire the lush nature of the locale, present in each detail of the Praia do Forte EcoResort & Thalasso Spa and prepare to experience first-hand our philosophy: "enjoy without destroying." All our ecological tours are led by biologists or environmental monitors, who give important information about the fauna and flora of the region, in Portuguese and English. There are activities for adults, specific activities for children, where the motto is “to learn while playing,” and opportunities for parents and children to learn together.

Sapiranga Natural Reserve - Go on an adventure in the tropical rainforest, on trails through the secondary Atlantic Rainforest of the Sapiranga Natural Reserve. Those who are a bit bolder can challenge gravity by going down the breathtaking tirolesa (zip lining). In addition to getting to know the local fauna and flora better, it is also possible to take a relaxing dip in the river.

Tamar Project - Visit the national headquarters of the project for the protection of sea turtles in Brazil – TAMAR/IBAMA and learn a little more about this project, which plays an important role in the protection of several sea turtle species. Read more

Nighttime Turtle Watching - Hike along the beach for the chance to experience the birth of sea turtles and/or surprise them in a rare moment, when they are laying their eggs, between the months of December and February.

Ruins of the Garcia D'Ávila Castle - The visit to the Castle, one of the oldest Portuguese constructions of the country, is a true journey back to the beginning of the history of Brazil. Begun in the 16th century, the Garcia D'Ávila Castle is the only feudal building of the Americas

Canoeing in the Lagoon - Go on an adventure in double kayaks, sailing in the fresh and calm waters of the Timeantube lagoon surrounded by aquatic plants.

Paddling in the Mangrove - Exercise and learn more about mangroves, paddling on Canadian canoes with a capacity of up to three persons. During the tour you can thoroughly get to know and admire this important tropical eco-system.

Full-moon Hike - Take advantage of the beautiful Bahian weather to take a romantic hike along the beach, in order to admire the full moon and the starry sky of Praia do Forte.

Hike to the Mouth of the Pojuca River - Enjoy this absolutely unique hike along the beach and see the area where sea turtles lay their eggs (from September though March). Visit the mouth of the Pojuca River, the southern boundary of Praia do Forte, where the river meets the ocean in an incomparable spectacle of beauty.

Jauara Lagoon - Discover a superb retreat of Praia do Forte. Hike along a deserted beach and the restinga (marsh) until you come to the lagoon, located in the middle of the dunes.

Snorkeling - Discover a truly magical underwater world in this can’t-miss tour! Dive freely during low tide in the natural pools formed by coral reefs and calcareous algae, in order to observe the sea fauna and flora of the region.The Papa Gente natural pools, located 2.5 km from the EcoResort, are formed by coral reefs that show up during low tide. In this site you can see a variety of fish species and other sea life such as crabs, sea cucumbers, octopi etc., as well as coral algae.

Scuba diving - Dives can be performed in coral reef areas and among long-abandoned underwater wrecks. This service is provided by an accredited company that also offers dives in other ocean areas of the region. Crystal clear waters bordered by 12 kilometers of beach, the rich marine fauna and flora and climate that favors underwater visibility, Praia do Forte is, without a doubt, a perfect place to dive. Natural pools, such as those of Papa Gente, that are formed during low tide are ideal for snorkeling. But it's also possible to dive in sites as deep as 35 meters (scuba diving) to see a true underwater spectacle of rich beauty come to light. The best time of year to dive, always monitored by experts, is from October to February, in accordance with weather conditions. And what's best: the temperature of the water is, in average, comfortable 26° C.

The hotel also offers scuba diving courses for people from 7 years of age with the authorization of their parents. “Discovery” is a fast course –not included in the room rates– that consists of theoretical and practical lessons in the pool. Adults may take their initial dive in the sea. The complete course, aimed at adults only, also offers theoretical and practical lessons in the pool and sea. After the course and evaluation, the participant may receive certification.

Rates include all meals