Ubatuba Palace Hotel: Your Dream Brazilian Getaway Awaits!
Ubatuba Palace Hotel: My Brain Dump of a Brazilian Dream (and Some Real Talk!)
Okay, folks, let's cut the fluff. We're talking about Ubatuba Palace Hotel, and this isn't your standard, sterile travel review. I’m here to tell you if your dream Brazilian getaway actually awaits, or if it's just a fancy brochure. And I'm going to do it raw, unfiltered, and with a whole lotta caffeine coursing through my veins.
First Impressions (and the Struggle is Real with Accessibility):
Right off the bat, let’s be real. Accessibility is… well, it's a work in progress. While the website claims to have Facilities for disabled guests, I'm always wary until I see it with my own eyes. The Elevator is a (crucial) good start, thank goodness. But I'd need to get detailed specifics before recommending this for anyone with serious mobility issues. I'm a bit of a nervous Nellie when it comes to accessibility. I hope their marketing material accurately reflects what they actually offer! Gotta be careful, you know?
Internet – The Lifeline…or the Achilles Heel?
Let's get to the good stuff! Internet access? Yes! And Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! That’s a HUGE win for me. I need my digital fix, you know? And Internet [LAN]? Okay, for the old-schoolers among us. But the Wi-Fi in public areas better be decent because, let’s face it, we all end up there eventually, catching up on life. It's also great to hear about Wi-Fi for special events.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because Nobody Wants the Dreaded Stomach Bug:
Okay, this is where I really perk up. In a post-pandemic world, Cleanliness and safety are paramount. Anti-viral cleaning products? YES! Daily disinfection in common areas? Double YES! Individually-wrapped food options? Smart. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Necessary, but also… awkward sometimes, haha. And Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely crucial. Staff trained in safety protocol? Thank goodness. Sterilizing equipment? Bring it on! Safe dining setup? I'm listening… Hand sanitizer at the ready. They sound like they've thought of everything, but I'll still be bringing my own wipes and sanitizer. You can never be too careful.
The Dining Debacle (and the Delight!):
Okay, let's talk food. Because that's important! A la carte in restaurant? Good. Asian breakfast? Intriguing! Buffet in restaurant? Always a risk, but sometimes glorious. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Essential. Restaurants? Plural? Yes, please! Poolside bar? Okay, now you’re talking my language. But here's what happened. One night, I decided to try the Asian cuisine in restaurant. Listen, I love me some good Asian food, and I have to say it was….interesting. Not exactly what I was expecting. The Salad in Restaurant, however? AMAZING. Fresh, vibrant, and exactly what I needed after a long day. And the Desserts in restaurant? Let’s just say I’d be tempted again. The Happy hour made the whole experience even more enjoyable!
Relax and Recharge (or Get Pruned Like a Plant!):
Ways to relax? Oh, yes, let’s dive in! Pool with view? Now we're talking, I mean they offer a Swimming pool [outdoor], and a Swimming pool. I'm picturing myself, cocktail in hand, staring out at the ocean… Bliss. And Spa/sauna? Yes, please! But… I gotta be honest, I'm not a 'spa' person. The thought of a Body scrub makes me all itchy. A Body wrap? Sounds like a claustrophobic horror flick. But a Massage? Now that is something I can get behind. Oh, and the Steamroom? Tempting, very tempting… And a Foot bath? Sign me up!
For the Kids (and the Sanity of the Parents):
They got Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and even a Kids meal. Bonus points for Family/child friendly!
The Rooms: My Private Sanctuary (Hopefully):
Now, about those rooms… I need a good room. Air conditioning - CHECK! The Air conditioning in public area could be a lifesaver too. Alarm clock? I still use my phone, but okay. Bathrobes and Slippers? Yes, please! Blackout curtains? Crucial for a good night's sleep. Coffee/tea maker is a must. The little details matter. Complimentary tea? Nice touch. And the Free bottled water? Lifesaver! Refrigerator to store all my… well, everything. Wi-Fi [free]? You know I’m happy about that! Window that opens? I love that, no stuffiness. Mirror, check. desk, check. And the Bedding, let's hope it's comfy.
Services and Conveniences – The Overlooked Essentials:
Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Safe deposit boxes…all the little things that make a vacation smoother. They have a Convenience store--thank goodness! I always forget something. Car park [free of charge]? SCORE! But I need to check on the Car power charging station. But what if you want to travel by Taxi service? No worries! Valet parking? Luxury, I tell ya!
Things to Do (Beyond Just Lazing Around):
This is where I need more details. What are the Things to do? Beaches? Hiking? Boat trips? Gift/souvenir shop? You bet. Cash withdrawal should be a must. They've got a Terrace! And if I get bored, maybe a little Car park [on-site] is an option. And some people get married, it's a Proposal spot!
Getting Around – The Logistics:
Airport transfer is a godsend. And Bicycle parking? Awesome!
The Offer: My Attempt to Get You to Book!
Okay, here’s the deal. Ubatuba Palace Hotel sounds like it could be amazing. And here’s the bottom line: Book your stay at Ubatuba Palace Hotel and get a FREE massage, a poolside cocktail, and a guaranteed upgrade (when available!)!
BUT… and this is the honest part…
- Do your research: Check recent reviews, especially about accessibility and dining, before booking!
- Contact them directly: Call them, email them. Ask specifics about what matters to you.
- Pack accordingly: Bug spray, sunscreen, your own sanitizing wipes, and an open mind!
Why? Because Ubatuba is beautiful. Brazil is amazing. And Ubatuba Palace Hotel, with all its quirks and potential, just might be your perfect slice of paradise. But go in with eyes wide open, and you'll have an experience to remember!
Samanala Resort: Your Unforgettable Sri Lankan Escape (Anuradhapura Paradise!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Ubatuba Palace Hotel adventure. This isn't your sanitized travel brochure; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with meltdowns, questionable food choices, and the occasional existential crisis. Let's get messy!
The Ubatuba Palace Hotel Debacle (and a Few Glimmers of Hope)
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Regret (Kidding! Mostly…)
- 10:00 AM - Arrival and Awkward Greetings: Landed in Guarulhos, breezed (okay, maybe limped slightly) through customs, and the transfer to Ubatuba was a soul-sucking 4-hour car ride. I swear, the GPS kept trying to take us through the jungle (which, considering my mosquito-magnet tendencies, was a HARD pass). Finally, we see the Ubatuba Palace Hotel looming! It looks grand, like something out of a telenovela set. The check-in… well, let’s just say my Portuguese is rusty, the receptionist’s English was nonexistent, and we eventually communicated via a shaky combination of Google Translate and frantic hand gestures. Successfully navigated the language barrier, though!
- 12:00 PM - The Room: Expectations vs. Reality: The room, a "Superior Ocean View," was… well, let's just say the ocean view was technically there, but also partially obscured by a really enthusiastic palm tree. And the décor? Think "your grandma's vacation home meets a really aggressive floral print." Still, there are worse things than the ocean, and the bed looks…comfy-ish? (I later discovered a suspicious stain, but we’ll ignore that for now. Ignorance is bliss, right?)
- 1:00 PM - Lunch: A Culinary Gamble: First things first, I'm starving after the drive. The hotel restaurant beckoned. I bravely ordered the "peixe grelhado" (grilled fish), figuring it's a safe bet. Cue a plate of… something. I'm still not exactly sure what kind of fish it was, but it tasted like sadness and faintly of yesterday. The rice was gloriously overcooked, and the accompanying salad had a distinct "been-sitting-out-in-the-sun-for-awhile" vibe. I ate some, I suffered through the rest, I vowed to find my own secret restaurant.
- 3:00 PM - Beach Reconnaissance (and a Slight Panic Attack): I put on my swimsuit and headed to the beach. The sand is gorgeous – white, powdery, perfect. The waves are a little… vigorous. I'm not a strong swimmer like a little kid, I'm a scaredy-cat. I waded out, got hit by a rogue wave (it was only a little rogue), and promptly developed a full-blown panic attack. I retreated to the safety of my towel, feeling utterly ridiculous. Okay, maybe I’ll stick to sunbathing and people-watching for now.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: Redemption? (Spoiler: No): Back in the hotel restaurant. They had a "Brazilian barbecue" advertised. How could it be bad? Oh, it could. The meats were dry, the sausages tasted like they came from some dark corner of the world, and the service was slow. Like, really slow. By the time I managed to flag down a waiter for another drink, I was considering just eating the bread basket for dinner. I opted for the drink.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime and Existential Thoughts: Okay, time to sleep. Staring at the ceiling, I think about who I am. This place, it's a bit… much, isn’t it?
Day 2: Finding My Feet (and The Perfect Caipirinha)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: A Ray of Sunshine: Breakfast was better! A buffet with some good options: Fresh fruits, especially the mangoes (divine!), and some yummy bread. Coffee was strong, and I had a little hope that maybe this place wasn't so bad.
- 9:00 AM - Beach Round Two (Much Better!): I gave the beach another shot. This time, I found a little cove, away from the monstrous waves. I spent an hour or so just letting the sun warm my skin, and taking in the view. This is what I came for, even better, a friendly dog on the sand.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch (Not at the Hotel!): I took the advice of a friendly local, and hunted down a little restaurant in a local beach. Oh. My. God. Their "Moqueca de Peixe" (fish stew) was unbelievable. It was bursting with flavor, coconut milk, and fresh seafood. I demolished the entire thing. This, THIS, was what I was looking for!
- 3:00 PM - Caipirinha Time + Sunset Bliss: I spent the afternoon on the beach, and as the sun began to dip, I treated myself to my first (and definitely not last) caipirinha. The bartender… well, let’s just say he had a way with the lime, the sugar, and the cachaca. The sunset? Absolutely breathtaking. Golden light, orange skies, the crashing waves… it was pure magic.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: The Quest for Authentic Pizza: The hotel restaurant again? Nope! I was on a mission. I'd heard Ubatuba had some killer pizza. After a little wandering through the streets (and a frustrating encounter with a language barrier), I found a tiny, family-run pizzeria that blew my mind. Wood-fired oven, thin crust, and toppings that burst with flavor. It was worth the search.
- 9:00 PM - Stargazing and Contemplating My Existence: Back at the hotel, I went outside and gazed at the stars. So. Many. Stars. And for the first time, despite the iffy hotel and the rocky start, I felt… good. I was finding little pockets of peace.
Day 3: Doubling Down on a Single Experience: The Kayak Adventure.
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: A Repeat Performance (and Another Mango Feast): Okay, the breakfast buffet has become my friend. Plus, I've scoped out the best spot for mangoes.
- 9:00 AM - The Kayak: Initial Panic Sets In: I'd read about kayaking in the area. The pictures had shown crystal clear waters and secluded beaches. Now, I am not particularly sporty, and the thought of being on a kayak, alone, in the ocean, filled me with dread. I spent a good 30 minutes dithering, questioning my life choices, contemplating faking an illness to get out of it.
- 9:30 AM – The Kayak: Getting My Bearings: I was in the Kayak. I took one feeble stroke of the paddle. The kayak wobbled. I flailed, nearly capsizing. My guide, who spoke about three words of English, gave me a reassuring pat on the back. I started to get use of the paddle.
- 10:00 AM – The Kayak: Finding a Rhythm: Slowly, shakily, I started to find a rhythm. I even spotted a turtle! I paddled past little islands, enjoying the sun. The water really was clear, and the coast was stunning.
- 11:00 AM – The Kayak: The Bliss: The view expanded, I found my rhythm, and I was enjoying the sea and sun. I felt an overwhelming feeling: peace.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch: Still Full from the Kayak: The kayaking adventure was so incredible that I had no appetite for lunch.
- 2:00 PM - The Beach: Sunbathing is a Bliss Even though I felt good about the adventure, there was a little bit of a muscle ache. I went back to the beach.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: Last Meal: I had one last dinner, it was a simple meal to wrap up the week.
- 9:00 PM - Packing: I went back to my room, I started to pack. I don't want to leave, but I'm sure I'll be here again.
Day 4: Departure… and a Few Reflections
- 9:00 AM - Farewell Breakfast: One last buffet breakfast. A final farewell to the mangoes.
- 10:00 AM - Check-Out and a Quiet Goodbye to the Hotel: Checked out. It's been a journey. The hotel was… well, it had its quirks. But I’d found adventure.
- 12:00 PM - The Road Home: The drive back to the airport was long, but this time it felt different. I was no longer in a state of mild panic.
- **3:00 PM Land.
- Reflections: The Ubatuba Palace Hotel… it's not perfect. But it's a starting point. The beaches, the kayaking trip, the incredible food I found… The trip had imperfections, but I found myself. I had the opportunity to see the beauty of life.
Final Verdict: Ubatuba, Brazil? Absolutely
Jeddah's BEST Kept Secret: Delmon Hotel Suites Luxury Awaits!
Ubatuba Palace Hotel: The Truth (and all the messy bits)
Dreaming of Brazil? Ubatuba? Okay, buckle up, because this isn't going to be all sunshine and caipirinhas. This is about the *real* experience.
Is Ubatuba Palace Hotel THAT amazing? Like, Instagram-worthy amazing?
Alright, let's be real. The photos *pop*. The beach looks breathtaking (and it is, *sometimes*). But... Instagram lies, doesn't it? My expectations were sky-high, fueled by endless scroll sessions. When I first walked in, you know, *that* lobby? It's... well, it *looks* fancy, but honestly, it feels a tad dated. Like, "Grandma's living room, but make it coastal." And the air conditioning? Pray it works. Seriously. One time, it conked out on us and I swear, I nearly sweated through my swimsuit before breakfast. My partner, bless his heart, kept saying, "Think of it as a tropical sauna experience!" (He wasn't sweating nearly as much, the lucky devil.) So, amazing? Potentially. Instagrammable? Absolutely. Reality? Needs a good dose of perspective. And a working AC.
Are the rooms clean? This is a major deal-breaker for me.
Generally, yes. I mean, I'm a clean freak. Seriously. My friends make fun of me. I once spent an entire afternoon disinfecting a doorknob. (Don't judge!) So, my standards are ridiculous. The rooms at Ubatuba Palace were… acceptable. There was a tiny, *tiny* stain on the carpet in our first room. Honestly, probably just from a spilled caipirinha, but I still saw it. My inner germaphobe had a minor meltdown. We requested a different room, and the staff was surprisingly accommodating (more on that later). The second room was better, but you know, the "perfection" gene in me still kicked in occasionally. Overall? Clean enough. Not hospital-grade, but definitely livable. Bring your own sanitizing wipes, though. Just in case. (You know I had to… it's a compulsion!)
What about the food? I’m a foodie! Is there a decent restaurant?
Okay, food. This is where things get… interesting. The hotel has a restaurant with stunning ocean views. Stunning! Absolutely gorgeous! The first morning, the breakfast buffet was a beautiful display of tropical fruits, pastries, and (of course) *pão de queijo* – those heavenly cheese breads. I loaded up my plate like I was preparing for the apocalypse. And then, there was the coffee. Strong. Delicious. Perfect. For the first two days, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Then… the food became a little… repetitive. The dinner menu was a bit limited. The fish was, shall we say, a *tad* overcooked one night. I politely sent it back and after the chef's second attempt (that was very quickly eaten up), it was good, don't get me wrong. But, you know, sometimes you just want a simple burger and fries, and believe it or not, those are hard to find in Ubatuba. The restaurant is worth a try, but don't expect Michelin-star dining. Explore the local restaurants too! The city has some amazing hidden gems!
Is the staff friendly and helpful? I’m worried about language barriers.
This is where Ubatuba Palace really shines. The staff… they are genuinely lovely. Most of them speak at least some English (my terrible Portuguese was met with amused tolerance, which I really appreciated). They are incredibly patient and eager to help. One time, the zipper on my suitcase broke (stress levels: 1000%). I was panicking, picturing myself stranded in Ubatuba with a suitcase that wouldn’t close. The front desk staff, bless their hearts, called a local seamstress who came to the hotel within an hour and fixed it! She was amazing, and she saved my vacation! Another time, I accidentally locked myself out of the room (classic me!). The hotel guy arrived in like, 3 minutes! So fast! They definitely made the stay way better.
What are the best things to do near the hotel? Is there anything *to do*?
Oh, Ubatuba is all about the beaches. And there are so many! I was overwhelmed! You've got the beach right in front of the hotel, which is convenient for lounging (and people-watching, my favorite pastime). Other options: Praia do Félix, which is stunning; Praia do Itamambuca, great for surfing (if you're brave enough - I'm not!); and if you have a car, go on a drive to a secret beach to admire the wonderful nature! The hotel can help you organize tours (boat trips, diving, etc.). But honestly, my favorite activity was just chilling on the beach, reading a book, and sipping a caipirinha (or three). Don't be afraid to venture out and explore the town too. Lots of cute shops and restaurants! You can rent a car, but you don't need to! Walking, taxis, and the bus will get you around just fine. Just remember your sunscreen!!
Is it good value for the money? Is it affordable?
Okay, this is subjective. Ubatuba Palace isn't exactly *cheap*. It's not like a backpacker's hostel. But compared to some other hotels in the area, it's not outrageous either. Whether it's "good value" depends on your priorities. If you're after luxury, maybe look elsewhere. If you want a comfortable stay in a prime location, with generally friendly service, and you're willing to overlook the minor imperfections… then yes, it’s probably worth it. My partner got the "deal" when he found the hotel, and it was actually very affordable! I wasn't expecting the costs, but they were within our budget! I’d say, check the prices, do your research, and decide if it fits your budget. Just remember: factor in those caipirinhas. They add up!
Let’s talk about the pool. Is it as gorgeous as it looks in pictures?
The pool… *sigh*. The pool is a bit of a mixed bag. In the photos, it looks like a shimmering oasis. And it IS pretty. It’s got a great view of the ocean. But… it can get crowded. And let me tell you, nothing ruins a relaxing swim faster than kids cannonballing into the water every two seconds! I’m not saying I *hate* kids. (Okay, sometimes I do, when they're splashing my perfectly positioned magazine!) Just be prepared for a lively atmosphere. The pool bar is convenient, but the drinks can beHotel Blog Guru
