Growing tourism in Maceió: Ritz Lagoa da Anta

Found in the northeastern corner of Brazil is the city of Maceio, set between the Atlantic Ocean and natural lakes, in the state of Alagoas. Although still relatively small (1 million inhabitants) it is the capital of the state and a growing tourist hotspot in a region which is known for some of Brazil’s best beaches.

Alagoas is a state of stunning natural beauty, with its economy traditionally based in agriculture such as sugar cane and tobacco, but has in recent years seen a rise in tourism and foreign investment -especially in property. The local governments are keen to attract foreign investors by offering certain incentives in a bid to help generate income and improve employment opportunities for the state’s workforce.

With the new international airport, Maceió is now more accessible for foreign tourists, and is attracting people to enjoy the sands and crystalline waters it has to offer. Sailing on a Jangada, fishing, jet-skiing or driving a buggy over the dunes are popular beach sports, while the city itself is gaining a fine reputation for its gastronomy and concentration of shopping malls, 6 in total. But it is often the people of Maceio, with their welcoming and hardworking approach to life, that create the biggest impression on visitors.

With nine hotels across Brazil, The Ritz group has five of those in Maceió, including the 5 star Ritz Lagoa da Anta Urban Resort, located on the beachfront and only 10 minutes from the city centre. Although all Ritz hotels maintain high quality standards, this hotel in particular has won various awards for quality of services as well as being the first hotel in Brazil to win the Tropen Preiss ITB Berlin prize ‘Hotel Arts’ for its collection of fine art, and in 2012 receiving the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award.

Each floor of Ritz Lagoa da Anta has a themed architectural style, across the 196 rooms three categories are offered – standard, luxury and suite and are specifically designed for families, couples or business clients.

The latest addition is the Eco-floor, designed by Osvaldo Tenorio, offering 40 apartments on the 3rd floor all with a sea view. The interior decoration integrates the concept of sustainability and preservation of the environment by using natural fibres, bamboo, coconut shell, and recycled materials. The wood used is either sourced from reforestation or demolition and the lights use extra energy-economising technology. Whilst water consumption is reduced by the installation of a new generation of German metals which add oxygen to the water, also making the shower and water flow from the taps more comfortable for the user.

The Premium floors are perfect for families – spacious, peaceful and practical, with Premium Plus rooms offering a little more luxury with rich cotton sheets, goose feather pillows and other extra trimmings to increase comfort. The Bali floor was inspired by the romanticism of the Indonesian Island, each room with a large canopy bed and atmosphere of the sensual exotic East. At the top is the Design floor for discerning clients who appreciate sophistication and modernity, these rooms combine practicality and comfort with a regional influence.

Ritz Lagoa da Anta also has the largest business facilities in Alagoas, with a conference complex able to attend up to 2500 people in simultaneous transmission. There are 7 rooms, each named after an important figure from the city of Maceio, an auditorium for 700 people which can be opened up to hold 1500 in total and other additional smaller rooms for meetings. The staff are highly trained to work in the business environment and a variety of especially designed menus by Chef Arthur Gulfi are available.

The hotel incorporates two restaurants and is a member of the Safe Food Programme. The Cana-Café Brasserie offers a lavish buffet with tempting desserts, served in a charming atmosphere. For a sophisticated experience there also is Lê Sururu Bistrot Nordestino restaurant, serving a fusion of French gastronomy with distinctive northeast Brazilian flavours, in a unique exquisite Bistro reminiscent of France in the 1960s. Priding itself on the exclusive wine menu and fine cigars to be enjoyed in the hotel bars.

Guests can either take part in activity using the tennis courts, huge swimming pool, fitness centre and mini-golf course or choose total relaxation in Ritz Spa. A Balanese Ofuro has been created using volcanic rocks imported from Indonesia, with each bathset in a secluded tranquil location. Ayurvedic massage, hydro-massage as well as a diverse range of luxurious salon treatments provide a symphony of relaxation and well-being.

Pietro Coelho, great grandson of the founder of the first Ritz Hotel in Minas Gerais, explains the decision to build their first 5 star hotel “As the hotel sector developed we decided it was time to build a larger hotel with better facilities capable of taking in more customers”. With plans to build a second 5 star Ritz Hotel also on Praia Lagoa da Anta “the residents of the new hotel will be able to use all the facilities of Ritz Lagoa da Anta, the mini golf, swimming pools, tennis courts and even the conference centre”.