Natal - The true meaning of Christmas

The winter property season tends to focus on ski property - apartments and chalets in popular resorts which cost an arm and possibly even a leg if you misjudge a black run. However, if the only part of chucking yourself down a mountain in the freezing cold that appeals is the promise of a drink in the bar afterwards, there’s an infinitely warmer festive property alternative. Brazil’s Natal translates as ‘Christmas’ and as it’s suspended in perpetual summer, the only skiing you’ll be doing there is on the water.

By way of potted history, back in 1597 the Portuguese Governor General of Brazil ordered the expulsion of a group of rather unwelcome French pirates who had been occupying this northeastern part of the country for several years. His orders were obeyed and on January 6 1598, the Christian holiday of Epiphany, the victors set about building the ‘Forte dos Reis Magos’ (Fort of the Three Wise Men). By Christmas Day 1599 a village had been established just outside the fort thus earning itself the highly appropriate name of Natal. Today, as you can imagine, they go to extra lengths to make sure that ‘Natal no Natal’ (‘Christmas in Natal’ in Portuguese) is a special celebration.

In a similar vein to the UK, Natal’s shopping centres are garnished with twinkling lights, Papai Noel dresses in red and white leaving gifts for well-behaved children under the tree and turkey is tucked into amongst friends. The biggest and perhaps most pleasant difference however is the weather. There’s no chance of snow on Christmas Day in Natal. In fact the average December temperature is a searing 26ºC (versus a paltry 7ºC in London) because in Natal, this is just the start of summer. No reindeer jumpers and socks required here.

If you fancy treating yourself to the real deal this Christmas why not consider a beachfront home on one of the prized beaches just 80km south of Natal. The gated resort of Tibau Ocean Residences, situated between the ever-popular towns of Tibau do Sul and Pipa, marries a sense of rustic Brazilian charm with luxurious qualities and facilities. The mansion and outbuilding, formed of a limited number of just 11 units, take advantage of the Atlantic landscape to create a staggered arrangement ensuring both privacy and that no two floorplans are alike. All enjoy two en-suite bedrooms and all are well over 100m² which is exceptional for Brazil. Single level or duplex, each home benefits from living and dining areas, separate WCs, laundry rooms and plenty of open-air balconies with antique stone and Ipea hardwood terracing. All properties boast impressive views which blend seamlessly from the plot to the ocean below where wild dolphins can be spotted at play.

With property grouped around a central decking area, residents can enjoy an oversized freeform swimming pool flanked by sun loungers, with shallow waters for children, or stroll a mere 100 metres to the white sandy beach below. Meanwhile, within view of Tibau Ocean Residences lies the enormously popular Ponta do Pirambu ‘Day Use Hotel’. With its endless beachfront infinity pool, à la carte restaurant and centre for massage and alternative therapies, Ponta do Pirambu is a perfect spot to while away a lazy day with the waves tumbling at your feet.

The Scandinavian developer at Tibau Ocean Residences has thoughtfully added a reception area with support services from cleaning to property maintenance and whilst rentals are neither compulsory nor guaranteed, owners could easily expect at least 5% net annual returns should they choose to take advantage of the buoyant tourism industry in this town. However, the biggest reward will be from capital appreciation which is continuing apace at between 15 and 20% per annum in this established yet growing market. All homes have a dedicated parking place and complete furniture packages are available priced from 40,000 BRL (approx 14,000 euros) to include split air-conditioning.

Prices at Tibau Ocean Residences start from just 499,077.50 BRL (approx 158,000 euros) for a 117.43m² duplex apartment with two bedroom suites. Payment terms are a 10,000 euro reservation fee followed by staged installments with the final 30% due on completion scheduled for mid 2010 to be geared up for the European summer season.

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