Ocean Palace Beach Resort & Bungalows
Family-friendly resort in Natal. Family Resort, Luxury.
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Traveler Insights(185 discussions)
Ocean Palace Beach Resort sits at one of Brazil's most dramatic beach addresses: Ponta Negra, the stretch of white sand that ends at the Morro do Careca - a 110-meter sand dune that drops straight down to the sea. This is the image that defines Natal, and Ocean Palace is directly on it. The resort itself is an impressive physical operation: 14 pools, 5 restaurants, a spa, a gym, and bungalow accommodations that give you a genuinely different option from a standard high-rise room. Brazilians know this resort as one of the country's most complete beach properties, and the all-inclusive format with 24-hour food and drink coverage is well-executed. For travelers who've never considered Northeast Brazil as a destination, this property is a compelling argument for going.
The on-the-ground experience delivers in several key areas. The staff is consistently praised across reviews - genuine warmth and attentiveness that stands out compared to similar large-scale all-inclusives elsewhere. Dining variety is a real strength: the French restaurant Le Solei, Asian Sukiyaki, and Italian La Luna offer actual cooking ambition rather than just buffet rotation. The pool situation - fourteen of them - is legitimately absurd in the best way, and even during busy periods you can almost always find a less-crowded option. The weaknesses are real too: WiFi is unreliable, some room blocks show their age, and the maintenance consistency that defines a five-star operation is not always present here.
Ocean Palace is best suited for adventurous travelers who want an all-inclusive experience in a destination that hasn't been packaged for North American mass tourism. Budget-wise, it typically runs cheaper than comparable Mexican or Dominican all-inclusives when you factor in exchange rates. The surrounding Natal region offers some of the most dramatic day-trip options in South America: buggy tours through the Genipabu dunes (25 minutes north), sandboarding, camel rides, and the world's largest cashew tree. Ponta Negra's beachfront strip is walkable and lined with restaurants and bars, making it easy to experience real Brazilian beach culture without leaving the immediate neighborhood.
Pros
- +Fourteen pools on a single property - an almost absurd number that means you always find an uncrowded spot whether you want a lap pool, a lagoon pool, or a toddler splash area
- +Set directly on Ponta Negra Beach, one of Brazil's most celebrated urban beaches, with direct beach service and the iconic Morro do Careca dune as your backdrop
- +Five restaurants including French cuisine at Le Solei, Asian at Sukiyaki, and Italian pizza at La Luna - a level of dining variety unusual for a Brazilian all-inclusive
- +24-hour food and drink service means you can grab a snack at 2am without finding a closed kitchen or a vending machine
- +Staff earns some of the strongest praise in Brazilian all-inclusive reviews - genuinely attentive, respectful, and friendly across all departments including beach, pool, and dining
- +Bungalow accommodations offer a completely different stay experience from standard tower rooms - ground-floor private units with garden or pool surroundings that feel like a distinct vacation product
- +High-tech gym and full-service spa make this viable for health-conscious travelers who don't want to abandon their routines on vacation
- +Ponta Negra's neighborhood is walkable with restaurants, bars, and nightlife lined right up along the beachfront promenade - you can actually leave the resort and explore
Cons
- −WiFi signal is unreliable and drops in rooms - multiple travelers report it being strong at the lobby but nearly unusable in some room blocks
- −The resort's physical infrastructure is aging, and some guests describe maintenance issues including air conditioning malfunctions and general wear in older room categories
- −Getting to Ocean Palace requires knowing Natal - the city doesn't have the established international tourist infrastructure of Cancun or Punta Cana, and arrivals can feel disorienting
- −Fewer direct international flights from North America than Caribbean destinations; most routes require a connection through Sao Paulo or Recife with significant total travel time
- −Some travelers report overcrowding in common areas during Brazilian holiday periods - summer (December-February) and Carnival season bring very large domestic crowds
- −Rooms in the main tower block lack the character of the bungalows, and standard rooms described as functional but dated, particularly in the older sections
- −Language barrier is more pronounced than at Caribbean resorts - English proficiency among staff varies, and guests who don't speak Portuguese may find communication challenging outside the main concierge
- −Cleanliness standards have received inconsistent marks, with some guests praising meticulous upkeep and others noting issues in specific room blocks
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Google Reviews
“A Dream Getaway at Ocean Palace Resort! I can't say enough amazing things about our stay at Ocean Palace Resort in Natal! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm hospitality and breathtaking views of the ocean. The location is simply...”
“This was a wonderful place to stay. All the amenities and food were amazing. Clean facilities and everybody working is willing to help. The only issue we had on our stay was the WiFi in the bedroom. It was spotty and can be frustrating if you don’t h...”
“A great hotel and well organized. Their all inclusive deal for Carnival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our entire family had a great time. They have a specialized kitchen area for kids that has lots of natural fruit juices and hamburgers and all...”