The Westin Porto de Galinhas, an All-Inclusive Resort
The Westin Porto de Galinhas holds an unusual position in the all-inclusive world: a branded, 154-room all-inclusive at one of South America's most distinctive beach destinations. Porto de Galinhas is famous for the natural tide pools that form in the reef at low tide, where jangada rafts take you out to snorkel among tropical fish in warm, shallow water. The property opened in 2008 and became a Westin all-inclusive in 2021, and it is the obvious base for travelers who want something genuinely different from the Caribbean circuit. More is coming: an expansion first announced in 2024, with a sea-view rooftop, an event hall, a new restaurant and a new bar, slipped past its late-2025 target, and as of late September 2026 the rooftop spaces were scheduled to open at the end of October 2026.
Traveler Insights
Pros
- +Set on the Porto de Galinhas coast, famous for natural tide pools in the reef where colorful fish gather at low tide, an experience you will not find on the Caribbean circuit
- +Staff earn some of the warmest praise of any all-inclusive travelers review: genuinely happy to help, warm rather than transactional, and a big reason guests come back
- +Marriott Bonvoy points earn and redeem here, and all-inclusive Marriott properties in South America are still rare, so it is a distinctive use of points
- +Six dining venues for 154 rooms: Tuna (international, dinner), the Marketplace buffet, The Kitchen for all three meals, a gourmet food truck from noon to 7 p.m., plus Velas (Asian with a sushi bar) and Galinhas Bistro (Northeast Brazilian) for longer Bonvoy stays
- +Five bars spread the drinking around: Apo Bar in the lobby until 1 a.m. with weekly live performances, the seafront Oasis Lounge, the beachfront Relax Bar, and the Westin Coffee Bar and Westin Cafe
- +Rooms and suites have been fully renovated under owner PGA Group, which also added private villas with pools, and the plunge-pool rooms are a real treat when the mosquitoes behave
- +Heavenly Spa by Westin, a fully equipped fitness center and a kids club (arts, crafts and kite-making) make it work for wellness trips and families alike
- +Porto de Galinhas village is a short cab ride away for local seafood restaurants, beach bars and artisan shops that most Caribbean all-inclusives cannot offer
Cons
- −Food at the main buffet does not match the price point; travelers who know the Caribbean all-inclusive circuit consistently say it falls short of what this rate should deliver
- −Two of the six restaurants, Velas and Galinhas Bistro, are listed for Bonvoy members staying seven nights or more, and Tuna's tasting menu needs a stay of four nights or more, so shorter stays see a smaller line-up
- −Room amenities are inconsistent: some rooms lack face towels, bath towels run small and thin, and bedding can be minimal, with thin bedspreads and no proper duvet
- −Mosquitoes around the plunge pool balconies are a real problem at certain times of year; bring strong repellent or think twice about a plunge-pool room
- −Extra charges at checkout surprise some guests, so confirm at check-in exactly what the all-inclusive package covers
- −Getting there means flying into Recife and then a 1 to 1.5 hour transfer, which is a longer haul than a Caribbean trip for travelers from North America
- −English is patchier among some staff than at international Caribbean chains, which can make things harder for travelers who do not speak Portuguese
Service is the property's most consistent strength, and staff warmth comes up again and again in traveler forums and reviews. The food picture is more complicated. Everyone can use Tuna for international dinners, the Marketplace buffet, The Kitchen and the food truck, but Velas and Galinhas Bistro are listed for Bonvoy members staying seven nights or more, and Tuna's tasting menu starts at four nights, so check what your stay length unlocks before you plan around them. The buffet is the weak point and does not live up to the room rate for travelers used to Caribbean all-inclusive standards. Rooms and suites have been completely renovated under owner PGA Group, which also added private villas with pools, though travelers still report thin towels and sparse bedding, and mosquitoes on the plunge-pool balconies in some seasons. Heavenly Spa by Westin and a kids club round out the facilities.
This resort is best for travelers who specifically want Brazil rather than another Caribbean beach: honeymooners and couples after something special, families who want a kids club with a reef on the doorstep, Marriott Bonvoy members looking for an unusual redemption, and adventurous travelers pairing the stay with Recife and Olinda. North Americans should plan for a longer journey. The value argument rests on the setting and the service more than the buffet, so lean on the a la carte dinners. For travelers who set expectations accordingly, it is a stay people talk about for years.
Common Questions
What are the natural tide pools at Porto de Galinhas and how do I reach them?
Which restaurants can I use, and does stay length matter?
Is getting to Porto de Galinhas difficult from the United States?
How do Marriott Bonvoy points work at this property?
What is there to do outside the resort near Porto de Galinhas?
Restaurants (5)
| Type | Restaurants |
|---|---|
| Buffet | Marketplace Retaurant |
| Asian | Velas Restaurant |
| Mediterranean & Spanish | Tuna |
| Brazilian churrascaria | Galinhas Bistrô |
| International & fusion | The Kitchen |
From the resort's own dining pages. Only restaurants the resort lists are shown.
What's nearby
Porto de Galinhas Beach5 min drive · 1.8 mi
5 min drive · 1.8 mi
Praia de Maracaípe9 min drive · 3.9 mi
9 min drive · 3.9 mi
More things to do (22)
- Praia do Cupe · beach3 min drive · 0.7 mi
- Porto de Galinhas village · town6 min drive · 2.1 mi
- Beach buggy tour (ponta a ponta) · excursion6 min drive · 2.1 mi
- Praia de Muro Alto · beach15 min drive · 5.2 mi
- Serrambi · beach20 min drive · 9.3 mi
- Gaibu · beach30 min drive · 18 mi
- Praia Enseada dos Corais · beach30 min drive · 18 mi
- Praia do Xaréu · beach35 min drive · 18 mi
- Praia de Itapuama · beach35 min drive · 18 mi
- Calhetas zip line · adventure park35 min drive · 20 mi
- Forte do Pontal de Nazaré · historic site35 min drive · 20 mi
- Praia de Calhetas · beach35 min drive · 20 mi
- Parque Histórico Nacional dos Guararapes · historic site45 min drive · 28 mi
- Praia de Piedade · beach45 min drive · 28 mi
- Praia de Boa Viagem · beach45 min drive · 31 mi
- Forte das Cinco Pontas · museum55 min drive · 35 mi
- Casa da Cultura de Pernambuco · museum55 min drive · 35 mi
- Recife Antigo (Marco Zero) · town55 min drive · 36 mi
- Cais do Sertão · museum55 min drive · 36 mi
- Capela Dourada (Ordem Terceira de São Francisco) · historic site55 min drive · 36 mi
- Igrejinha dos Carneiros (Capela de São Benedito) · historic site55 min drive · 32 mi
- Paço do Frevo · museum60 min drive · 36 mi
Amenities
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Style & Rooms
Atmosphere
Room upgrades
Google Reviews★ 4.6 · 4,807 reviews
“An unforgettable and truly remarkable experience! Heartfelt thanks to the entire Westin team, José, Chef Tássia, Chef Vanessa, and Jason. Every detail was Michelin-star standard. I look forward to returning soon, The Westin!”
“This is a truly exceptional place. The beachfront location is breathtaking, complemented by delicious food and genuinely kind staff. The pool area is fantastic, offering ample space for relaxation. My sincere thanks to the entire Westin team for thei...”
“Wonderful hotel in a great location on a wide beach, with nice food selection (different food truck every day), excellent service and friendly and helpful staff including GM, front desk, bar tenders, servers and food truck staff. A nice spin on welln...”
