“Paradise is here!” — it is said that Amerigo Vespucci declared this when he discovered the Fernando de Noronha archipelago in 1503, struck by the exuberant and natural beauty before his eyes. It feels like entering a parallel universe, where green meets deep blue and we are certain we are arriving at a truly paradisiacal place. Noronha does not carry only the memory of nature shaped by a volcanic eruption. The archipelago also tells the story of humankind. It was a strategic territory, a navigation route, a point of dispute, a prison, and a military base. Its silent fortresses and ruins remind us that long before becoming an environmental sanctuary, the island already held a central place in world history. To be in Noronha is to recognize the greatness of what came before us.
THE ISLAND OF THE INITIATED
A perfect day in Noronha begins early: waking up, opening the window, and contemplating the sea, followed by a calm breakfast with local fruits. No rush. Then heading down to the harbor for snorkeling alongside turtles and schools of fish. Lunch with a view at Pousada Maravilha or Mergulhão, you can’t go wrong: view, breeze, and gastronomy. In the afternoon, sunset at Bar do Meio. At night, the historic center, local shops, and an unhurried dinner. In Noronha, luxury is simple.
STAYING WITH A VIEW OF ETERNITY – MUST-VISIT PLACES
Nannai Noronha: The exclusive Nannai Noronha is a true refuge that delivers privacy. With only ten accommodations between bungalows and apartments, integrated into nature and offering one of the most beautiful views on the island, alongside the excellent gastronomy of the TiaTê Noronha restaurant and a range of wellness experiences. Akanã Eco Pousada: Hospitality that goes beyond the obvious. What sets Akanã apart is its location and intention, designed by those passionate about the island, in one of its most beautiful settings. With open views over three of the most desired beaches, the project respects the landscape and enhances natural light. It is exclusive in the right measure without losing the soul of Noronha. Pousada Maravilha: A marvel, quite literally. Comfort, personality, and a breathtaking view over Baía do Sueste. The infinity pool, the bungalows with wide terraces, everything dialogues with the landscape without excess. Its gastronomy is among the most praised on the island, and the service is attentive. A mature choice for those who understand that Noronha deserves to be experienced with quality.
DINNERS THAT BECOME MEMORIES
Benedita: The restaurant that translates the island onto the plate. Great atmosphere, open kitchen, and a wood-fired oven led by chef Dário Costa, a surfer and sea enthusiast. Fish and seafood grilled to perfection, with nothing more than salt, fire, and lemon. Simple and impeccable. Festival Zé: The famous gastronomic festival by Zé Maria. Zé is an iconic personality on the island and the host of this weekly event for over 30 years, which has become a true tradition. It is not just dinner, it is an experience, with an extensive buffet. Pousada do Vale: One of the oldest restaurants on the island, maintaining a consistent standard of flavor and organic quality, with a large garden of its own production. Located in the middle of Elizabeth Garden, it offers a pleasant atmosphere and attentive service. Nannai Tasting Menu: The five- course tasting menu changes weekly, offering a unique gastronomic journey — thoughtful dishes, creative combinations, and impeccable execution. Sophisticated, exclusive, and intimate.
THE SUNSET RITUAL
Bar do Meio: A beachfront bar and restaurant with privileged views over Praia do Meio and Conceição. In a rustic yet sophisticated setting, it combines comfort, Mediterranean cuisine, live music, and refreshing drinks served with excellence. Mirante do Boldró: A special place with an endless view over Boldró beach. The menu is cohesive, refined, and well executed. At the helm of both kitchens, Mirante do Boldró and Bar do Meio, is Carol Judacheski, a demanding chef deeply passionate about what she does.
AN EMBRACING SEA
Baía do Sancho: Voted the most beautiful beach in the world by TripAdvisor. The descent between the cliffs adds a touch of adventure, and when the view opens, silence naturally follows. The water is so transparent that we lose the sense of depth, and once inside, it feels like being part of something rare, not just beautiful. Baía dos Porcos: If Sancho is grand, Baía dos Porcos is almost intimate. Every element seems deliberately placed, the rock formations, the green hills, the deep blue sea. An entirely natural and comforting setting.
TRAILS OF THE SOUL
Atalaia Trail: One of those experiences where we truly understand what preservation means. Access is controlled, groups are small, and that changes everything. When we reach the natural pool, the feeling is one of privilege. The water is shallow, incredibly clear, and a nursery of marine life: nurse sharks, small fish, rays – a living, untouched ecosystem. Morro São José Natural Pool: A true oasis that appears during very low tide, accessed through a stretch of volcanic rocks connecting the main island to the hill. The view is breathtaking, the water crystal clear, and when the sun hits, the reflections transform it into a natural hall of submerged stones in shades of blue and green. Unlike anything I have seen in the world. Piquinho Trail: Ideal for a true sunset experience. The climb takes around 40 minutes through towering trees, and when we reach the peak and the sun begins to set, the sky turns into shades of gold and deep orange. A place where we feel deep gratitude for the present moment.
SECRET NORONHA
Caieiras: A wild beach with turquoise waters, perfect for quieting the mind and taking in a breathtaking view. Hidden among the rocks is a small cave, a charming detail. Morro de Fora Pool: A crystal-clear pool with warm water, a precious place where hours can pass unnoticed. Mesa da Ana: An intimate gastronomic experience with chef Ana and her husband Rock (a visual artist). A shared table with only 12 seats, perfect for celebrating life, enjoying great food, and making new connections.
WILD ROMANCE – EXPERIENCES FOR TWO
Silent beaches: For couples who value privacy and tranquility, beaches like Americano or Boldró are perfect. Bring a book, fruits, and wine. Have a picnic, forget time and commitments, and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon together. Dinners under the stars: Noronha is the perfect destination for couples to experience something truly special. With the help of a local concierge, it is possible to create a private luau, under the stars and moonlight. Private boat tours: One of the most exclusive ways to discover the island is by boat. From sailboats with onboard chefs and catering to local fishing boats for a more authentic experience. The highlight is spotting spinner dolphins on the way to Sancho beach, while admiring the island’s rock formations.
HE LUXURY OF SILENCE AND THE ISLAND’S RHYTHM
The luxury of silence lies in nature. In the sound of the sea. In the wind moving through the trees. Barefoot in the sand, without rush, without notifications. When we become quiet, nature speaks. Silence is not absence, it is true presence. In a noisy world, connecting with nature and embracing silence is one of the most genuine luxuries that exists. Understand where you are. Fernando de Noronha is not “just” a beautiful destination, it is a sanctuary with a small community. Here, nature comes before the selfie. Less rush, more presence. Respect the rhythm of the tides, the strength of the sea, the sunset, and the service.
The island has its own pace, tune into it and listen to the locals. Preserve it truly: do not take natural souvenirs, feed animals, or leave waste. It may seem basic, but it still happens. Less ostentation, more elegance. Noronha is natural luxury – discretion, respect, and environmental awareness are the true high level here. Live intensely, but lightly. The island feels and gives back. There is a widely shared belief among locals: the island chooses who belongs to it.
In Fernando de Noronha, the rhythm is simple: wake early and make the most of the day. The sea is usually clearer in the morning, dolphins gather in the bay, and it is the best time for diving, trails, and boat trips. Nature dictates the rules through tides and waves, so having a local contact makes all the difference. At midday, slow down. The sun is strong — it’s time for a relaxed lunch and rest. By late afternoon, choose one of the island’s best spots to witness the sunset over the ocean. At night, enjoy a calm dinner and rest. Here, we set the rhythm. Fernando de Noronha does not impress. It transforms.
By Marcella Maia
INFO: www.noronha.pe.gov.br