Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Natal Getaway at Apart Hotel Margherita
Escape to Paradise: My Margherita Moment (And the Little Annoyances That Almost Ruined It!)
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise" sounds a bit much, right? But honestly, Apart Hotel Margherita in Natal almost earned the hype. Almost. Let me be real with you – I'm not one for picture-postcard perfection. I like my hotels like I like my coffee: a little messy, a little bit quirky, and definitely with a good story or two to tell. And Margherita… well, Margherita delivered on both fronts.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and My Over-Excited Puppy-Dog Approach)
Right, the accessibility thing. Look, I'm relatively spry, but I always scope out options. The website gushed about "complete accessibility," which got my hopes up. The good news? Elevator? Check! Wide doorways in common areas? Mostly. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, the website was accurate enough. However, the ramps to our room (and the ones to the pool!) were a little… let's just say, "spirited." My friend, whose mobility is a bit more limited, had to take a breather halfway up. This wasn't the "smooth and seamless" experience the brochure promised. A quick tip: if you require full wheelchair accessibility, double-check specific room details ahead of time. Don't be me, giddy with excitement and assuming everything is perfect.
But Hey, They Tried! They really did. And, honestly, the staff were super accommodating when we had to adjust our schedule a little after that ramp experience.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Celestial Buffets to Desperate Pizza Runs
Let's talk food. This is a big deal, people. I'm a foodie, a snacker, a professional grazier. The breakfast buffet? Heavenly. Hands down. The Asian breakfast blew my mind. Fresh fruit, pastries that practically dissolved in your mouth, and the best papaya I've ever tasted. I might have eaten, like, three plates. Then, there was the Western breakfast, well rounded and tasty. It was a good start to the day.
On-site Restaurants/Lounges: Yes, plural! Restaurants galore, including a dedicated Vegetarian restaurant! The pool bar slung out refreshing cocktails, and honestly, I spent far too much time lounging there. The bartenders became my best friends due to the endless supply of bottle of water they were always handing to me, bless them. But… and there’s always a but, isn’t there?
The A La Carte Restaurant… It was a disaster with a capital 'D'. The first night, we were so famished we almost considered ordering off of a menu that looked promising, but then the only open space was the very loud terrace. It was noisy, the service was a little patchy, and the food? Let's just say the "international cuisine" felt more like "slightly-warmed-up-and-forgettable cuisine." We ended up doing a desperate pizza run to a little place down the street twice (thank god for food delivery!). The breakfast takeaway service helped with recovery. Pro tip: stick to the buffet if you're picky like me. Be warned, though, the buffet can get super hectic.
Cleanliness and Safety: The "Are We Really Safe?" Moment
COVID is still a thing, folks. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was high on my priority list. And to be fair, Margherita did its best. I saw the daily disinfection in action. They had hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff wore masks. They had professional-grade sanitizing services, seemed to be doing everything right from the outside. They also had anti-viral cleaning products. But the one thing that really stood out was the room sanitization opt-out available. They gave you a sticker to put on your door if you didn't want the cleaning staff to enter. I appreciated that level of choice.
The first aid kit calmed my friend when a sudden allergic reaction started to kick in. The doctor/nurse on call was reassuring and helped us on what to do.
What wasn't ideal? Well, despite all the precautions, there were moments when things felt a little lax. The shared cutlery, which was very clean was still shared cutlery. This is just my personal anxiety talking, but I wanted the individually wrapped options and I was a little disappointed to not find them. Overall, I felt safe, but there were a few nagging doubts. But hey, that's life, right?
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day Bliss… and a Slightly Over-Enthusiastic Massage
Paradise, right? Well, Escape to Paradise included an actual spa with ALL the bells and whistles! Spa/sauna? Check. Steamroom? You betcha. Massage? Oh, yes. I opted for the full body scrub, and I have to say, it was pure indulgence. I felt like a completely different… sanded down, moisturized… version of myself. The pool with a view was stunning, although at one point, I almost tripped over a very enthusiastic toddler. My Sauna session was an adventure, and so was my dip in the Swimming pool [outdoor]. The Fitness Center did its job, and I got a little bit of workout on the gym/fitness equipment.
The massage, though… Let's just say the masseuse was very enthusiastic. It was a bit more aggressive than I usually go for, and at times, I swear she was trying to knead me into oblivion. But even that became a funny story later.
The Room Itself: Heaven with a Few Quirks
Okay, the rooms. They were mostly awesome. Air conditioning was a lifesaver in Natal's heat. The bed was comfy, the blackout curtains were a dream, and the free Wi-Fi worked like a charm (yes, the Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a big win for this digital nomad). There was internet access – wireless, internet access – LAN, and Internet access. Free bottled water delivered daily. The bathroom phone was hilarious (who actually uses those?). The additional toilet was a great extra.
But… and there's always a but when I'm around:
- The window that opens only just. And the "ocean view" from my room was mostly rooftops.
- The complimentary tea was nice but there was no milk, which was a major disappointment.
- The mini bar was a little… expensive. And the extra-long bed wasn't quite long enough for my six-foot-something friend.
Services and Conveniences: From Souvenir Shopping to… Laundry?
Daily housekeeping was a blessing. The concierge was helpful, although sometimes a little overwhelmed. The luggage storage was a lifesaver for getting the bags out of the way. And the convenience store came in handy for late-night snacks (pizza, anyone?).
The dry cleaning service was good, thank goodness for the ironing service; however, the laundry service was overpriced. I used the cash withdrawal machine, but I was also pleased by the cashless payment service. The gift/souvenir shop was cute, well stocked, and my sister was happy with her purchase! I would say the elevator was a must.
For the Kids: A Mixed Bag (But They Seemed Happy Enough)
I don't have kids myself, but I noticed families loved this place. Family/child friendly is definitely a thing, and it looked like the babysitting service was popular. The kids meal options looked pretty basic, and I heard a few complaints about the kids facilities in the evenings.
Getting Around: The Taxi Tango & Parking Pains
Getting around was pretty standard. Airport transfer was easy. Car park [free of charge] was a huge plus, and getting a taxi service was easy!
Final Verdict: Paradise… with a Few Imperfections
Would I recommend Apart Hotel Margherita? Yes, but with a few caveats. It's a beautiful place with a lot to offer. The staff are generally lovely, the location is great, and the overall vibes are undeniably chill. But it's not perfect. It's got its quirks and a few niggling issues that, if you're a perfectionist, might grate on you. However, if you're like me – someone who appreciates the good stuff, can laugh at the bad, and appreciates a good breakfast buffet – then you'll probably have a wonderful time. Just don't expect actual, unadulterated paradise. Expect almost paradise, with a side of slightly chaotic charm. And that, my friends, is often a much more interesting story to tell, isn't it?
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- Title: Escape to Paradise Review: Apart Hotel Margherita, Natal – Honest & Quirky!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into my… slightly chaotic… itinerary for Apart Hotel Margherita in Natal, Brazil. Prepare for a bumpy ride, because I'm not exactly a polished travel blogger, more like a slightly caffeinated, easily distracted, and prone-to-meltdowns-over-sand-in-my-shoes kind of traveler. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival and Oh My God, Sand!
- 10:00 AM: Landed at the Aeroporto de Natal – Governador Aluízio Alves. The airport looked like it was straight out of a… well, a slightly dusty travel brochure, but hey, BRAZIL! Excitement levels: Mildly buzzed.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi ride to Apart Hotel Margherita. The driver, bless his heart, spoke approximately zero English. My Portuguese is limited to “cerveja, por favor” and “obrigado,” which, honestly, got me pretty far. The drive… let’s just say it involved some seriously questionable lane changes and a near-miss with a vendor selling… something. I think it was fish. Anyway, we made it. Victory!
- 12:00 PM: Check-in. The receptionists are charming, even when they're struggling with my attempts at Portuguese. The room… is not exactly what I pictured. Turns out, I booked a "garden view" which translates to "a slightly overgrown bush and the distant rumble of traffic." Okay, fine. I'm here for the BEACH, not the foliage.
- 1:00 PM: First trip to Ponta Negra beach! Oh.My.God. The sand. It's… everywhere. Like a tiny, gritty, golden-colored stalker. I feel it between my toes, in my hair, and probably in my pores by now. Spent a solid hour just adjusting to the concept of Brazilian sand - it's a COMMITMENT, honestly.
- 2:00 PM: Attempted to find a beachside restaurant. Got lured in by a sign that promised "fresh fish, ice-cold beer!" The reality was… a crowded joint, a waiter who forgot my order (twice), and a plate of something that might have been fish. Let's just keep it vague for my own sanity.
- 4:00 PM: COCONUT WATER! Finally. Found a vendor with a perfectly ripe coconut, ripped it open, and drank the refreshing nectar whilst watching people having fun. This is what I signed up for!
- 6:00 PM: Strolled back to the hotel, covered in sand, slightly sunburned, and feeling like I'd just run a marathon. Showered… and then found more sand. Wherever this sand is, it is gonna follow me everywhere!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Decided to keep things simple. Pizza. (Judge me. I'm tired.) Surprisingly good pizza. Fuel for the adventures to come.
- 8:00 PM: Passed out after pizza. Jet lag is REAL. Wake up again at 10PM and get work done and then crash again.
Day 2: The Dunes and the Meltdown (Part 1)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up with a start. Sun beaming through the window and ready for day two.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast - Hotel's breakfast is basic but enjoyable.
- 10:00 AM: Off to Genipabu! This, THIS, is what I came for. Dune buggies! Adrenaline! A total lack of self-preservation! After a brief (and slightly alarming) briefing from the driver, we were off. The dunes… are massive. The buggy… is fast. It's like an amusement park ride designed by a mad genius. Pure, unadulterated fun!
- 11:00 AM: Dune buggy session, full of thrills, adrenaline, yelling, and almost getting stuck. The driver, bless him, was great. The landscape is gorgeous. So much fun. Worth it!
- 12:00 PM: Stopped to view the lagoon. What a sight! The sand and water looked incredible and ready to cool down. I went immediately for a brief swim. Fantastic.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch on the beach at Genipabu. More fish! This time, it was actually good. Maybe I'm starting to get the hang of this whole "Brazil" thing.
- 2:00 PM: Back on the dunes, this time with a different driver. He was a bit… intense. Which might be an understatement. He took us down some seriously steep slopes. I may have screamed. A lot. Had to cluth my stuff and pray.
- 3:00 PM: Attempted camel ride. Failed. (More on this later).
- 4:00 PM: Sun, sand, smiles, and tears. Had to calm myself down.
- 5:00 PM: Head back to the hotel.
- 6:00 PM: Ordered takeaway and crashed.
- 7:00 PM: Watch some TV, and go to sleep at 10PM.
Day 3: City Exploration and the Meltdown (Part 2)
- 9:00 AM: Actually took the time to explore the hotel. It's really nice, actually. Nice pool area, breakfast section.
- 10:00 AM: Decided to brave the city center. Getting lost is half the fun, isn't it? (Famous last words.)
- 11:00 AM: Found a cute little artisan craft shop and spent way too much money on souvenirs I'll probably never use. But hey! Support local businesses! And the colors, oh god, the colors! Everything is so vibrant here.
- 12:00 PM: Found a restaurant. Was promised the world. It turned out to be a slightly overhyped tourist trap. The caipirinhas were good, though. So, not a total loss.
- 1:00 PM: Took a historic tour, and it was great.
- 3:00 PM: The Meltdown. Realized I'd lost my phone. Panic set in. Visions of a ruined trip, lost photos, and a frantic hunt for a charger swirled in my head. Let the panic take over.
- 4:00 PM: Backtracked my steps, questioned everyone I'd met (probably annoying them), and generally felt like the most incompetent person in the world.
- 5:00 PM: Found the phone! It was under a table! The relief was overwhelming. Cue the emotional outburst (happy tears this time).
- 6:00 PM: Decided to celebrate my phone-finding victory with… a gigantic sundae. I deserved it.
- 7:00 PM: Went to sleep.
Day 4: Relaxation and Refueling
- 9:00 AM: Got up and planned for the day.
- 10:00 AM: Enjoy a massage.
- 11:00 AM: Enjoy the hotel pool
- 12:00 PM: Order food.
- 2:00 PM: Go for another swim.
- 3:00 PM: Enjoy the weather
- 4:00 PM: Go back to the room, drink a beer,
- 5:00 PM: Read a book
- 6:00 PM: Order some food and eat.
- 7:00 PM: Watch some TV, and sleep.
Day 5: Departure (and a Promise to Return… Eventually)
- 8:00 AM: Packing… Always the worst part. Found a ridiculous amount of sand in my suitcase. Seriously, where does it all come from?!
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast at the hotel. Trying to savor every moment. Feeling a pang of sadness. Seriously, this trip has been amazing.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Smooth and easy. The staff is amazing.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Saying goodbye to the friendly driver I met.
- 12:00 PM: Waiting for the flight. Buying a few last-minute souvenirs (because, you know).
- 1:00 PM: Plane takes off. Looking back at the city, and the beach, and the dunes.
- 2:00 PM: Saying goodbye to Brazil, and planning my return.
So there you have it. My messy, imperfect, and utterly human guide to Natal, Brazil. I hope you enjoyed the ride. If you’re thinking about going, just go. Embrace the sand. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the potential for extreme emotional highs and lows. And for the love of all that is holy, watch out for the sand!
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1. So, Escape to Paradise... is it actually paradise? Or just, like, *slightly* less awful than my current life?
2. Apart Hotel Margherita. Sounds swanky. Is it? Or am I about to arrive and find out I've booked a damp box with a broken mini-fridge?
3. What about the food? Am I doomed to live on soggy toast and instant coffee for a week? (Please say no.)
4. The beach! Tell me about the beach! Is it packed with screaming kids and blaring music? Or can I finally achieve inner peace?
5. Okay, so, what about the other guests? Am I going to be surrounded by Instagram influencers and obnoxious honeymooners?
6. My biggest fear: Getting bored. What is there *actually* to do besides lie on a beach and question my life choices?
7. Did anything go horribly wrong? Like, really horribly wrong? Spill the tea! (Please.)
