Enjoy thrills and spills on the beach in balmy Brazil
With good weather, golden beaches and buzzing nightlife, Forteleza is 'Miami of Brazil'
WHIZZING down a sandy dune on a piece of wood, hoping to reach the lagoon at the bottom, I feel like a kid again.
I grip on tightly to the sides of the makeshift skateboard and scream wildly as it picks up speed, before I suddenly lose my balance and go rolling into the sand.
Scores of adults and children join the queue and compete against each other to reach the farthest spot before falling off.
The exhilarating activity is the first stop on a three-hour buggy trip which also takes in a crazy water slide and peaceful lagoon.
The setting for the thrilling adventure is Cumbuco, a small village around 20 miles from the Brazilian city of Fortaleza.
Fortaleza has always had to compete with the mighty Rio de Janeiro for the attention of international tourists.
It is hard for a city not to get overshadowed by a destination that boasts the most famous carnival in the world and, later this week of course, the Olympics.
But what Fortaleza offers in abundance is friendly fun that suits the entire family.
It is famous for its spectacular beaches, lagoons and a mighty sea breeze that makes it perfect for adventurous types.
I watch as have-a-go tourists try to master the art of kite-surfing, on a calm lagoon, and experienced windsurfers teach rookies the ropes.
Later, I head to the stunning resort of Hotel Vila Gale Cumbuco, the perfect retreat for recharging the batteries.
Villas, suites and rooms are dotted throughout the all-inclusive luxury resort, which also boasts a spa, tennis courts, nightclub, gym and children's club.
The most difficult choice is to decide whether to relax by the pool bar with a caipirinha or on the golden beach with the view of the crystal-blue sea.
But the smoky flavours of barbecued fish and beef finally entice me from the water to the Cajuína & Amêndoa Amarga Restaurant where I pile my plate high at lunch.
The hotel focuses on entertainment for the entire family and lively music plays from a raised stage as guests enjoy cocktails at the lobby bar during the evening.
I could not help but get sucked into learning how to dance samba, by staff dressed up in colourful frilly red dresses.
It would have been easy to while away whole days at the resort but a short drive away is the stunning beach of Praia de Lagoinha.
It feels like I've stepped into a picture-postcard as I marvel at the long palm trees and colourful fishing boats that decorate the view. It was then hard to tear myself away from the peaceful tranquillity of the beach — but the buzzing city centre of Fortaleza awaited.
The city was built around a fortress and has a variety of neighbourhoods that reflect its rich history.
As I stroll down the famous Beira Mar avenue, tourists relax with cool beers under the colourful umbrellas that line the beachfront.
Rio may have the Olympics — which starts on Friday — but Fortaleza is still proud after being chosen as a host city for the 2014 World Cup and street signs with the slogan "Host City of Joy" are dotted along the street.
I stop off at the Coco Bamboo restaurant where I am spoilt for choice by the array of rich seafood dishes on offer.
The succulent shrimp and prawns in my risotto dish are so fresh, it tastes like they were caught just minutes before arriving on my plate.
To get my fix of shopping, I later head to the Central Market where row upon row of stalls sell all manner of local artefacts and food.
I get lost among the twisting streets and haggle with traders for the white woven hammocks and pretty handmade leather sandals.
The Hotel Vila Gale Fortaleza provides the perfect base for me to explore the city centre.
The resort lies across the road from the golden sands of Praia do Futuro beach.
A stunning rainbow decorates the sky as I relax on a lounger sipping on a fresh coconut water.
"Forteleza is often called the Miami of Brazil," one local explains.
And when the sun sets it is easy to see why. At night the Praia s de Iracema district comes alive with colourful entertainment that caters for those looking for some serious fun.
Rows of pop-up bars have been set up on the outdoor patios, while music pumps out from nightclubs on each street corner.
A large crowd gathers as street dancers and local bands come together to perform live music under the city's planetarium.
Sipping another cocktail in the warm evening air, it is hard to believe that this city was once built to keep the outsiders at bay.
Now this friendly city has its arms thrown open wide to embrace travellers looking for special adventure in the splendid Brazilian sunshine.
GO: BRAZIL
GETTING THERE: TAP Portugal flies from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester to Fortaleza, via Lisbon, with prices from £532 return. Call 0345 601 0932 or see .
STAYING THERE: Bed and breakfast at Hotel Vila Gale Fortaleza is from £50 per room per night; all inclusive at the Hotel Vila Gale Cumbuco is from £119 per room per night, see .
OUT AND ABOUT: A three-hour sand buggy excursion including sand slides, lagoon with zipline and water slides is around £42 with Cumbuco buggy co-operative. Book at Vila Gale Cumbucor reception.