Rating: Mid-range
The resort is divided in to two areas -the Eco Resort and the Beach Village. The Eco Resort has 29 rooms including the 9 original rooms which were built in the 1990s. These are mostly found in the area above the central dining room and bar. All rooms are ensuite and are equipped with satellite TV (Brazilian channels only), DVD/CD player, telephone and fridge. The superior rooms have air conditioning, jacuzzi, fireplace, kitchen, living room and balconies with ocean views.
The Vida Sol e Mar Beach Village is located below the restaurant and is closer to the beach. There are 12 luxurious villas providing superior quality accommodation just over 100 metres from the edge of the beach. All villas are extremely specious and have an extensive range of facilities including satellite TV, DVD player, internet connection, safe, minibar, jacuzzi, air conditioning and a fully equipped kitchen (oven, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and spin dryer). All have decks with ocean views, hammocks and chairs, and a fireplace. Some villas also have a pool or hot tub with beach view. The capacity of the villas range from 4 to 10 people, and the majority are set on two floors with separate access so are good for families, or can also be sold separately.
Meals are served in the Engenho do Mar Restaurant. The meal plans offered are bed and breakfast, half board and full board. The half and full board meal plan offers a fixed menu with a choice between fish or meat. The bed and breakfast option is recommended because it gives you the flexibility to enjoy delicious a la carte meals from the restaurant, or to explore the restaurants in nearby Praia do Rosa village.
While here you can enjoy a range of watersports, go for walks and horse rides. Between June and October you can go on special boat trips to watch southern right whales, often observing mothers with their calves.
Open: All year.
Location: The owner-run resort is located about a 2 hour drive south from Florianopolis overlooking the beautiful Praia do Rosa beach in the state of Santa Catarina.
Rooms: The resort is made up the Eco Resort and the Beach Village. The Eco Resort has some 28 chalets, accommodating between 2 and 8 people each. All are en-suite and have fans, telephone, televisions, CD/DVD player and ‘fridge. Superior rooms also have a Jacuzzi, air conditioning, a living room and balcony. The Beach Village has 14 villas, accommodating from 4 to 10 people. Villas are equipped with satellite TV, CD/DVD player, air conditioning, kitchen and deck. Some also have a hot tub. and comfortable.
Activities: Swimming, snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing, horse riding, strolling along the beach and exploring the Atlantic rainforest. Other activities that can be arranged include bird watching, city tours and boat trips including whale watching trips in season (June to October). 4-day whale watching packages can also be arranged, to be booked and paid for in advance.
Facilities: There is a restaurant serving Mediterranean food with a Latin influence. There is a swimming pool with great views over the bay. The hotel has a bar, lounge, games room and tennis court. Room service is offered and there is a laundry service.
Dining: Meals are taken at individual tables or in the privacy of your own villa.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Health: Santa Catarina state is not a malarial area.
Communication: The hotel reception has internet access and some villas have Wi-Fi.
This beach village eco-resort takes the protection of Southern Right Whales very seriously. Once hunted mercilessly here, the population is now growing by 7% per year.