Since opening what have now become iconic lodges in Atacama and Patagonia, the Awasi lodges brand has made its name by offering extremely intimate lodges set in spectacular wilderness with privately-guided outings, along with Relais & Châteaux food and wine experiences. As a long-time partner of Knowmad, I jumped at the chance to be one of the first to visit and review their newest property set on a remote white-sand beach nestled amongst Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest, Awasi Santa Catarina.
Just a one-hour flight and another hour driving from São Paulo, at Santa Catarina you find a destination hidden away from any crowds, where adventure seekers and spa lovers alike can have a tailored experience of both Brazil’s coastline, and the surrounding rainforest.
THE PRIVATE VILLAS
Each of the 25 private villas has an ocean view, and a private guide and vehicle dedicated to them for your stay. This allows for maximum customization of your itinerary, whether you want a full-day hike, a visit to a nearby historic fortress, or to experience the oyster farming that dominates the local economy first-hand.
There are 5 villa categories:
- 3 Anhatomirim, which is the only category that does not have a private pool, and has a split-level configuration with the bedroom overlooking the living area downstairs
- 2 Sissial, which are also split-level but include a small, private heated pool
- 10 Arvoredo, my favorite of the lower categories due to the single level, larger deck, and separated seating area
- 5 Tingua; from this category and up villas feature an additional indoor whirlpool and double bathroom\
- 4 Esmeraldas, my favorite of the upper categories, due to the gorgeous space and most modern construction
- 1 Villa Ponta dos Ganchos, which is the same as the Esmeraldas but includes a basement level with gym equipment
Active & Cultural Adventures
Activities are arranged on site with your private guide based on your interests, the weather, and how you’re feeling. Take your private vehicle or the lodge’s small boat to a trailhead to hike through forests, past beaches, or up the mountain. Or head out by kayak or SUP to enjoy the turquoise water, take a surfing lesson, or go diving in a nearby marine reserve to spot marine wildlife. These activities are flexible and can be longer or shorter, or more or less demanding – just let your guide know what you’re feeling up for.
For history buffs, take a boat ride to the nearby Anhatomirim Fortress, where you can learn more about Brazil’s colonial past. Or head to nearby Florianopolis to explore the city with your guide before experiencing the oyster farming that dominates the local economy first-hand. You could also visit a local cachaça distillery to learn about the production of the liquor and enjoy a tasting.
One of my favorite activities was a walk through the on-site bee garden, where endemic bee species are provided with their preferred flowers. Here, my guide opened the hives so that we could sample the variety of honey produced by the different bee species, and even sample a newer versus a more mature honey.
Awasi Santa Catarina’s excursion menu is vast and varied, so you’ll never run out of things to do.
Spa & Relaxation
Follow up your day of adventure with a daily complimentary spa treatment in the hotel’s brand new spa, or by relaxing in your villa’s private hot tub, pool, or sauna. Or perhaps you’d prefer to sleep in and simply enjoy a leisurely breakfast (served whenever you wake up, no matter how late) before enjoying the amenities on the property or in your villa. While I loved being able to choose from the variety of excursions, returning every day to take a dip in my private plunge pool overlooking the bay was equally special.
Top-Notch Cuisine
When it comes to food, Awasi Santa Catarina more than lives up to the Relais & Chateaux standard. With ingredients hand-picked from the on-site garden and an innovative menu, the food will be a highlight of your stay. I was greeted by a unique cocktail creation for every meal that evolved throughout my stay based on my preferences and feedback, and each meal had a menu that highlighted Brazilian and international cuisines.
Enjoy your breakfast in the new Bateiras restaurant overlooking the water, lunch and dinner in the classic beachside restaurant, or an outdoor seafood & meat grill offered twice a week at the Veleza Grill. And for special occasions, we can arrange a private dinner on the island just next to the property.
In a Nutshell & How To Fit Awasi Santa Catarina Into Your Brazil Trip
With the beautiful lodge located perfectly to enjoy both the beaches and forests, as well as top-notch food and service, and expertly-tailored activities, Awasi Santa Catarina is the perfect addition to any luxury Brazil trip. It is an excellent year-round destination. High season lasts from October-April, but you’ll want to book extra early for the peak summer months of January-February. The winter months bring some cooler temperatures, but lows are still typically in the 60s, with highs in the 70s. There may be slightly higher chances of wind/rain during the winter months, and water temperatures are not as ideal for swimming.
I recommend stays of 4 nights, and no less than 3. The lodge works well at any point in your itinerary, but I find it an ideal destination to have at the end of any luxury Brazil trip, due to the flexibility and sense of relaxation, and its connectivity to São Paulo, which has the most international flight options home. It is a great complement to safaris in the pantanal, which tend to involve longer days wildlife spotting, as well as time in Rio.
As a Brazil specialist at Knowmad, and having experienced the lodge first-hand, I’m happy to answer any questions about Awasi Santa Catarina and help you build your own custom-tailored Brazil trip; just shoot me an email or reach me by phone at 612-315-2894 ext 104.
Happy travels,
Krista
Krista is a Trip Specialist at Knowmad Adventures, a company dedicated to creating unique, private, and custom trips in South America. She has lived in six countries on four continents and visited more than fifty countries, but is now settled back in her home state of Minnesota, where she loves sharing her passion and knowledge with fellow travelers.
