Costao do Santinho is located in Florianopolis ("Floripa" as the locals say) - in the Brazilian State of Santa Catarina - (or S.C.) SC is located in the southernmost part of Brazil - with lush hillsides and cliffs rolling into the Atlantic Ocean - and probably the most perfect weather on the planet. It looks and feels like San Diego- without the people or development. Simply put - it's Brazil's Eden.

Brazilians universally agree that Floripans are the happiest, friendliest, and heathiest people in the whole country - and Costao do Santinho is the famous spa where the "rest" of Brazil and South America comes to rejuvenate.

The spa is really a compound built on a hillside - with a vast beach. The Spa and Resort includes first rate facilities - reception, indoor/outdoor pools, a gym, jacuzzi, massage, restaurants, and hiking trails.

Accomodations consist of multi-room apartment style villas - some 2 stories tall. These apartments are far larger than any hotel room - and include everything needed for a 'home-style' vacation - full kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, laundry, and furnishings. The most unique feature -each kitchen has a built in brick fireplace, so residents can have their own wood burning barbeque for slow cooking meat - for homemade "churrascaria" (choo-razz-ka-ree-a). Those who envision a 'full service' spa will be surprised - the accomodations are designed for you to 'live' at the spa...not be served. For those with an open mind, you'll find the spa to be a getaway to relaxation - with every convenience.

Activities (among other things) include swimming, surfing, watersports, volleyball, fishing, and golf. There's a new golf course opening in 2006- which will be a premium quality course (or so they say). My favorite two activities were the most simple ones - walking on the vast white Brazilian beach every morning and evening to breath in the fresh air and admire the spectacular views, and hiking the network of trails in and aroudn the property. Costao do Santinho has primitive petroglyphs on the property - which inspired its logo - you shouldn't miss an opportunity to see those. Brazil is an absolutely stunning country - and this is the most stunning state within that country.

While not a Four Seasons, Costao is probably the best spa in Brazil. It will meet the needs of any western traveler with an open mind and send of adventure. The setting of Floripa alone is worth the trip.

While you're there, don't forget to see the town around Costao do Santinho -it's a cool, kitchy, beach side vibe. The open air restaurants are perfect for dinner and drinking Caipirinias - the local drink made with limes and cachaca (ka-sha-zha) - a rum like alcohol. Interestingly enough, Floripa is where thousands of ex-Nazis settled after WWII - don't be surprised if you see lots of German restaurants, German signage, and tall blonde haired, blue eyed Brazilians!