Ponta dos Ganchos

Luxurious, secluded beach hotel on the side of a forested hill, where huge private decks give magnificent views of Ganchos bay

Located on a private peninsula near Florianópolis on Brazil's south coast, Ponta dos Ganchos is one of the country's most exclusive beach resorts. A ridge of Atlantic rainforest runs down to the water, where 3 tiny islands horseshoe around a sandy bay. A thatched restaurant idles 10 feet from the beach, but paddle across to one of the islands and you find a bar that’s illuminated by torches at night. You're in the middle of nowhere here, and Ponta dos Ganchos delivers the dream: idyllic landscapes of emerald sea and forest, contemporary interiors in 25 beautiful cabanas (some with private plunge pools, saunas and Jacuzzis) and service that’s second to none (all meals, including breakfast, are served at any hour of the day).

Follow the coast round on either side and you come to tiny fishing villages, but most stay put and bask in luxury. There’s an indoor pool, tennis and volleyball, even a private cinema. Snorkelling, diving (including tuition), canoeing, sailing and boat trips are also on offer.

Highs

• Fabulous position on the side of a hill with fine views of Ganchos Bay
• The beach: small, but it's very picturesque, private and you'll be pampered on it (at lunchtime they bring fresh seafood snacks to your lounger)
• Clear, calm water ideal for swimming
• Deeply luxurious cabanas, all with with private sea view decks and DVD and CD players; some with plunge pools
• A private cinema: spurn the sun and watch your favourite movie

Lows

• The price tag is high although the daily rate includes all meals, snacks, soft drinks, use of all nautical equipment. Be prepared for wild premiums by any standard for Christmas, New Year and Carnaval
• The staff are young and friendly but some are rather inexperienced and speak only limited English
• This is a quiet spot, with no nightlife to speak of (the hotel bar was deserted in the evenings); the nearest big town (Florianópolis) is 45km away
• No children under the age of 18