Vida Sol E Mar

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Praia do Rosa, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Stylish beach villas and eco-resort overlooking an unspoilt bay - ideal for families, surfers and whale-watchers

Reviewed by Aidan Forestier-Walker

Vida Sol E Mar, Brazil, Overview

VIDA SOL E MAR - REVIEW

A two hour drive south of Brazil's most fashionable southern city, Florianopolis, and a final judder up a steep paved trackway takes you to Vida Sol e Mar. Perched on a hillside this eco-resort overlooks a beautiful fresh water lagoon and the perfect surf beach, Praia do Rosa. From July to November when it's cooler, migrating whales use the bay as their nursery and since making his home here in 1993, Argentinian owner Enrique and his family have created a great base from which to explore the region all year round.

You're within a natural conservation area, but fear not, there's no need to rough it: amongst its lodgings are 7 gorgeous new villas sleeping two to ten, all a short walk from the beach. Built from local rocks, each one resembles something from the "Flintstones" but inside they're far from primitive. All are slickly designed with well chosen personal furnishings, mod cons and great views of the ocean. Just the ticket for active types, nature lovers and families.

HIGHS

Stylish, well-equipped villas with benefit of hotel services
Unspoilt beach location with wonderful views of the bay
One of the best places in South America to watch whales: the hotel is the HQ for Brazil's Right Whale Institute
Great place to learn to surf - Rodrigo will get you standing in no time
Watching the moon rise over the sea at dinner
The charming owners, who speak good English and add many personal touches

LOWS

Don't expect a hectic nightlife (although the beach is buzzing in peak season Dec-Feb) or to revel in Brazilian music and dance as you would up north
Being Brazil there's an insect community too - just close your glass doors at dusk to avoid
The villas are top-notch but the original hotel facilities (restaurant, pool and budget eco-rooms) are not of the same standard and could do with updating
The driveway is steep and can get a little tricky - but they have a 4-wheel drive and most guests opt for an airport transfer

Print Whole Report

Name	Vida Sol E Mar	Location	Praia do Rosa, nr Imbituba, Santa Caterina, The South
Type	Beach Villas: 7 Villas sleeping 2-10	Country	Brazil
Price Guide	Dbl: from US$163 BB Whole Villas: from US$296 BB	Open	Open all year


DISTANCES	Airport: 110km	Nearest Shops: 30km	Nearest restaurant: 0.2km	Beach: 0.1km