Pousada Cabanas Dunasol

With the word being spread of Santa Catarina Islands beaches and Florianopolis (or Floripa as it is gently called by it’s inhabitants) to be the best kept secret in southern Brazil, they no longer remain a hidden gem for the rich and beautiful from Sao Paulo. More and more tourists from all over the world go there instead of beaching around the Northeast, which may have to do with the lower humidity, better security, much higher standards in all and everything and the fact that Floripa lays well below the dengue fever equator. The best place to stay in my eyes is Lagoa de Conceicao, as it is close to the best beaches but also close enough to Downtown Floripa, where you may end up sightseeing, shopping, banking or dining out. The Cabanas DunaSol lay right at the Lagoa, app. 3 Kilometres’ outside of town. As you need a car, motorbike or at least a bike anyway (to get to the beaches, public transport is rather slow and uncomfy) you may enjoy the out of town location. It’s a peaceful and quiet oasis, to stretch out and relax, yet close enough to the action for those who are in need. The second generation owner couple Bianca and Rodrigo will do their very best to make you feel welcome and rather treat you like a friend then like a guest. It is certainly very helpful Bianca lived in London for some years and speaks English perfectly. She’s a wonderful and very communicative host and shares with you all her knowledge about whatever may be of interests for you. The entire premises of the DunaSol are still in a process of upgrade and renovation, which became necessary after 28 years in service. So the one or other corner may look a bit scrambled but in general the grounds are kept in very good condition and everything works well. Out of the 12 cabanas (I’d rather call ´em one story duplex homes) stretching along a short artificial “resort road”, one is inhabited by Bianca, the owner. The 11 other ones fit 4 to 6 people, or may be enjoyed as suites with a combined living room/ kitchen and a separate bedroom by couples who want it a bit more spacey. Besides that in the main building there are 5 double rooms and one 4 bed room, all coming with a balcony and a beautiful view of the lagoon but unfortunately also facing the sometimes noisy main street around the Lagoon. The Cabanas are in a perfectly quiet setting. All rooms come with Aircon and some with additional fans, all have TV sets, and some Cabanas even 2 of them. Most TV sets are Flat screens today (with the remaining ones being replaced soon). The renovation stage of the rooms and Cabanas is different (so is the price!) and you may wish to check which one fits your style and budget best. Peak season prices start at 110.- Reais for a decent single in the main building and end at around 300.- for a beautifully appointed well renovated “Honeymoon”-Cabana including Whirlpool and 2 Flat screen TV’s. All prices can be considered very very reasonable for what the Hotel offers. The breakfast is okay for the price range and the price/quality ratio is definitely a reason for a repeat visit. Some of the rooms have working fridges, some haven’t, but you will always get a cold whatever at the reception desk. The pool is nice and quiet yet the pool furniture desperately cries for replacement and may hopefully be next for being send to retirement. In summary I’d say the Cabanas DunaSol deserve two thumbs up for the location, the almost unbeatable price/quality ratio and the wonderful hosts. Enjoy Floripa!