Brazil (3 of 3): Ponta Dos Ganchos

My Brazilian adventure, continued below with Part 3… (where Part 1 is Rio and Part 2 is Iguazu Falls)

Days 6 & 7:  Ponta Dos Ganchos – Santa Catarina (and saying goodbye to Iguazu)

This morning we did one final hike at Iguazu before checking out and saying farewell to the fabulous Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas at Iguazu and heading back to the Foz Do Iguacu Airport (IGU).  Then, a short one hour flight on Gol Airlines from IGU to Curitiba (CWB), and a 3.5 hour car ride later.. we arrived at Ponta Dos Ganchos, a STUNNING Leading Hotels of the World resort.  The closest airport to Ponta Dos Ganchos is actually Florianopolis (FLN), the capital of the state of Santa Catarina, but there were no direct flights from IGU-FLN, so we took the quick direct flight to CWB and the longer car ride.  If you are going to Ponta Dos Ganchos from Rio or Sao Paolo, it would be easier to take a short direct flight to Florianopolis, where PDG is then about a 1-1.5 hour car ride away, depending on traffic.  (You could even combine this little beach resort with Argentina or Chile!)  As a Virtuoso advisor, I am so pleased to offer my clients at Ponta Dos Ganchos:  complimentary daily breakfast for two, $100 resort credit, and upgrade if available upon arrival!!

Now that logistics are out of the way.. back to this gorgeous property!!  Currently many guests are Brazilian, but more and more foreigners are beginning to discover this little slice of paradise on Brazil’s southern coast (we did meet a honeymoon couple from the US!).  When we arrived at the cozy main building, we were greeted with champagne and comfy outdoor couches to relax on while our host began his resort orientation for us.

Ponta Dos Ganchos is a boutique family-owned and operated hideaway since 2001.  Bungalows (or “bangalos” in Portuguese) have been added since then, bringing the current total to 25 individual accommodations that are scattered on the hillside.  Ponta Dos Ganchos literally means “top of the hook,” perfectly describing the resort’s idyllic location on a private peninsula.  Most bungalows have private jacuzzis or plunge pools, some with dry saunas and indoor tubs with amazing views of the sea.. All have a peaceful, seductive ambiance that will draw you in and make you never want to leave.

After our resort orientation, the golf carts were loaded up and we were escorted to our bungalows.  Two of my friends were dropped off before me, each of their bungalows eliciting an audible “Ohhhhhhh my gosh!!” as they disappeared inside.  I was practically salivating to see my room; I knew I was in for a treat.  When the door to Bungalow #18 swung open, I heard a soft samba beat (from a CD that is complimentary for each guest!) as I entered a space that was the size of a small house.  A fruit plate and welcome note greeted me first, followed by every amenity I could want: comfy living area, mini-bar with Brazilian snacks & drinks, TV on a swivel so could view from bedroom or living area, fireplace, giant walk-in shower with two shower heads, and best of all, his and hers Havianas (as has been the standard my whole trip, but flip-flops are my favorite things in the universe and Brazil has me hoarding them like they are going out of style).  I popped a few grapes in my mouth and excitedly slid open my glass door to reveal one of the most stunning ocean vistas I have seen.. Of course the patio hammock and private pool served as the perfect perches from which to take it all in.

And a few Emerald Villas, including the very best, Bangalo 25 – the Special Emerald Villa:

Ponta Dos Ganchos definitely caters to romantics.  Not only are the bungalows ultra-private, but there are little nooks for a quiet tête-à-tête all over the grounds.  Small benches carved out of wood overlooking the sea, or cozy beach mattresses shielded by overhanging umbrellas to shade from the hot Brazilian sun offer ample space to lounge around.  You can also dine whenever you want.  Breakfast does not close, and the restaurant is open for dinner past 1:00am.  The philosophy is luxury as you would like it.  The staff well outnumbers the guests in a 3:1 ratio and it shows.  They are helpful yet discreet, kind but not intrusive.  Three small spa tents are perched at the corner of the peninsula, allowing for a very relaxing massage to the sounds of the sea (take it from me- fab!).  Ponta Dos Ganchos also has a heated indoor pool (no outdoor pool, but I never missed it.. not with the calm cove of beach and private pool on my bungalow deck), movie theater for 20+ guests, clay tennis courts, fitness center, game room with pool table, and one restaurant which offers delicious and fresh local dishes including fabulous seafood.

Ponta Dos Ganchos may be small in size, but there is plenty to do should you wish to go off property!  We did a wonderful little hike on the Praia De Fora Trail one morning to a secluded beach- it took a couple of hours, beginning at the small fishing village of Ganchos de Fora and ending with rewarding vistas of beautiful Brazil at the end.  I HIGHLY recommend this great little hike!

The resort also has stand-up paddleboarding (tried this for the first time- so fun!!) and canoes for its guests to laze around the quiet cove in front of the beach.  Guests can also take a cooking class, tour nearby Florianopolis, take a helicopter tour from the private helipad, fish, snorkel, sunset sail, enjoy a private dinner on the beach, private dinner on the island, or.. the best one of all – the Private Celebration, which includes an in-bungalow couples massage, followed by a butler-drawn bath with rose petals, champagne and fruit, and ending with a gourmet candlelit dinner on the patio.  YES PLEASE.

I most definitely would have loved to have spent a few more days at Ponta Dos Ganchos!!  Upon check-out, we headed to the Florianopolis Airport where I connected easily in Sao Paolo to arrive back in Dallas (on American Airlines’ brand-new 777-300, so nice!!)  I brought home from Ponta Dos Ganchos many memories, some super comfy brown Havianas, and a great CD of soothing Brazilian samba that I have on repeat in my home CD player.  I would not hesitate to recommend this amazing little resort to couples looking to celebrate something romantic like a honeymoon or anniversary, or just to get some much-needed R&R.  Trust me.. JUST GO!

I have fallen hard for Brazil, and since there are more places on my Brazil bucket list to visit… no goodbyes, just, until next time, Brazil!!!  Obrigada and beijos!!

Please ask me to help plan your perfect Brazilian getaway!!  I have connections to the best guides- kind and fun locals who will completely elevate your experience, and transfers to make the trip seamless.  You can combine city, beach, nature, the Amazon, even a wine region.. Brazil is so diverse and really easy to fly to- including almost daily overnight direct flights on AA from DFW to both Rio and Sao Paolo.  What are you waiting for?!  Please contact me at {[email protected]} to get started planning!