Awasi Santa Catarina

Awasi Santa Catarina, nestled on a private peninsula along Brazil's Emerald Coast, is widely acclaimed as a luxurious and exclusive adults-only retreat, earning its Michelin Key One-Key distinction through exceptional service, stunning natural beauty, and a focus on personalized guest experiences.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Awasi Santa Catarina consistently garners "Exceptional" ratings from guests, with many describing their stay as "perfection" and the "best resort" they've ever experienced. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting an enchanting atmosphere, impeccable service, and a deeply satisfying sense of being pampered and at home. On platforms like Booking.com, it holds an "Exceptional" rating based on numerous reviews, with high scores for location, cleanliness, comfort, and staff performance.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise Awasi Santa Catarina for several standout features:

• Proactive and Personalized Service: The staff's ability to anticipate needs and provide tailor-made experiences, including private guides and 4x4 vehicles for excursions, is frequently lauded.
• Stunning Location and Views: The resort's setting on a private peninsula offers breathtaking sea views and access to secluded beaches and a private island.
• Exceptional Dining: The food is consistently described as delicious, with flexible dining schedules and unique options like private dinners on the hotel's island.
• Luxurious and Secluded Accommodation: The private villas, many with their own pools or hot tubs, offer ultimate comfort and privacy amidst lush natural landscapes.
• Abundance of Activities and Amenities: From helicopter tours, snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking to a panoramic pool, gym, and spa, there are numerous ways to relax or explore. Electric cars are available for navigating the property.

3. Room Quality

The 25 private villas and bungalows at Awasi Santa Catarina are designed for comfort and luxury, each offering spectacular sea views. Guests can expect chic, individually furnished accommodations equipped with air conditioning, LCD TVs, DVD players, spacious living areas, minibars, and telephones. High-quality touches include Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, and fireplaces. Higher-end bungalows elevate the experience with private plunge pools, hot tubs, saunas, mini wine cellars, Nespresso coffee machines, and hammocks on their private verandas. Some even feature spacious double bathrooms with "his-and-hers" facilities.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Awasi Santa Catarina is a significant highlight, praised for its delicious and inventive cuisine. Chef Daniela Damasceno leads the culinary team, crafting seasonal menus that blend traditional Brazilian flavors with contemporary techniques, often using ingredients from the hotel's own garden. Guests appreciate the relaxed dining schedules, with breakfast available all day. Dining options include the main restaurant (Veleza), a beach restaurant, and the unique opportunity for private picnics on the grounds or intimate dinners on the hotel's private island. Freshly caught seafood, including dishes like "prawn on pumpkin" and "oyster moqueca," are specialties. A seafood grill is also offered on specific days.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Awasi Santa Catarina consistently receive stellar reviews. Guests frequently use words like "exceptional proactive service," "impeccable," "professional," and "educated." The team is described as attentive, courteous, kind, and genuinely concerned with guests' well-being, going above and beyond to anticipate needs and ensure a special experience. Many staff members are fluent in English.

6. Location & Accessibility

Awasi Santa Catarina is situated on a lush private peninsula in Governador Celso Ramos, offering a secluded and peaceful retreat about an hour's drive from Florianópolis. The location provides far-reaching views across emerald green waters and forested mountains, with direct access to pristine beaches, forest trails, and secluded bays. While the area is somewhat developed with fishing villages, the resort maintains a private feel. Electric buggies are provided for guests to move around the expansive property, though walking is also an option for those comfortable with hills. Free self-parking is available, and an airport shuttle from Florianópolis International Airport (FLN) can be arranged for a fee.

7. Value & Pricing

Awasi Santa Catarina is considered one of Brazil's most exclusive properties. While a luxury experience, many guests feel it is "worth every centavo." Prices for a one-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $891.49, excluding taxes and fees, as of January 2026. Some rate plans may be all-inclusive. The personalized service, private setting, and extensive amenities contribute to its perceived value within the luxury market.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points of criticism or considerations have been noted:

• Inconsistent Service (Rare): One review mentioned a perceived disconnect between price and service quality, suggesting the team "needs to be much better," though this sentiment is highly contradicted by the vast majority of reviews.
• Difficulty Finding Entrance: Some guests have mentioned that the entrance to the property can be a bit challenging to locate.
• Limited Cell Service: Due to its secluded nature, guests might experience a lack of cell service in some areas.
• Villas Can Get Warm: Some west-facing villas may become warm in the afternoon, although this can be mitigated by keeping window shades closed.
• Adults-Only Policy: The resort is strictly for guests aged 18 and over (or 14 and over in some specific mentions), which means families with younger children would need to consider alternative accommodations.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. expedia.com
3. awasi.com
4. plansouthamerica.com
5. audleytravel.com
6. tablethotels.com
7. mrandmrssmith.com
8. reddit.com
9. michelin.com
10. relaischateaux.com
11. awasi.com
12. relaischateaux.com
13. trip.com