Escape to Paradise: Florianópolis's Hotel Farol da Ilha Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Florianópolis's Hotel Farol da Ilha – A Whirlwind of Views, and…Well, Everything Else!
Okay, so I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Florianópolis, Brazil, and let me tell you, Hotel Farol da Ilha was an EXPERIENCE. They bill it as "Escape to Paradise," and while I wouldn't go quite that far (more like "Escape to…a scenic hillside with a LOT of amenities"), it definitely had its moments. Buckle up, because this review is going to be less polished travel brochure and more…well, me trying to wrangle my thoughts after a week of sun, caipirinhas, and the general chaos of traveling.
First Impressions: Views that Stole My Breath (And Maybe My Luggage?)
From the moment I stepped out of the (thankfully available) airport transfer, the view just…hit me. Perched on a hill, the hotel overlooks the ocean, and the sunsets? Forget about it. Seriously breathtaking. They have this pool with a view, and it's exactly as Instagrammable as it looks. And yeah, the view is a huge selling point, and they know it. Speaking of which, the terrace and outdoor venue for special events are pure gold. I even saw a couple of proposal spots (probably pre-arranged, cause I’m terrible at spotting hidden gems). The exterior corridor was less appealing, I’d be lying, the color was kind of…beige. Still, the view was always waiting for ya!
Accessibility: Some Wins, Some Wobbles
Now, being brutally honest, I didn't specifically check for accessibility features as I am fully mobile. But I did take note of the Elevator, which is a must-have for any hotel on a hill. They also list Facilities for disabled guests, which is great, though I couldn't tell you the specifics (worth looking into directly if you need them.) They also had a Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site], which is always handy.
Rooms: Comfort (Eventually) and Contradictions
My room (thankfully, a non-smoking room) was… interesting. The Air conditioning worked like a charm, a lifesaver in the Florianópolis heat. And the blackout curtains were phenomenal, perfect for sleeping in or, you know, hiding from the day after a few too many caipirinhas. The Free Wi-Fi was a godsend, and it's in all rooms! Speaking of which, there was Internet access – wireless. However…the Internet access – LAN? That was a blast from the past, I think? Who uses that anymore?
The bed, the Extra long bed, was comfortable, but the décor… let's just say it was a tad… dated. The Bathroom did the job; bathtub? Yup. Separate shower/bathtub? You got it. Toiletries were provided, thankfully. I really appreciated the complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker, which fueled my constant need. I liked the safety/security feature, it made me feel safer, although… I'm not sure if it was a good idea to have a socket near the bed. I was tempted to take a nap next to my phone charging, but instead, I went to sleep.
Cleanliness and Safety: Covid-19 Era Standards…Mostly
Okay, here's where the hotel really shone. In the age of COVID, they were on it. They listed all this stuff. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, and all that jazz. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. I opted in to the cleaning, don't worry. They offered Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, etc. Definitely made me feel a bit more secure, which is a huge plus. But I couldn't find the toilet paper, though. Maybe a cleaning mishap?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Gastronomic Adventure (and Misadventure)
The dining situation was…a mixed bag. The Breakfast [buffet] was decent, albeit a little repetitive. Asian breakfast? I'm not sure. The International cuisine in restaurant was good, I guess. The Coffee shop…well, let's just say I made a lot of use of the bottle of water in my room. The Poolside bar was a definite highlight, though. The Happy hour was…happy. The Restaurants, plural, offered a variety, including a Vegetarian restaurant (yay!), but I never found time to try all of them. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on a couple of hungover mornings, for some reason.
The Snack bar? Eh. Desserts in restaurant? I’ll pass…I had fun trying, though!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams (Sort Of)
Alright, here’s where I really got my chill on. The Spa was a winner. They have a Sauna, which I'm a total sucker for, a Steamroom, and Massage options. I indulged in a Body scrub and a Body wrap. Let me tell you, after a few days of sun and exploring, it was heaven. The Fitness center was small but serviceable, if you’re into that sort of thing (I'm mostly into resting, TBH). The Pool with view? Mentioning it again because it deserves it. Pure bliss. They also had a Foot bath (I didn’t try it). The Spa/sauna was a great combo.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Baffling
They really went all-out on the services. The Concierge was helpful. Daily housekeeping was on point, which was a huge plus. They had Luggage storage, which was handy for early check-in/late check-out situations. The Cash withdrawal service was useful. Currency exchange was available, too.
However… the Gift/souvenir shop felt a bit…empty. The Convenience store was more convenient than stocked, I guess. And the Xerox/fax in business center? Again, a holdover from the 90s?
For the Kids: Meh
They have Babysitting service. You know, if you're into it! They also boast about being Family/child friendly, and have Kids facilities, and Kids meal. Didn’t use any of it, but it’s there!
Getting Around: Pretty Easy, Actually
They offer Airport transfer, which is a must. They had Car park [free of charge]. They also have Car park [on-site]. They also offer Taxi service (which I used). And they have Bicycle parking!
The Bottom Line: Worth the Price of Admission (Maybe?)
Look, Hotel Farol da Ilha isn't perfect. It's a bit uneven in places, but the amazing views, the solid safety measures, and the spa make it worth considering. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway with stunning scenery, this could be your spot. Is it a five-star experience? Nah. But is it an enjoyable, memorable stay? Absolutely! I'd definitely go back – if only to watch the sunset from that pool again.
SEO & Metadata Breakdown:
- Keywords: Florianópolis, Hotel Farol da Ilha, Brazil, Travel, Review, Spa, Pool, Sunset, Accessibility, COVID Safety, View, Vacation.
- Title Tags: Hotel Farol da Ilha Review: Florianópolis Paradise (The Good, The Bad & the Beautiful!)
- Meta Description: Honest review of Hotel Farol da Ilha in Florianópolis, Brazil. Stunning views, spa, and detailed look at amenities, accessibility, and the overall experience. Is it worth it? Find out!
- Image Alt Tags: (Use descriptive alt tags for each image, e.g., "Hotel Farol da Ilha pool with sunset view," "Hotel Farol da Ilha accessible elevator")
- H1: Escape to Paradise: Florianópolis's Hotel Farol da Ilha – A Whirlwind of Views, and…Well, Everything Else!
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I hope this review helps! And remember, travel isn't always perfect but it is nearly always an experience.
Baku's Hidden Gem: Atropat Old City Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to step aboard the Tilt-a-Whirl of my Florianopolis trip. We're talking Hotel Farol da Ilha, a place that promised sun, sand, and maybe, just maybe, a decent caipirinha. Spoiler alert: it delivered on some counts. Here we go, a gloriously imperfect, rambling, and opinionated itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival, Reality Check & That Damn Airport Shuttle
Morning (or, more accurately, "Dear God, please let the flight land on time"): Landed at Hercílio Luz International Airport. Let me tell you, that airport felt like a giant, slightly humid, shoebox. Immigration? Smooth as silk. Luggage? Blessedly, arrived in one piece. Now, the airport shuttle. Oh, the shuttle. The website had promised a "comfortable, air-conditioned ride." Lies! All lies! It was a repurposed bread truck, likely older than my grandma, filled with the distinct aroma of stale farts and desperation. My first emotional reaction? Mild panic mixed with an irrational desire to start yelling in Portuguese.
Afternoon: Check-in and "Oh…it's that kind of view…": Arrived at Hotel Farol da Ilha. The lobby? Surprisingly chic. Minimalist, clean lines, a hint of the ocean breeze. Check-in was a breeze. Now, the room. Okay, so the website photos… let's just say they were generously filtered. The "balcony with ocean view" overlooked… well, a roof. A roof with some rusty air conditioning units. My immediate reaction? A mixture of disappointment and a cynical chuckle. It was so exquisitely anticlimactic. I mean, I'd ordered a sea view, not a roof view! I think you can see the ocean if you lean out really far, but I am not going that far.
Evening: First Caipirinha Crusade, Beach Blunders, and Pasta Disaster: First things first: caipirinhas! Found a beachfront bar. The first one was perfect. Zingy, refreshing, a promise of brighter days (and fewer rusty air conditioners). The second? Equally delicious. The third… well, the third led to a slightly tipsy stumble onto the beach. I attempted a romantic stroll, only to be thwarted by a rogue wave that devoured my flip-flops. I'm sure it was hilarious to watch. Dinner was where things really went off the rails. I was aiming for the lovely pasta restaurant, but apparently, the menu translated to "pasta, but make it… terrible." Undercooked, bland, and drowning in a sauce that tasted suspiciously of canned tomatoes. My emotional reaction? Utter, unadulterated rage…and a very strong desire for a second caipirinha.
Day 2: The Double Whammy Experience: Praia Mole & the Whale Watching Flop
Morning: Praia Mole - Where "Mole" Means "Insanely Crowded": Heard Praia Mole was the place to be. Got there, found an incredibly crowded beach. It's beautiful, don't get me wrong, with all that surf and golden sand. But, the sheer volume of bronzed bodies was a little overwhelming – I'm a pale-skinned ginger, remember! The whole "being-seen" thing. But hey, I got a tan! I did some surfing!
Afternoon: Whale Watching - or, The Great Marine Mammal No-Show: After surfing, the anticipation for a whale watching tour was huge. The website promised humpback whales breaching, dolphins frolicking, and a general sense of oceanic wonder. What we got? A rocking boat, a severe case of seasickness, and…absolutely nothing. We spent three hours staring at the same stretch of empty ocean. My emotional reaction? Utter, soul-crushing disappointment. I mean, whales aren't exactly known for hiding from tourists, right? I mean, how hard could it be?! I wanted to be angry and annoyed, because, you know - whales… But all I really wanted was to go back to the hotel, take a shower, and get the smell of salty fish off of me.
Evening: The "I Deserve This" Pizza & Sunset: After the whale watching debacle, I figured, "I deserve pizza!" Found a charming little pizzeria overlooking the beach. The pizza, thankfully, was divine. Simple Margherita, the way it should be. Watched the sunset, which, blessedly, made up for everything that had gone horribly, hilariously wrong that day. The sheer beauty of it was enough to make me believe in happy endings… or at least, in delicious pizza.
Day 3: The Island Adventure (and Minor Breakdown)
Morning: Renting a Scooter and "Oops, I Almost Killed Myself": "Rent a scooter," they said. "It'll be fun," they said. Okay, so I'm not exactly a motorcycle pro. But I thought, "How hard can it be?" Turns out, the answer is "Very." I spent the first hour nearly running over a flock of chickens, narrowly missing a bus, and generally causing an accident waiting to happen. Emotional reaction? Mild panic, followed by a weird sense of "I'm actually doing this!"
Afternoon: Lagoa da Conceição - Beauty and Bitter Coffee: Finally decided to visit Lagoa da Conceição. The lagoon itself was stunning. Turquoise water, rolling hills, charming little cafes. But the coffee? Hoo boy. It tasted like burnt motor oil. I'm not even exaggerating. I needed a coffee, though, to get me through the day.
Evening: Dinner & "I Need a Bigger Bed" Thoughts: Found a cute little restaurant that was serving some incredible grilled fish. After a long day of scooter-related trauma and subpar coffee, it was exactly what I needed. After a couple of tasty beers to unwind, the bed felt amazing. It wasn't a huge bed… and I'm not really a bed-hog… but it was comfortable. I just wanted to be in my bed. Maybe sleep in it for a week.
Day 4: Departure and The Unspoken Promise to Return
Morning: One last, longing look at the ocean (and the roof). A surprisingly lovely breakfast at the hotel. A final, desperate caipirinha at the bar. Pack, say goodbye. More than a vacation, it's a reminder of how messy amazing life is.
Afternoon: The shuttle back to the airport. Another chance to contemplate the state of human transportation. The flight – thankfully – on time.
Evening: Reflecting on my trip from the clouds. I came, I saw, I stumbled, I laughed, I ate terrible pasta…and I had the time of my life. Would I go back? Absolutely. Maybe next time I will book a room with a better view. Maybe next time I will not be so scared of those damn scooters.
So, there you have it. My gloriously imperfect Florianopolis adventure. Hopefully, it made you chuckle, maybe even cringe a little. Remember, travel isn't always about the perfect photos or the meticulously planned itineraries. Sometimes, it's about embracing the mess, the mishaps, and the caipirinhas. And, if you ever find yourself in Florianopolis, well, be prepared for anything. And maybe, just maybe, pack some anti-seasickness medication. You'll need it.
Unbelievable Wroclaw: Puro Stare Miasto's Hidden Gems Revealed!
Escape to Paradise: Your Chaos-Filled Guide to Hotel Farol da Ilha!
Okay, Okay, Florianópolis... Sounds Amazing. But Is This Hotel REALLY All That?
Let's Talk Location: Is It Actually 'Farol da Ilha' - Lighthouse Island-y Perfect?
Food! Is the Fare Worth the Flight (and the Potential Bumpy Road)?
The Rooms! Spoil me... are they Instagram-worthy? Or should I pack extra air freshener?
What About the Pool? Is it a Paradise Oasis or a Chlorine-Infused Nightmare?
Any Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) at Farol da Ilha?
- Learn some basic Portuguese. Seriously. "Obrigado" goes a long way and it will change the whole experience.
- Rent a car. Gives you freedom to explore the island. Prepare for Brazilian driving, though - it's an adventure!
- Embrace the "rustic" aspects. You're not staying at a five-star resort, and that’s part of the fun.
- Get up for sunrise. Seriously. It's worth it, even if you're a total night owl.
- Pack mosquito repellent. They are a real and persistent threat. Trust me on this one.
- Be prepared for some slow service. Embrace the slower pace of life. You're on vacation!
- Tip generously. The staff works hard and appreciates it.
- Go to the Praia! The beach is why you are here.
Would you stay there again? And why, or why NOT?
