10 Best Hotels in Florianopolis, The South

The ocean view from the north-facing rooms is one reason to stay at the island's most sophisticated resort; the surrounding 100-acre Atlantic Forest is another. There are several nearby trails, including one that leads to petroglyphs on the hill. The older buildings have full apartments with mini kitchens that are perfect for longer stays. A more recent addition features traditional hotel rooms with modern decor. All have great ocean views. The list of activities here is almost unending: martial arts, aerobics, surfing, sandboarding (like snowboarding, but on sand), and trekking.

This renowned hotel has lush rooms with verandas, most of which give ample views of the beach; some are apartments with a small kitchen, perfect for longer stays. You're just steps from the popular Jurerê Beach. The hotel is a prime destination for South American visitors, especially Argentines, and a minimum stay of one week is usually required in high season (December–March). The Z Perry restaurant ($$–$$$) serves international fare with seafood specialties.

Lush, meticulously furnished suites with hot tubs await discerning guests at this popular hotel. Rooms facing west have a grand view of the bay and Hercílio Luz Bridge. From here, quick access to the business district is guaranteed. Beaches are farther away, but access is easy.

Cozy up in the poolside Jacuzzi to watch an epic sunset over the mainland at this hotel on the northern tip of Florianópolis. The hotel's Canto do Mar restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, buffet-style. Request a room with a balcony overlooking the bay for the best sunset views. Stroll to nearby Ponta das Canas Beach, and stick your feet in the sand at the Garra Azul restaurant, by the same owners, while trying siri na manga, a tasty crab and mango appetizer, or crunchy octopus with a chili jelly.

If you're looking for service and basic facilities like those you can find back home, Íbis is a reliable choice. The decor is undistinguished, but almost all rooms have comfortable queen-size beds. It's one of the few hotels in the area to offer rooms for people with disabilities.

Although it has much to offer, this midsize hotel's main attraction is its location on the popular (and therefore crowded in high season) Praia dos Ingleses. The pool is one step from the beach, making the Lexus a great place to enjoy the warm northern waters. Choose the bay-facing apartments with balconies where you can hang your hammock and feel the sea breeze. Rooms are sleek, with colorful bedspreads and blond-wood furniture.