Where to Stay in Florianópolis: From Beachfront Boutiques to Jungle Eco-Lodges

While many visitors immediately flee to Floripa's outlying beaches, I've found there's something quite special about beginning your island journey in the city center along Beira-Mar Norte. This upscale waterfront avenue offers accommodations with sweeping views across the North Bay toward the mainland, creating a perfect transitional space between the urban and natural worlds.

The Baía Norte Palace Hotel has been my preferred city-center haven for years. Its recently renovated suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the bay's shifting moods throughout the day. What I particularly appreciate is how the sunrise here gently eases you into island time—golden light spilling across polished hardwood floors as fishing boats dot the horizon.

For those seeking more residential comforts, the serviced apartments at Coral Tower Trade Center provide generous living spaces and kitchenettes. During my last stay, I prepared simple breakfasts with ingredients from the nearby public market, savoring them on my private balcony while planning the day's adventures.

Beira-Mar accommodations offer the distinct advantage of walkability to the historic center. After dinner, nothing compares to strolling hand-in-hand along the illuminated waterfront promenade, where locals gather for evening exercise and socializing. The architecture along this stretch—a fascinating mix of mid-century modern and contemporary glass towers—tells the story of Florianópolis's evolution from sleepy government outpost to cosmopolitan destination.

When my dear friends Marco and Elena visited from Milan last February, I insisted we spend three nights in Jurerê Internacional, Floripa's answer to Miami Beach. This meticulously planned northern peninsula neighborhood delivers a polished resort experience that feels worlds away from Brazil's typical beachfront chaos.

Our choice, the Il Campanario Villagio Resort, exemplifies the area's sophisticated approach to hospitality. The property's Mediterranean-inspired architecture creates a series of intimate courtyards and pools that provide natural privacy for couples. Our one-bedroom apartment featured a gourmet kitchen and expansive terrace—though with the beach just two minutes away by foot, we spent minimal time indoors.

What distinguishes Jurerê's accommodations is their integration with the neighborhood's carefully curated amenities. Each morning began with a barefoot beach walk followed by espresso at one of the chic cafés lining Avenida dos Búzios. For evening cocktails, we never had to venture far from our temporary home.

For those seeking ultimate privacy, the Jurerê Beach Village offers standalone villas with private gardens. During previous visits, I've found these ideal for couples celebrating special occasions. The property's concierge can arrange everything from private chefs to sunset sailing excursions.

While not inexpensive, Jurerê's accommodations deliver value through their prime locations and thoughtful design. After a day exploring the island's wilder reaches, returning to these havens of controlled beauty provides a welcome counterbalance. I particularly recommend packing a lightweight beach sarong for elegant beachside lounging—the Jurerê scene appreciates stylish yet effortless beachwear.

The eastern region of Florianópolis holds a special place in my heart. Here, the island's mountainous spine descends dramatically toward the open Atlantic, creating a landscape where dense forest meets rugged shoreline. This is where you'll find accommodations with character—properties that embrace rather than tame their natural surroundings.

Perched on the hillside above Praia Mole, Pousada Vida Sol e Mar captures the area's bohemian spirit. During my stay last December, I awoke each morning to the sound of birdsong mixing with distant surf. The pousada's individually decorated rooms feature handcrafted furniture and artwork from local artisans. What makes this property exceptional is its expansive communal terrace, where couples naturally gather for sunset cocktails and conversation.

For those preferring proximity to dining options and nightlife, the boutique hotels surrounding Lagoa da Conceição offer an ideal compromise. The Pousada Petrópolis sits just steps from the lagoon promenade yet maintains a sense of seclusion through its lush gardens. My corner suite offered views of both the lagoon and the surrounding mountains—a perfect representation of Floripa's diverse landscapes in a single panorama.

What distinguishes eastern Floripa's accommodations is their integration with the region's active lifestyle. Properties here typically offer paddleboard rentals for lagoon exploration or can arrange surf lessons at neighboring beaches. After a day of activity, I particularly appreciate returning to accommodations that provide outdoor shower facilities and relaxed common spaces.

The boutique properties in this region excel at fostering connection—both with nature and fellow travelers. Unlike the more manicured western beaches or the private luxury of Jurerê, eastern Floripa encourages a communal experience that many couples find enriches their journey.

On my very first visit to Florianópolis nearly two decades ago, I stumbled upon Santo Antônio de Lisboa almost by accident. This historic district on the northwestern shore has since become my favorite area for experiencing the island's Azorean heritage—and the accommodations here reflect this rich cultural tapestry.

The Pousada dos Chás occupies a meticulously restored colonial building just steps from the waterfront. What makes this property extraordinary is how it honors the architectural integrity of the original structure while providing modern comforts. My room featured 18th-century tile work alongside a thoroughly contemporary bathroom—a juxtaposition that perfectly captures Floripa's timeline.

The true delight of staying in Santo Antônio lies in the sensory experience. Each morning, the scent of fresh bread from neighborhood bakeries wafts through narrow streets. By evening, the aroma of seafood stew emanates from traditional restaurants along the waterfront. The accommodations here place you at the heart of this culinary landscape.

For couples seeking more space, several historic homes have been converted into vacation rentals. During my visit last summer, I stayed in a charming cottage with a private garden where I spent hours reading and sketching the colonial architecture visible from my secluded patio.

What distinguishes Santo Antônio's lodgings is their connection to local life. Unlike the purpose-built tourist districts, this area maintains its authentic rhythm. Proprietors often provide insider recommendations for oyster farms, ceramic studios, and hidden beaches that rarely appear in guidebooks. I've found that bringing a small travel sketchbook helps me capture the distinctive architectural details and waterfront scenes that make this district so photogenic.

For couples truly seeking to disconnect, I can recommend no area more enthusiastically than Costa da Lagoa. This remarkable community, accessible only by hiking trail or boat taxi, stretches along the northeastern shore of Lagoa da Conceição. The absence of roads has preserved both the natural environment and a way of life that feels increasingly rare in our connected world.

During my most recent visit, I spent three unforgettable nights at Pousada Pedra da Lagoa. Reaching this eco-lodge required a 30-minute boat journey followed by a short trail walk—a transition that physically and mentally separated me from the outside world. The property features just five cabins built from sustainable materials, each positioned to maximize privacy while offering stunning lagoon views.

What distinguishes Costa da Lagoa accommodations is their deep integration with the surrounding ecosystem. My cabin's large windows eliminated any boundary between interior and exterior space. Falling asleep to the chorus of frogs and waking to mist rising off the lagoon created a profound sense of place that more conventional properties simply cannot match.

Meals here typically incorporate ingredients grown on-site or sourced from neighboring properties. One evening, I joined other guests for a community dinner featuring freshly caught fish prepared according to recipes passed down through generations of local families.

While not for everyone—you won't find air conditioning or room service—these eco-lodges offer couples a rare opportunity for genuine connection, both with each other and with a remarkable natural setting. I recommend packing a powerful headlamp for navigating the property and surrounding trails after dark, as artificial lighting is intentionally minimal to preserve the area's extraordinary night sky.