MISSION To enjoy a week of exhilarating winter sun: a bit of nature beyond the everyday, culture without the crowds and relaxation free from karma-corroding jetlag.

AMBIENCE Named after its position on the coastline of Santa Catarina state in Southern Brazil, Ponta dos Ganchos (point of the hooks) is surrounded by the calm bays and islands to the north of Florianopolis, a city known for its surf, socialising and setting: around a lagoon looking out over the Atlantic.

The resort itself, up a single road from the local fishing village, comprises 20 bungalows ranging from the 860sq ft 'lux' to the 1,400-plus sq ft 'vila' and 'especial da vila', with added perks such as saunas, Jacuzzis and private infinity pools. All boast sea views – looking out on the fishing boats and oyster nets – and a feeling of total privacy too rare in many resorts that supplant nature for an armoury of facilities.

The refreshing 'can-do' attitude of staff is testament to two enterprising 28-year-olds who oversee the day-to-day management of the resort.

Expert View

I was saved from comic humiliation by a fault with the speakers. Phew.

Ginny McGrath

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BACKGROUND

• Top 5 serene retreats

• Spas for real people

• Top 10 breaks to get you out of a rut

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QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE Spa treatments are found in three tents at the tip of the peninsula, with views of the sunset, the ocean and private islands. Specialties include hot stone therapies (placed on the skin to accentuate metabolic effects such as blood and oxygen flow) and oil-based ayurvedic massages, performed by Brazilian masseurs with international training. While the treatments deviate little from the stock spa repertoire, the real therapy is the open-air quiet.

The spa's other selling point is a Christian Dior tie-up – the only one in the Americas – offering hand massages, skin treatments and lymphatic drainage (it firms the thighs, apparently). Other options for toning and tanning include a so-so indoor gym and swimming pool and a glorious private beach. Must-do boat trips to Anhatomirim Island, a historic guardpost, and dolphin-watching at the Baía dos Golfinhos are among other activities.

PRODUCTS With Dior in tow, there is a stack of female-friendly oils and ointments, including exfoliating “dry oils” that turn to milky foam on contact with water, hydrating bath lotions and antiageing blocks.

FOOD Seafood to die for. Fresh oysters from the bay (for really fresh, pick one straight from the nets on a trip with an oyster farmer), mussels, salmon and tuna. For those favouring the landlubber’s diet, quality South American steaks are on hand. A highlight: the breakfast fruit juice shots, including mixes such as cabbage, grape and lime.

IN-CROWD No crowd to count, but popular with couples from São Paolo couples and the richer communities of Southern Brazil, many of which started life as Italian and German colonies. This may in part explain its attraction to a growing number of Western Europeans. There is an adults-only policy.

WALLET WATCH While the resort is not cheap – two-person bungalows range from £290 to £570 a night – it does include all meals (excluding alcohol), which are of a very high standard. Seven nights in a “luxo” (including return economy class flights and airport transfers) are from £1,890 per person. Call Exsus Travel on 020-7292 5050, or visit www.exsus.com . Spa treatments start at £60 for 50 minutes.

NEED TO KNOW Ponta dos Ganchos, Ganchos de Fora, Cep, Brazil (www.pontadosganchos.com.br)
The time difference: despite the distance (13 hours flying, via Sao Paolo) Brazil is just 3 hours behind GMT - so little jetlag.

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