How I found Floripa

In the winter season of 2004/2005 I began a life changing sabbatical, leaving the "rat-race"  for a simpler and more enjoyable life. I grew up loving outdoor sports, especially surfing and snow skiing. I know, in most places on earth it's hard to be into both, sports on a regular basis, but in California it's possible to  do both, on the same day! I was yearning for a surf adventure, but the winter was here and I decided to hit the "reset button" and go back to being a ski instructor at Mammoth Mountain for a season. There I met a beautiful and exotic looking girl, she was unlike any girl I had seen before, silky, beach sand color hair, perfect skin, a big, beautiful smile and green eyes. I asked where she was from, "Floripa" she said with a little laugh and an adorable smile.  Now I'm a concierge with Brazilian tourism and the rest is history.  

(Florianopolis is affectionately known as  Floripa by the locals)

Visiting Florianopolis, Brazil

Exploring  Florianopolis, or Floripa is an experience unlike any other. It's a magical island located in the South of Brazil. It reminded me of Maui at first glance, but once you dive into the Brazilian culture it truly sets itself apart from any other tropical place in the world. Florianopolis has become one of the most desirable destinations in Brazil for travelers who are looking for pristine beaches, beautiful scenery, interesting culture and friendly people. As the capital of Santa Catarina, one of the most prosperous per capita states in Brazil, it is long been known to affluent South Americans as a wonderful vacation destination. Florianopolis is also favored with an organized and very safe  metropolitan environment, which helps to explain why for several years in a row now it has been named as the city with the best quality of life in Brazil by the local news.

The New York Times reported that "Florianopolis is the Party Destination of the Year in 2009." on January 11, 2009. Newsweek placed Florianopolis in the "Ten most dynamic cities of the world" list in 2006. Veja magazine, a Brazilian publication, named the city as "the best place to live in Brazil." As a result of this publicity, Florianopolis is growing as a second home destination for many Paulistas, Argentines, U.S. citizens and Europeans.

Florianopolis has also long been well known to uncompromising surfers from around the world as a leading destination for a surf adventure in Brazil, favored with some of the greatest and most regular breaks you’ll find anywhere. Florianopolis even currently hosts WCT and WQS (the qualifying event for the WCT) pro surf tour events, it's a no-brainer destination for die-hard surfers.

Not a surfer, nor speak Portuguese? No worries!! No longer is this gem of a island and lifestyle paradise just for jet-set South Americans and pro surfers – New Lifestyle Secrets will give you the key to enjoying Floripa like an insider! We'll help you with the entire experience, from arranging the right flight and accommodations, to touring the island and experiencing the nightlife!

Things to do in Florianopolis

There's a huge array of  sports and activity options in Florianopolis. Whether you need a day of rest on a warm sandy beach people watching or looking for a new adventure to make your holiday experience that much more extraordinary, you've come to the Magic Island where all your dreams can come true! Well, maybe not, but close I'm sure!!!

Florianopolis sports and activities:

• Surfing tour – a local surf-guide could show you the best surf spots on the island.
• Kite-surfing either in the ocean or in the Lagoa – kite boarding is an incredible rush and should not be missed. Beginner lessons available.
  
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for beginners to black belts, learn advanced techniques of the world's most effective martial art.
  
• Windsurfing in the beautiful Lagoa da Conceição lagoon or on the open ocean at Praia Mole beach. 
• Sandboarding in the sand dunes near Joaquina beach. Think snowboarding minus cold and snow, plus bikinis and shorts.
  
• Motorcycle tours with rentals located in the Lagoa town center.
• Para-gliding off of the cliffs high above Praia Mole beach or off the famous Morro da Lagoa — you won't find a more stunning view anywhere in Florianopolis, or perhaps the entire world for that matter. 
• Snorkeling and diving with absolutely incredible marine wildlife just a short distance off the coast of Florianopolis accessible by boat.
• Boat tours to charming fishing villages inaccessible by car or deserted island paradises.
• River rafting tours just an hour outside of Florianopolis.
  
• Ecological hikes that take you to the edge of breathtaking cliffs and through lush green forests in remote parts of the island.
• Yoga and Pilates available on Praia Mole beach or in the nearby Lagoa town center.
  
• Swimming in deep rocky ravines and caves where natural springs are fed by seasonal waterfalls.
  
• Massage Therapy at a choice of indoor/outdoor massage studios in Praia Mole beach and the Lagoa town center.
  
• Nightlife Concierge – The city of Florianopolis is quite modern, with large shopping malls, chain and high-end restaurants, many glamorous bars and nightclubs. A local guide will accompany you to show you the locals' best club scene, Samba bar, restaurants and more!

• Sun Bathing – You have the opportunity to soak up the sun on a different beach everyday you are in Floripa! There are so many beautiful beaches laden with so many beautiful people you will have a hard time deciding on which one you had the most fun at and which one to go back to!

As you can see there are so many things to do in Floripa that it's impossible for an outsider to schedule every day out ahead of time before you get there, so New Lifestyle Secrets will get you set up and get started on the right foot for an amazing vacation in Florianopolis, Brazil.

For information on arranging an adventure to Florianopolis or any of the above activities, contact us