Saturday 25 August 2012

Surfing With Whales in Praia do Rosa

Praia do Rosa, on the Southern Coast of Santa Catarina, is famous in Brazil for its perfect waves, its rustic-chic guesthouses and restaurants and for receiving the visit of the Southern Right whales in winter.

Due to its shape, the half-moon bay of Rosa is considered a “Disneyland” for surfers, as there is always an option for good surfing, independently of wind or swell direction. Winter sometimes brings big swells that attract pro-surfers, but most of the year it offers good conditions for all abilities.

Adding to that, there is Capitão David: surf coach and owner of the oldest local surf school, established in Rosa since 1995. The Captain, as he is known by his more than 13,000 student/friends, is a friendly character that has taught generations of beginners and trained some serious surfers. His first lesson can last hours and it will teach you more than any other surf school ever did!

To make the week even more special, you might have a very close encounter with one of the gentle giants of the seas- the Southern Right Whale. This will be a holiday that you will never forget!

Brazil Ecojourneys takes you there with a very special 8days/7nights Surfing with Whales package from US$ 799.00 per person.

Package includes transfers in/out Florianopolis airport to Praia do Rosa, 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast at the charming Pousada Casa do Ceo, 5 surf lessons with Capitão David School and one whale watching boat trip from Garopaba or Imbituba.

Thursday 2 August 2012

Top Relais & Chateaux Chefs in Santa Catarina in August

Our special program of the month is a gourmet's dream.

This year the Cycle of Chefs is bringing the flavours of Italy, France and the Iberian Peninsula to Ponta dos Ganchos, through the hands of top Chefs from Relais & Chateaux properties. The Guest Chefs focus on fresh, authentic, high-quality produce, brings to the event the essence of each region’s gastronomic culture.

ITALY – 3rd to 5th of August

A weekend of Barolo wine, Black Truffles, Veal, Pastas, Parmesan Cheese, Risottos and many more of the best Italian products, to provoke a range of sensations.

Chef Roberto Pession, from the Relais & Chateaux Hotel Hermitage in Cervínia has prepared a menu especially for the weekend, working with the old time flavours of the Valle d’Aosta and based on regional products.

Roberto will prepare two dinners, one of which will be matched to a selection of Italian wines by the Decanter Sommelier, Guilherme Corrêa, who was voted Best Sommelier in Brazil in both 2006 and 2009. On Saturday afternoon, Roberto and Guilherme will hold a workshop, explaining a little more about the traditions of this remarkable country.

FRANCE – 10th to 12th of August

One of the dinners during this spectacular weekend will be matched to the peerless champagne Taittinger. Try the very best of delicacies such as Foie Gras, Coquille Saint-Jacques and Lobster plus many more delights from the world-famous French cuisine.

Chef Vincent Farges, from the Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho, will make his Michelin star shine even brighter with the innovative menu he has prepared for us.

There will be two incredible dinners, one matched to the very best French wines, a workshop, in which Vincent will talk about his native country and his specialties, and a Taittinger champagne tasting overseen by Sommelier Ana Rita Zanier, making this an unforgettable weekend.

IBERIAN PENINSULA – 24 a 26 de August

To round it off perfectly Chef Koerper, from the Eleven restaurant in Lisbon, has prepared a mouth-watering weekend for us. He is bringing only the very best that Portugal and Spain have to offer, like Pata Negra ham, Serra da Estrela cheese and, of course, cod.

Joachim is considered one of the best chefs in Europe. He has worked in several Michelin restaurants and has become famous for his elaborate dishes that feed all of the senses; offering truly memorable gastronomic experiences.

In common with the other two weekends, the Iberian weekend includes two spectacular dinners, one matched to the best wines from the region, as Ferreirinha Reserva Especial, from the same winery as Barca Velha, and a workshop during which Joachim will reveal all of the Iberian Peninsula’s secrets.


Brazil Ecojourneys has special weekend deals for the Cycle of Chefs.

Consult us.