Reports About the Pousada and the Island of Florianopolis
Capa Noivas & Cia – Honeymoon Destination – March 2010
Below is a translation of what was mentioned in Capa Noivas & Cia:
The Pousada Vila Tamarindo Eco Lodge is located on Campeche Beach, one of the most beautiful on the Island of Florianopolis. It was considered by Guia Brasil 2010 as one of the five best hotels in a natural setting in Floripa (shortenened name for Florianopolis) and by Gol Magazine in July 2009 as one of the 14 best eco-friendly hostels in all of Brazil.
The Pousada has a total of 15 accomodations and a beautiful 3500 meter garden along with a number corners that invite guests staying here a place to relax to the sounds of the ocean. Along with these incredible attributes, the pousada also has a homemade breakfast and service that is unique and attentive.
There is a specific accomodation for newlyweds on their honeymoon, which is the Master Suite “You & I” where the principal attraction is the hot tub with jacuzzi for two that overlooks the ocean. This suite has the latest generation bed, goose feather pillows, plasma TV, air conditioning, high ceiling rooms with good ventilation, hardwood floors, furniture made with wood from demolition (making it environmentally friendly), balcony with hammock overlooking the sea, plus romantic decorations making it more special. For reservations for 7 or more days, the Pousada offers a courtesy romantic dinner in the charming and award winning restaurante Villa Maggioni www.restaurantevillamaggioni.com.br
Capa Revista Gol – One of the most eco-friendly hotels in Brazil – July 2009
Below is a translation of what was mentioned in Gol Magazine:
POUSADA VILA TAMARINDO ECO LODGE
Our motto is ‘sleep to the sound of the waves.’” Therefore Paolo Mascheretti Neto, metallurgist engineer and owner of the Pousada, summarizes the tranquility of the Vila Tamarindo, on Campeche Beach. In the reception a sign makes guests aware of the goals of this sustainable hotel and from there you can get a privleged view of the ocean, which is seasonally visited by whales. Later comes the smiling housekeeper Chica, who leads the way to the 15 comfortable rooms, decorated with cataloged cinnamon stick furniture.
In the garden, one of the caretakers maintains the permeability of the ground, thus the rain falls like a table sheet and irrigates the area through an internal tip, just like the filling of the pool on the deck. “ We work in order to have the smallest impact on the landscape”, explains Paolo. The hotel also participates in the program called Bem Receber (Well Received) and his next project is to get the Carbon Free seal, which will neutralize all of the carbon emissions. To reduce the consumption of energy is a major concer at Tamarindo: they adopted electrical lamps with sensors and photocell lights on 90% of the premises and on 100% of the gardens. The garbage bins are divided into categories and strategically placed at the convenience of all the guests, helping to work as a collective entity in the collection of selected waste. Already the organic garbage goes to a corner of the land where it acts as a natural fertilizer. All the products are not mass produced/industrialized and are made at the Pousada, while the fruit are from a local provider.
In the last couple of years, the hotel sponsored two social projects that transformed the way of life in the region. The first one was Arte Suave (Soft Art) that took 25 children from the streets and taught them the fighting technic of jiu-jitsu. The second project was Casa Canemba (Canemba House), which fostered the craft of pottery, opening doors for 12 other adolescents who now know a possible pofession for the future.
The Vila Tamarindo is 300 meters form the beach and 10 minutes walking distance from Riozinho, one of the most beautiful areas in th region. There, there is no lack of fun. Just ask Vitor and Caio, Paolo´s two sons who enjoy the space like no one else.
1. Why is it sustainable?
It encourages growth in the region, uses organic products, saves energy and enjoys the rain, while having little impact on the environment.
2. Highlights of the Pousada?
The security andthe comfort of the rooms.
3. Why should you come?
In order to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Campeche.
4. What type of travler does it accomodate to?
Families, newlyweds and everyone in between.
5. What aren´t you going to find?
Wastefulness of energy. The fridge, for example is only turned on if the guest asks.
Folha da Lagoa Newspaper – Comfort without wastefulness – November 2009
Below is a translation of what was mentioned in Folha da Lagoa Newspaper:
Comfort without wastefulness
The Pousada Vila Tamarindo Eco Lodge just completed 10 years as one of the 5 best accomodation options in a natural setting in Florianópolis according to Guia 4 Rodas in 2010. The good rank should be attributed to the commitment to combine comfort and sustainability. “That tells us that we are on the right path”, says property owner Paolo Mascheretti.
The Pousada was designed so as to reduce the use of electricity: the position of the windows allows for better use of natural light and the openings provide ventilation , causing the air conditioners to be used with less frequency. To save water and control the emission of effluents – such as soapy water released into the environment, the towels are changed every two days and the sheets every four.
Paolo says that in order for the project to reach this degree of sustainability it needed to take a different direction and continuous work to raise awareness. Paolo believes the success of the Vila Tamarindo comes from the quality of the team that works at the Pousada. “Our employers have been with us for a long time. All of them are already deeply involved. All that they do, they do with care.” The ten years of the Pousada were celebrated with a breakfast the other day on the 13th.
- El País – Florianópolis opens its arms to travelers
- The Guardian – Simple Portuguese origins to chic South American hot spot
- Miami Herald – Vacation paradise not only for foreigners but Brazilians alike
