Beach Hotels in Santa Cruz

Okay, this is a true gem. If you just look for a tropical paradise, look no further. The property is right on the beach, and what beach it is! Totally clean, wide, sandy, with roaring waves that put you to sleep each night. At night, in winter months, five species of turtles come to lay eggs and I saw them each night. There is a river cutting the beach in two; and when you cross the river, the beach becomes just impeccable. Magical. You can even enter the river that runs to the sea and swim upstream. The vistas you get around you are simply breathtaking. I have never seen such beauty in my life and I have traveled quite a bit. The bungalows are simple, but clean and comfortable. The mosquito net worked very well, but there were very few mosquitoes anyway there. I took the Malarone daily, but people around me did not. I asked around the long time residents and no-one ever had malaria, while living on the island. I would not take them pils again. There is a shared toilet and shower there - both very clean and functional. The water in the shower is cold-lukewarm- but you will pray it were colder, since it is hot outside. The owner Tomás is truly very helpful. He speaks ONLY Spanish and Portuguese, but with the help of google translate we were able to communicate very well. He is very helpful and will do anything to accommodate your wishes and needs. He helped with the trip to Isla das Rolas (the Equator trip) as well as with the trek to the foot of Cao Grande. Oh, by the way, you can see Cao Grande from the alcove on the premises or from the point where the river runs to the sea. Also from the river itself. There is wifi at the reception and around, and this wifi is good, reliable and strong. The entire complex is totally eco, powered by solar energy only. Breakfast is included in the price, but dinner can be ordered with Tomás. It is usually fish or octopus and, together with the breakfast can become a bit repetitive so I advise you to bring some provisions with you.

Due to an unforeseen change of plans, we booked our stay just a few hours before arriving. Joao contacted me right away via WhatsApp to let us know he wouldn’t be there initially, but he made sure someone was expecting us and ready to greet us. This excellent communication continued throughout our stay. Joao’s hospitality was the standout—he was always available for anything we needed and genuinely cared that we had a great experience. He went out of his way to make sure everything was perfect. Breakfast was delicious, with fresh fruit, bread and eggs, (and even soya yoghurt—which he had gone out especially to get for me as a vegetarian) Our room had a beautiful view of the sea, and we could hear the waves crashing as we fell asleep—I slept really well here. The location is in a village, and although we don’t speak Portuguese, the locals were very friendly. We even enjoyed a drink at the local bar and felt very safe the entire time.

Wonderful staff, just so beautiful! Thanks to Dona Lourdes for the fantastic food and the spontaneous birthday cake, so incredibly yummy 🫶🏼 the bay is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, the pool is always clean and refreshing … the bungalows are just perfect!!!!

We loved absolutely everything there. It is on a perfect spot, in a lovely village close to an amazing surf spot. Spacious and very well equipped. From the first day we felt home. Also the cleaning was done so well and the ladies and Joao had been so helpful. Best experience I haven’t even dreamed of. Thank you 🙏

Probably one of my best and fondest travel memories! From location to staff

Excellent hotel - spotlessly clean, fantastic location super close to ST city center and beaches, excellent staff, they really did everything to make you feel happy and welcome, nice new rooms with decent view and inviting chill out area with pool and palm trees. Perfect ending to our vacation and a real treat after days in places without water or electricity.

It is lovely place and a very beautiful. I’m lovely to stay there that’s the best Otel. I wish to stay more day.

Great budget accommodation, lovely staff. 15 minutes walk from the centre.

The scenery and food are good The pisicina beach is amazing