Escape to Paradise: Sao Sebastiao da Praia's Hotel Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Sao Sebastiao da Praia's Hotel Awaits! – A Review That’s Honestly Messy, But Hopefully Helps You Decide!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, polished hotel review. I'm about to unleash my honest thoughts, feelings, and maybe a few (too many?) tangents about this place, Hotel Awaits! in Sao Sebastiao da Praia. Let's get messy!
First Impressions: The "Wow" Factor (and Maybe a Slight Panic)
From the moment I saw the photos online, I was hooked. Paradise, they said. Escape, they whispered. And honestly, the website did not lie. The Hotel Awaits! is stunning. Seriously, jaw-droppingly pretty. The outdoor swimming pool gleamed under the sun, promising effortless relaxation. The pool with a view… well, it practically demanded an Instagram post.
But let's be real, folks. I'm a little… well, let's call it "anxious" when it comes to travel. So, when the first wave of "Wow!" hit, followed by a tiny, inner-panic squeak of "Can I actually afford this/feel worthy/not mess this up?", that's when things got interesting.
Accessibility: A Sigh of Relief and a Thumbs Up… Mostly
Now, I'm not someone who needs full accessibility, but I do always look at this stuff for the sake of everyone. The elevator was a lifesaver (especially after a long day of beaching!). The website mentioned "facilities for disabled guests," which is promising, but I didn’t see specific details on room accessibility. Perhaps it depends on the specific room you book, so it's worth contacting them directly if accessibility is a major concern. The wheelchair accessible options seem limited.
Safety & Cleanliness: My Inner Germaphobe (and the Good News!)
Okay, let's talk about The Big One. The C-word. (No, not that one… COVID!) I'm a bit of a germaphobe – even pre-pandemic. So, I was thrilled to see the focus on cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol. They even had hand sanitizer everywhere! I was practically breathing a sigh of relief. The safe dining setup and the individually-wrapped food options at the breakfast buffet were also major pluses. They're serious about this. It made me feel safe. I was almost able to fully relax… almost.
Rooms: Luxurious Cocooning (with a Few Quirks)
My room?! Pure bliss. Let me paint you a picture: Air conditioning blasting (essential in the Sao Sebastiao heat!), blackout curtains (hallelujah!), a ridiculously comfy extra long bed, and a seating area perfect for… well, staring out the window (of course, I did exactly that, the first few hours). They had all the amenities – free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, in-room safe, the works. And you know what? It actually functioned as great relaxing zone. The complimentary tea, the bathrobes, the slippers… little touches that made me feel truly pampered.
The not-so-perfect part? The Internet access – wireless was a bit patchy. Not ideal if you're trying to work (or, ahem, catch up on emails instead of enjoying the view!). A little slower than expected, but not a dealbreaker for a true vacation.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Heavenly (and Sometimes, Slightly Confusing)
Okay, the food. My gosh, the food. Let's start with breakfast. Breakfast [buffet] with everything thing you could possible ask for, Asian breakfast as well as Western breakfast, a cornucopia of delicious options. The coffee/tea in the restaurant was divine. I mean, I could live on their coffee. The restaurants offered a variety of cuisines, including a Vegetarian restaurant.
The pool-side bar: So, this is where it gets a little… confusing. I'm a simple person. I like a cocktail by the pool. But the service was, shall we say, a little slow. There were fewer waiters, so you had to wave your arms like a drowning sailor to get someone's attention. Once you got a drink, though? Worth it. The poolside bar had a truly sensational atmosphere.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreaming
Oh, the Spa! I didn't have time for a full spa day (tragic, I know!), but I did sneak in a massage. Holy. Moly. That massage was transcendent. Seriously, I think I floated out of the room. They offer all the good stuff: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, the whole shebang. The Fitness center looked well-equipped, although I, uh, mostly admired it from afar. There is a Poolside bar for your convenience.
The "Annoying" Little Things (Because No Place is Perfect)
Let's get the gripes out of the way, shall we?
- The Wi-Fi gremlins. As mentioned, the Wi-Fi could be a touch more reliable.
- The pool bar service, as mentioned above, was not lightning-fast. But again, the view makes up for it.
- The soundproofing wasn't perfect. I could sometimes hear other guests, especially if they were being… enthusiastic.
The Verdict: Should YOU Escape to Paradise?
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES.
Despite the minor imperfections, the Hotel Awaits! is an incredible place. The location is stunning, the staff is friendly (and tries really hard), the rooms are gorgeous, and the spa is pure heaven. It's a place to truly relax, unwind, and recharge.
My Final, Slightly Scattered Thoughts:
I would return in a heartbeat. Even with the occasional Wi-Fi hiccup and the slow service. It's a place that gets under your skin in the best way possible. A place where you can forget about the world for a while and just… be.
Your "Escape to Paradise" Offer: Book Now and Get… (Something Amazing!)
Feeling tempted? You should be!
Here's the deal: Book your stay at Hotel Awaits! in Sao Sebastiao da Praia now and receive… (Drumroll, please!)
- A complimentary welcome cocktail (Because you deserve it!)
- Free upgrade (Upon availability!)
- Exclusive early access to book a massage at the Spa
- A discount on a second night
Use code "PARADISEGETAWAY" when booking to claim your escape.
Don't wait! Sao Sebastiao da Praia and the Hotel Awaits! are calling your name. Go on. Answer the call. Escape the ordinary!
Indonesian Paradise: Your Romantic Oceanfront Getaway (K190)
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is… my Hotel São Sebastião da Praia diary, warts and all. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster that is ME, on vacation.
Day 1: Arrival & Beachside Bliss (and a whole lot of "what-ifs")
- 10:00 AM: Land in São Paulo. Ugh. The humidity hits you like a wet, smelly sock. Seriously, a whole other level of stickiness. My flight was delayed, of course. I swear, airlines have a personal vendetta against me.
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at the hotel! Finally. And… wow. The pictures didn't lie. Hotel São Sebastião da Praia is gorgeous. That view alone is worth the flight delay (almost). Checked in, grabbed my key, and fumbled with it at the door, nearly breaking the damn thing. Classic.
- 1:00 PM: Room unpacked (mostly). The ocean! The balcony! I immediately drop my bags (like, literally drop them, spilling half my sunscreen) and race outside. This is it. This is what I needed. Sun on my face, sand between my toes, the sound of the waves… pure, unadulterated bliss.
- 2:00 PM: Beach time! Found a spot under an umbrella (thank god, my skin is like a vampire's). The water is the perfect temperature. Spent the next hour alternating between swimming (avoiding the slightly sketchy-looking jellyfish) and reading my book. Except, you know, I kept getting distracted by the people. Like the couple making out like teenagers. Good for them, I guess. And that little kid building a sandcastle empire. I secretly wanted to help, but I'm pretty sure that's creepy. Now I wish I brought my own beach toys
- 4:00 PM: Attempted to order a caipirinha. Slight language barrier. Ended up with something that tasted vaguely of limes and disappointment. Still, I sat there, people-watching, feeling the sun warm me up. And wondering if maybe I should have brought that other bikini. Regret sinking in.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset. Absolutely stunning. The colors! The light! I nearly cried. Took a million photos (because, priorities). Decided this trip was already a success. Then felt a pang of loneliness, wishing I had someone to share it with. Classic overthinking.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Overpriced, but the fresh seafood was incredible. Seriously, the best grilled octopus ever. Tried to be adventurous and order something I couldn't pronounce. Spicy, sweaty, and satisfying.
- 9:00 PM: Sipped a (properly made) caipirinha on my balcony, listening to the waves. Thinking about all the things I want to do while I'm here. And wondering if I should have packed more pairs of shoes.
Day 2: Exploring (and possibly getting lost)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast! The buffet is a temptation. Those little pastries were calling my name… I ate like I hadn't eaten in days-- which, technically, I hadn't, thanks to that airplane food.
- 10:00 AM: Decided to be a tourist and venture out of the hotel. Bad idea. Or, well, maybe not bad, but definitely a bit chaotic. Tried to rent a scooter (never ridden one before, genius!), eventually gave up, and settled on a taxi. The driver spoke zero English and drove like a race car driver. Prayed (a lot).
- 11:00 AM: Arrived at… somewhere. Honestly, I'm not even sure where. Some kind of market. Full of amazing smells, vibrant colors, and a whole lot of people yelling. Bought a bizarre fruit I couldn't pronounce. It tasted like a mango and a sock had a baby.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Found a little beachside shack and had the most amazing fish stew. The owner’s grandma made it! Real, authentic, delicious. I don't know what was in it, but I want more.
- 1:00 PM: More exploring. Walked along the beach, dodging rogue waves and attempting to look sophisticated. Failed miserably, fell in a puddle. Humiliated.
- 3:00 PM: Found a cute little café and devoured the world's most decadent chocolate cake. Because: self-care. And, let's be honest, because I'd earned it after my scooter near-death experience.
- 4:00 PM: Tried to find my way back to the hotel. Got lost. Seriously, lost. Wandered around for an hour, sweating buckets and starting to panic.
- 5:00 PM: Finally found a taxi driver who spoke a little English. He laughed at me. Fair.
- 6:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Collapsed on my bed. Considered never leaving my room again.
- 7:00 PM: Realized I was starving, put on my "I'm-a-tough-cookie" face, and went to dinner. Ordered comfort food. Feeling better.
- 8:00 PM: Sitting at the bar! Talking to anyone and everyone. Maybe I'll learn a few things and maybe get some more recommendations
- 9:00 PM: Back in my room. Looking at the stars… and wishing I'd hired a tour guide. Maybe tomorrow.
Day 3: The Sea, The Sun, and Another Kind of Bliss (Or Maybe Just Sunburn…)
9:00 AM: Beach time! Learned from my mistakes. Slathered on the sunscreen (this time I remember). Perfect weather. Perfect view.
10:00 AM : More Beach!
11:00 AM: Went for a swim in the hotel infinity pool. And then I saw a fish, one that I could clearly identify as a fish. It was in the pool with me.
11:30 AM: Took a nap.
1:00 PM: More beach. Lunch, ordered more fish stew.
2:00 PM: Tried to learn how to surf. Epic fail. Spent more time underwater than on the board. The instructor looked like he'd seen it all before. Embarrassment level: high. But, you know, at least I tried.
4:00 PM: Sunburn setting in. The "perfect" tan? More like the "lobster" red. Ouch. Slathering myself in aloe vera.
6:00 PM: Sunset swim. The water felt amazing on my burning skin. Found a hidden cove by the hotel. The sun, the sea, the freedom… it was perfect.
8:00 PM: Dinner: ordered a simple salad, and lots of water. Feeling very healthy tonight.
9:00 PM: Went for a walk along the beach at night. Just me, the moon, and the sound of the waves. Started to see a different side of my journey.
Day 4: Adios!
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. Trying to savor every last bite. Regretting not ordering more of those pastries.
- 10:00 AM: Tried to buy every single souvenir I could get my hands on. Didn't finish.
- 11:00 AM: Packed (mostly): the "mostly" refers to all the stuff that didn't fit. Thinking about how much I needed this trip.
- 12:00 PM: Check out. Said goodbye to the amazing hotel staff
- 1:00 PM: Headed back to the airport. Already missing this place.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was messy. It was imperfect. I got lost. I got sunburned. I ate weird fruit. I felt lonely. But you know what? It was amazing. Hotel São Sebastião da Praia, I will be back. Next time, I promise to learn Portuguese, to be less clumsy, and to bring more sunscreen. And maybe, just maybe, I'll actually learn to surf. Maybe.
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits (V189)
Escape to Paradise: Sao Sebastiao da Praia - Hotel Awaits! ...Or Does It? (A Sort-Of FAQ)
(Because, let's be honest, I have opinions.)
Okay, so...Hotel Awaits. Sounds lovely. What's the *actual* deal?
Alright, buckle up. "Hotel Awaits" is the promise, right? Sao Sebastiao da Praia is the location. Think sun-kissed beaches, the Atlantic whispering sweet nothings, you know, the usual brochure stuff. But the vibe? That's a bit...tricky.
I'm going to be brutally honest. My first impression when I got out of the cramped, sweaty bus (don't even get me started on the bus!) was "This could be amazing...or a complete car crash." And honestly, it leaned towards the car crash side for a bit there. The hotel itself? Well, it's got the bones, okay? Beautiful bones, actually. Architecturally, it's stunning. Imagine something out of a magazine... then imagine it's been slightly neglected for a few years and the magazine editor has moved on.
But before you run screaming, the location is EVERYTHING. Seriously. The beach? Phenomenal. The sunsets? Insta-worthy. The people watching? Grade A. I'll get into more detail later. But just be prepared for a little extra "character."
Is it REALLY paradise? I'm picturing perfect Instagram scenarios.
Bless your heart, you sweet, summer child. Paradise is a *spectrum*. And Sao Sebastiao da Praia is somewhere on the spectrum, alright. It's definitely not that airbrushed, filter-obsessed Instagram paradise. Which, honestly, is a good thing. It’s got realness!
The sand *is* soft and white. The water *is* turquoise. But… the beach vendors? They can be a *little* persistent. And yes, there was that one time I stepped on a rogue sea urchin. OUCH. Turns out, paradise comes with a side of tiny needles in your foot. (Still, totally worth it.)
My advice? Ditch the Instagram expectations. Embrace the imperfections. You are going to get sand everywhere. Your hair will be a frizzball. You'll probably sunburn. But you'll also have unforgettable memories – and isn't *that* what matters? Probably.
How's the food? Tell me about the food! Because I LIVE to eat.
Okay, food. This is a big one. Sao Sebastiao da Praia does food RIGHT. I mean, the freshest seafood you can imagine. Seriously, I spent a week eating grilled fish, and I have ZERO regrets. The local restaurants, the little *botecos* tucked away… they are a treasure trove of culinary delights.
But (there's always a but, isn't there?) the hotel restaurant itself was a bit...hit or miss. One day, the chef was a culinary god. The next? Well, let's just say I think they forgot the seasoning. And the breakfast buffet? Let's just say, by day three, I’d perfected the art of the perfectly poached egg. (Because you *had* to, otherwise…yikes).
My advice: Explore! Get out there. Go to the local markets. Try everything. Don’t be afraid to get a little adventurous. (And maybe pack a small bottle of hot sauce, just in case. You know, for emergencies.)
What about the rooms? Are they like, actually *nice*?
Okay, room time. This is where things get *interesting*. I'm not gonna lie, my first room... it wasn’t exactly what I’d envisioned. It was "vintage," let's say with a generous sprinkling of "character". Think slightly peeling paint, a mini-bar that might have been stocked sometime in the last century, and a view... well, a view of a wall.
But. (Another but!) I complained. POLITELY (I'm English, we do this). And they switched me. And the new room? Oh. My. God. Massive balcony overlooking the ocean. The sound of the waves lulling me to sleep. The sunrise painting the sky in a million colors. It was... breathtaking.
So, the rooms: potentially a gamble. But worth the fuss. And, honestly, the staff were incredibly helpful and patient when I was on the verge of a meltdown. Which may or may not have happened. (Okay, it happened.) Don’t be afraid to speak up, okay? Your vacation is important!
So, the other guests... are they annoying?
Annoying? Well, that depends on your definition of 'annoying,' doesn't it? Look, you get a mix. I met some absolutely lovely people. Families, honeymooners, solo travelers, all sorts. We swapped stories, shared beers on the beach, and even attempted a volleyball game (which, let's just say, my athletic prowess is... debatable).
Then, there were the... "characters." You know the type. The ones who hog the sunbeds, complain about everything, and generally make you want to hide in your room with a book and a large G&T. (Which I did. Occasionally.)
But that's the beauty of travel, right? You encounter all sorts of people. Embrace it. Learn from it. Or, you know, just avoid them. Whatever floats your boat. (I'm a fan of avoiding, if I'm honest.)
Anything about the activities? Is there more to do than just look stunning?
Oh, honey, yes! Sao Sebastiao da Praia is *not* just about looking stunning. Although, let's be real, that's a significant part of the appeal. But there's more!
You can go surfing. (I tried. I failed. Hilariously. But the attempt was worth it.) You can go snorkeling. You can take boat trips to hidden coves and islands. You can wander the charming streets of the town, browsing the local shops. Or, and this is my favorite activity, you can do absolutely nothing. And that's perfectly acceptable.
The hotel itself offered yoga classes, which I *thought* I'd enjoy. (I do yoga, I swear!). But the time I went...it was so hot, and I got bitten by something that I think was a mosquito, and I was too distracted to focus. I eventually ran to the pool. The *pool* was lovely though. It was also filled with kids, so...
