Nestled among white sand dunes that give rise to freshwater lagoons, Brazil’s Lençóis Maranhenses National Park tops the list for many travelers.
This park is the largest dune field in South America and is increasingly equipped to welcome visitors.
Barreirinhas and Atins are the closest cities for visitors, but Santo Amaro offers an even more exclusive experience.
This village of 14,000 inhabitants is home to the tallest dunes and some of the least visited lagoons in the area, such as Murici, Gaivota, and Betânia.
Here, the Oiá Casa Lençóis hotel, opened in June last year, is situated in the city.
The boutique hotel, on the former Boca da Ilha Farm, boasts five suites amid 52,500 sqm near seasonal lagoons.
The main house features a 26-square-meter suite, a kitchen, and a common living area that includes a lounge and a spacious, pleasant terrace.
A short distance away, two bungalows stand, each offering two 31-square-meter suites adorned with Brazilian designers’ pieces.
Examples include Cariri fringe armchairs by Neca Abrantes and “O Cupinzeiro” sculpture by Lídia Lisboa.
The experience includes breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner prepared by Michelin-starred French chef Cedric Nieuviarts.
Lagoon diving, quad biking, picnics, kayaking, paddleboarding, and night excursions stand out during the stay.
Bookings start in May, when the park’s lagoons begin to refill.