You can read my general overview from last year (Jan 9, 2011) - generally, everything is the same (and that's good). It was good enough for us to go to the same place again...

Some differences we noticed: the food was much better over all. Specifically, there were much more healthy food alternatives in the different buffets: lots of veggies and fruits, whole wheat pasta, gluten free food, etc.
On the flip side - the hotel started using a very customer unfriendly system to book the restaurants... If you want to make a reservation you have to line up like a school kid at 9am (during a vacation!) and then you can only book for the same day, and then only 3 nights per week... This was a major hassle for us although we did survive it.
Despite this small nuisance the place is still awesome! This time we climbed both surrounding peaks and did some sand surfing and kayaking. Despite the place being pretty full you do not get a an overpopulation feel (i.e. we could participate in whatever we wanted, get a chair wherever we wanted, etc.).

If you are planning a family vacation and looking for an all purpose beach resort, this is the place to go! The resort is quite large with 1200 rooms and 8 different categories. There are many fun activities for the whole family, like hiking, surfing, yoga lessons, tennis courts and even a gorgeous golf course! My friend and I decided to spend all our time on the beach, where they have lounge chairs, and bar service!! Your best bet is to get an all inclusive package, that way you won’t have to worry about spending too much on drinks or food! There are many options for dinning, 4 restaurants to choose from! The location is also ideal, as there is an exclusive beach that service mainly the hotel guests.

this is the second time in Costao do Santinho in Florianopolis. the location is excellent : close to the sea, also with nice possibility to walk on the sand dunes, in the forest. the appartement are nice located almost maximum 5 minutes walk to the beach. the restaurant is not the top quality but the view on the sea is marvellous. the only inconvenient : the air condition is really too noisy in the night.

Me and my family had a great time in Costao. Great rooms (although, bathroom is a little bit old), lots of swiming pools and attractions. Good staff. But there's a but: when you're at the restaurants seems like you're not in the hotel anymore. Overpriced food and the staff are visibly unconfortable of working there. You have to beg for things sometimes.