Hotel Estância Betânia

There's plenty for families to do on this large property outside Curitiba, which is geared toward family activities and nature. Trails come in different difficulty levels, and there are an indoor pool, sauna, playground, soccer, volleyball, mini golf, and catch-and-release fishing. They also hire people to entertain the kids on holidays and weekends. The rooms are functional for Brazilian families, though less suited to tourists. It's a casual hotel, and the staff only speak Portuguese, so have someone in your group who can translate. They're friendly to foreigners. The food is really good, and all meals are included except drinks, including bottled water. It's buffet-style for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner, like most restaurants in Brazil. The staff provide very good service. Shout-out to the dining team and Dil the Masseuse. Best showers in Brazil: good pressure, hot water gets hot and cold water gets cold, and no worries about electrocution. Don't follow Google Maps here. Its shortcut can be rough on your car and your nerves. Go past the turn it suggests and you'll soon spot green and white signs pointing the way. It's a slightly longer route, but a nicer drive.