A guide to Best Hotels in Cape Verde Islands

With its gorgeous beaches, otherworldly landscapes and great surf, Cape Verde is becoming more and more popular. Whether you visit Sal and its colourful cobbled towns, or Boa Vista, with its beautiful beaches, there’s a perfect destination for your dream holiday. The islands are a cultural melting pot, taking influences from Africa, Portugal and Brazil, which you’ll experience in Cape Verde’s unique cuisine. In a destination as beautiful as this it can be hard to decide where to stay, so here are our top choices for you.

Riu Touareg

Situated right on Praia de Lacacao Beach – one of Boa Vista’s best stretches of sand – the beautiful Hotel Riu Touareg has stunning views over the coast and an equally brilliant selection of restaurants. Neatly manicured lawns and pristine courtyards surround the hotel and its six pools mean there’s plenty of space to swim and relax. Plus, if you stay in an adults-only room, you’ll have exclusive access to your own swimming pool and an à la carte restaurant.

Sol Dunas Resort

You’ll always find an activity to enjoy at the Sol Dunas Resort. It’s perfect for families, with three swimming pools, waterslides and a splash park. Plus, there’s a mini-cinema and action-packed kids’ club, so while the children are off having fun, parents can relax at the luxury spa and enjoy a drink at one of the five bars. For a change of scenery, you’re only a 15-minute walk from the beach and a 25-minute drive from the island’s capital, Espargos.

Riu Karamboa

With its beachfront location, the ClubHotel Riu Karamboa is an oasis of tranquillity. The five-star resort looks like a sultan’s palace, with domed ceilings, arched windows and indulgent decor. Dining at any of its three speciality restaurants will allow you to gaze out over the Praia de Salines beach and the surrounding majestic sand dunes. The spacious suites are welcoming and the sprawling pool ensures you have your own privacy – whether you’re soaking up the sun or going for a swim.

Melia Dunas Resort

This large oceanfront complex has everything you could possibly dream of. Surrounded by sweet-smelling tropical gardens and with a boulevard of fine-dining restaurants, the luxurious Melia Dunas is the perfect retreat. Explore the gorgeous grounds and the two clean, warm pools, before heading out onto the white sands of Algodoeiro Beach. The Melia Dunas is only a few minutes’ drive from Santa Maria and under half-an-hour from the capital, Espargos. The modern rooms are decorated in neutral, earthy colours, and their simplicity highlights the stunning sea views.

ClubHotel Riu Funana

Whether you want to soak up the sun on a poolside lounger or sink into the soft sands on a beach, ClubHotel Riu Funana offers it all. Located just 300m from the beach, you can split your time between wandering around the stylish resort and taking in the gorgeous coastal scenes. With turrets, towers and impeccably stylish decor, every room in the hotel is modern and infinitely comfortable. Once you’ve taken advantage of the exquisite restaurants on site, you’re a just a short walk from the lively Santa Maria for some nightlife.

Riu Palace Cabo Verde Hotel

Overlooking a stunning white-sand beach, the Riu Palace Cabo Verde Hotel is the ultimate in relaxation, restoration and indulgence. From gourmet cuisine to an Italian restaurant or choice steakhouse, you’ll never be short of options when it comes to dining in. The lagoon-shaped pools are warm and inviting, offering swim-up bars for the ultimate in languid refreshment. Activities range from windsurfing and kayaking to hydro-massage and spa treatments, as well as live shows and the RiuLand Kids’ Club. The rooms are modern and comfortable, filled with everything you need for your stay.

Melia Tortuga Beach Resort and Spa

Whether you want to relax on the sandy beach, explore the two large pools or take advantage of the spa treatments, there’s plenty of choice at the Melia Tortuga Beach Resort and Spa. Nestled against Algodoerio Beach, you’re in a prime position for trying out a vast array of watersports. There are plenty of activities for children too and the four on-site restaurants have something to suit everyone’s taste. The spacious rooms are modern and clean, not to mention big enough for the whole family to stay in comfortably.

Melia Llanas

Head to one of the best spots on the coast of Sal and stay in the Melia Llanas. This adults-only resort is located on a picturesque beach and is a short taxi journey away from the centre of Santa Maria. You’ll find sun loungers down on the white sands, ready for a day of overlooking the ocean and there are two pools at the resort – just a few steps from the bar. Melia Llanas is all about choice, with two pools, two restaurants and four bars across the complex.

TUI BLUE Cabo Verde Resort

Combine an oceanfront location with classy interior design and high-quality restaurants and you’ll have the Sensimar Cabo Verde Resort. This new, modern resort is adults-only and is guaranteed to give you one of the best holiday experiences in Cape Verde. Just a few minutes’ walk from the white sands of Algodoerio beach and a short drive from the lively Santa Maria, it’s perfectly located. With two pools, three bars, a spa, gym and Asian Teppanyaki restaurant, there’s plenty for you to enjoy.

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

Situated on the white sands of Santa Maria beach, this brand-new hotel offers everything from classy decor and gorgeous views to lively evening entertainment and a private beach. The on-site food is delicious: choose between the themed buffet and the beachside restaurant. The hotel has its own luxurious spa, as well as yoga and exercise classes. It’s an indulgent haven, whether you’re looking for watersports and dancing til dawn, or a relaxing getaway.