Lying south of the Canaries, just off the west coast of Africa, Cape Verde is often referred to as the ‘African Caribbean’; the islands are famed for their snow-white beaches, endless sand dunes, chilled vibe and candy-coloured towns. Join your fellow Solos travellers at our adults-only five-star all-inclusive hotel for 10 days of R & R.
Extras
We stay on Cape Verde’s main island, Sal, whose endless white beaches lie in the middle of the turquoise-blue ocean. The island has a coastline that would rival any of the Caribbean’s, where warm trade winds means that an array of water sports are available. In addition there is the hustle and bustle of the capital Santa Maria where colourful painted buildings line the streets and also where there are an array of craft shops, market stalls, restaurants, cafes and bars to explore and try.
The adults only Riu Cabo Verde is a great choice for a relaxing beach break – it’s right on the sand! The hotel boasts has an All Inclusive programme and the opportunity to use the facilities of its sister hotels which are very close by. With close proximity to Santa Maria (1.5km) there will also be plenty of opportunities to get out and about in the local area if you fancy a little time away from the pool or white sand beach.
Away from the beach, this beautiful island has a lot to offer. A trip into the pretty west coast port of Palmeira is a must. The name means ‘palm tree’, and its cobbled streets and lined with these exotic trees, we can also find brightly painted shops and cafes. The desert and mirages in Terra Boa are also worth a visit, the scenery is just breath taking! The salt lake; Pedra de Lume is another place to visit whilst in Sal. Situated inside the mouth of an extinct volcano, these magnificent lakes will have you taking nonstop photos. If you wish to take a dip, the water is 26 times saltier than the sea, which means that you will just float in it! Buracona is another must see. This natural pool is formed by the ocean into lava rocks. When the sunlight hits a certain angle, the waters glow in a magic turquoise blue giving a ‘blue eye’ effect that looks supernatural.
The Riu Cabo Verde hotel is exclusive to adults and sits directly on the most beautiful beach of Sal island.
Facilities at our hotel include 2 pools (one of them heated in Winter), four restaurants, five bars and a patisserie. There is also access to the Water park ‘Splash Water World’ with slides at the sister hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria (300m away) and also Renova Spa at the other sister hotel Riu Funana (next door) which offers different treatments, hairdresser, beauty salon and massage (extra charges apply), Gym, jacuzzi and steam room. Please note the sister hotels mentioned are not adults-only.
Our ensuite rooms include bathroom with shower, hair dryer, telephone, WIFI, central air conditioner, ceiling fan, minibar, kettle for coffee and tea, flat screen satellite TV, electronic safe and balcony or terrace
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer from Sal Airport to our hotel is approximately 2 minutes.
Tourist Tax – currently €2.50 per night payable locally
Airport Tax – Please note you’ll need to pay an Airport Tax to enter the Cape Verde Islands. Airport Tax can be paid in cash at passport control at a cost of approximately 31€ per person or, to pay on line go to https://www.ease.gov.cv/
You may wish to take an optional excursion during the course of your stay. Listed below are just a few of the tours which may be on offer to you depending on the season. Full details will be given at the Information Meeting. The prices quoted, are a guideline only, as these can vary, depending on numbers etc. All tours should be paid for in cash euros. The exact amount will be given at your Information Meeting. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you.
Please note:- Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum numbers. The prices quoted are guideline only and may involve other non-Solos holidaymakers.
Secrets of Sal Island Tour – Currently €42.00
The desolate beauty of inland Sal is in stark contrast to the white sands of its coast. On this off-road safari, you’ll explore Murdeira Bay, the Buracona lagoon, the ocean-like sands of Terra Boa and Pedra de Lume. You’ll also discover Palmeira and Espargos.
Adults Only Catamaran Cruise Sodade – Currently €69.00
The Sal coastline is a perfect backdrop for a cruise – and this adults-only catamaran trip makes the very best use of it. Sailing leisurely through the azure seas between Palmeira and Monte Leão, you’ll sunbathe, sip on cocktails and enjoy a stop for swimming and snorkelling too.
Postcards of Sal Tour – currently €83.00
For a relatively small island, Sal boasts a wealth of sights. This tour covers nearly every inch of the island, taking in Kite Beach, Murdeira Bay, Buracona lagoon, Pedra de Lume salt flats and the towns of Palmeira and Espargos.
Casual, cotton, lightweight daytime wear is the order of the day. Comfortable shoes are a must for sightseeing. Smart casual clothes will be ideal for the evening, with the emphasis throughout being informal but with appropriate attire required in the restaurants in the evenings. Evenings can be cool so do ensure that you take a cardigan or jacket just in case!
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below.
Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest an amount to cover drivers, porters and hotel staff of €25.00 per week to be given out at your discretion. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions.
Cape Verde is 1 hour behind of the UK.
To enter Cape Crede your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
If you have a British Citizen passport, you can enter Cape Verde as a visitor for up to 30 days without a visa. Before you travel, you must complete a Traveller Pre-registration form and, if arriving by air, pay the airport security tax (TSA).
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“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
