11 best hotels in Cape Verde with spas for an alternative winter getaway
Summer never ends in Cape Verde, a small archipelago off the coast of Senegal that is all about the stress-free life.
Each of the ten islands in the Cape Verde archipelago offers its own allure. The Santa Maria and Ponta Preta beaches on Sal, Praia de Chaves and Sal Rei in Boa Vista and Laginha Beach in Saō Vicente will tantalise any beach lover – and still possess a kind of untouched appeal that many more popular beach destinations have lost over the years – while the capital Praia in Santiago is a great place to explore Cape Verde’s unique Portuguese/African history (and bring a touch of Porto to Senegal).
Cape Verde’s unique topography also means that it offers beautiful volcanic hiking trails for the outdoor adventurer. The Fogo, Santo Antão, and São Nicolau are some of the most beautiful mountain hikes on the island, with Fogo home to an active volcano where adventure-seekers can hike up the crater to enjoy breath taking panoramic views of the island below. Oh, and Cape Verde gets quite windy in the winter, attracting hordes of kite surfers and windsurfers from around the world. If you’re looking to try out a new water sport, or simply watch the colourful kites sail by on the beach – then this is the holiday destination for you.
Due to its volcanic tropical landscape, Cape Verde is home to rich flora and fauna. Nature lovers have plenty to enjoy with whale watching, scuba diving and snorkelling giving travellers a rare glimpse into the rich marine biodiversity of Cape Verde. Mindelo and Sāo Vicente are known for its colourful nightlife scene, with live music performances serenading tourists well into the evenings.
In the summer, the whole island transforms thanks to the many colourful festivals that bring plenty of live music and performances to the islands. Not to mention, Cape Verde, which blends African and Portuguese culture, has some of the warmest and friendliest locals you could ever meet.
What we love most about Cape Verde though, is that unlike other more popular winter sun destinations, it still feels like a true hidden gem. So – to help you find book the perfect holiday in magical Cape Verde, we’ve rounded up some of the best hotels in Cape Verde, from blissful beachfront resorts and luxury hotels to adults-only hotels, aparthotels and boutique hotels in this truly wondrous archipelago.
From Thailand to Tenerife.
The best hotels in Cape Verde 2023 at a glance:
- Most stylish hotel in Cape Verde: Oasis Salina Sea
- Best four-star hotel in Cape Verde: Hotel Dunas de Sal
- Best for traditional charm: Hotel Morabeza
- Best adults-only hotel in Cape Verde: Robinson Club Cabo Verde
- Best five-star hotel in Cape Verde: Riu Karamboa
Ahead, our full edit of the best hotels in Cape Verde according to a very discerning travel writer.
Most stylish hotel in Cape Verde
The earth-toned exterior of Oásis Salinas Sea certainly blends in with the sandy beaches of Santa Maria, while the pops of turquoise reflect the same vibrant hue of the Atlantic Sea. The bedrooms are contemporary yet minimal, letting the beautiful landscapes of Cape Verde do the talking. Active travellers can enjoy a variety of activities including fishing, scuba diving and wind surfing. There is also a kids club for the little ones. Plus, the Funana Casa da Cultura, Viveiro Botanical Garden & Zoo and Kiteboarding Club offer plenty of nearby activities for the whole family too.
Spa: Yes.
Address: H3XQ+7CM, Santa Maria, Cape Verde.
Price per night: From £253.
Best four-star hotel in Cape Verde
Hotel Dunas de Sal
This four-star hotel in Santa Maria is near all the charming cultural attractions of Santa Maria. With only 68 rooms and suites, Hotel Dunas de Sal is smaller than the other mega resorts in our list – but does have a warm and personal touch when it comes to the service and amenities. There is an outdoor pool and children’s pool, and beautiful on-site spa. Plus, there are plenty of activities to keep adventure seeking travellers entertained throughout their stay.Spa: Yes.
Address: Ponta Preta, Santa Maria, Sal, 21100.
Price per night: From £148.
Best for traditional charm
Located in the charming town of Santa Maria in Sal, the biggest of the Cape Verde Islands, is Hotel Morabeza, a traditional yet charming beach paradise right on the Atlantic. There are three breath-taking swimming pools, surrounded by sun loungers as well as a fabulous beach club which serves the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat. There is also mini-golf, archery two tennis courts, a volleyball court and a gym. While a bit older fashioned than other hotels on our list, we think that Hotel Morabeza is charmingly authentic.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Caixa Postal 33, 4110 Santa Maria, Cape Verde.
Price per night: From £157.
Best adults only hotel in Cape Verde
This stylish beachfront getaway is just a quick 20 minute drive from the airport, yet instantly feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of your day to day. A true adults only paradise, Club Cabo Verde has plenty of activities on offer including kite surfing, yoga, cycling, beach volleyball and a variety of fitness classes. There are two cabana-lined swimming pools, a buffet-style menu and a very vibey ‘No Stress’ Bar. The spa has everything from a sauna, to Ayurvedic massage treatments and reflexology. If you get tired of the activities on offer, then the charming fishing village of Santa Maria is just five minutes away.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Avda. Dos Hoteis C.P 62, CV Santa Maria, Sal.
Price per night: From £202.
Best five-star hotel in Cape Verde
This chic five-star mega resort in Boa Vista is an adults only paradise, which will dazzle at every corner. Having benefitted from a recent refurb, Riu Karamboa boasts five sprawling outdoor pools complete with poolside bar and swim-up bar. There are six fabulous on-site restaurants which celebrate Portuguese and African cuisine – with live musical performances to entertain guests in the evenings. There is Free WIFI throughout the resort, and also fitness classes, volleyball, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkelling and a range of other water sports too. But if you’re fully embracing Cape Verde’s ‘No Stress’ Mantra, then Riu Karamboa has plenty of sun, sea and sand for you to relax in and work on that envy-inducing tan.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Praia de Salines-Boa Vista, Cabo Verde.
Price per night: From £176.
Best for first time visitors
With an unbeatable beachfront location in Algodoairo, Melia Tortuga Beach is our top choice for visiting Cape Verde with your girlfriends. The sun washed décor is simple yet attractive, letting the beautiful sea views speak for themselves. There are four pools complete with sun decks, loungers and cabanas, a vibey beach club, eight restaurants, with the more formal Mediterranean style Agua our favourite. For a true splash out stay with gang, rent out the hotel’s dazzling four bedroom villa which comes with its own little private pool.
Spa: Yes
Address: Urbanização da Cabocan, ZDTI de Ponta Preta, 4112 Santa Maria, Cape Verde.
Price per night: From £178
Best for amenities
The Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort offers plenty of soul for a chain hotel and embraces an open-plan u-shaped concept that maximises the beauty of this archipelago on the east Atlantic. Palm trees line the vast swimming pool, with the beach just a few steps away. There are 241 rooms at the resort, including 16 generously-sized suites – all with balconies that offer amazing sea views. The spa incorporates traditional African remedies in its treatments, which is a welcome surprise. Expect friendly service, beautiful surroundings and all the Hilton bells and whistles. It’s also the only hotel in the island to offer 24 hour room service.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Avenida dos Hoteis , 4111 Santa Maria, Cape Verde.
Price per night: From £197.
Best for African Glamour
The first thing you’ll notice at the Hotel Riu Touareg is the strong African influences that permeate the hotel’s décor – and it certainly is better for it. It’s clear that the motto is ‘the bigger the better’ and you simply have to marvel at the grandeur of it all – from the football pitch-sized swimming pools and stadium-esque lobbies. Sitting on a dune in the Santa Monica Beach, the Hotel Riu Touareg boasts 1151 bedrooms and suites, separated into family and adults-only areas. There are three saltwater pools surrounded by verdant palm trees and freshwater pool complete with swim-up bar. There’s also plenty of restaurants to choose from with live music and entertainment serenading guests through the evenings. (Sister property Riu Palace Boavista is a great, more upscale alternative if you have a bit more budget to play with too).
Spa: Yes.
Address: Urb. Lacacão - Lote 13 - Praia Lacacão, Boa Vista.
Price per night: From £143.
Best eco-friendly hotel in Cape Verde
There’s plenty of excitement to be had at Hotel Riu Funana which is a true feast for the senses in Cape Verde. Lush pine trees surround large lagoon-esque pools, while an array of beach bars (including swim-up bars) offer endless choice for your afternoon caipirinha in Cape Verde. In addition to having excellent beach access, Riu Funana is also located next door to a waterpark – great for unleashing the child within. Plus, the hotel has also won a Gold Certification from the Travelife Sustainability System, which is a bonus for conscious travellers.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Cabocan Lote A2, A3, Sal.
Price per night: From £133.
Best for families
Just 450 yards from the Praia da Ponta Preta, Mélia Tortuga Beach is a great choice for beach lovers who want to spend their entire holiday basking in the sun, sea and sand of Cape Verde. This five star, all-inclusive resort is family-friendly with kids getting a separate pool and a range of activities including kids club and even mini golf (and of course Free Wifi). For adults, there are two large outdoor swimming pools surrounded by sun loungers, parasols and a cute poolside bar.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Praia de Chaves, Praia de Chaves - Sal Rei 0235, Cape Verde.
Price per night: From £129 per night.
Best all-inclusive Cape Verde hotel
This beautiful five-star adults only paradise in the island of Sal has everything you need for an idyllic week (or two) in the sun. While Sal is a quieter part of Cape Verde, it does offer year-round sunshine and plent6y of beautiful white-sand beaches. Meliá Llana Beach Resort is centred around a giant swimming pool complete with swim-up bar. The pool is surrounded by daybeds and sun loungers, perfect for fly and flop holidaymakers. Guest can upgrade to The Level to access a more exclusive pool club with fab direct to sun lounger service. Of course, there is also a spa, beauty salon and fitness centre complete with steam room and hammam . There is also the Bikini Beach Club in Praia Santa Maria, which is the hotel’s version of an Ibiza all-day beach club.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Urbanização da Cabocan ZDTI de Ponta Preta, 4111 Santa Maria, Cape Verde.
Price per night: From £235.
