No Fluff Guide: The Best Cape Verde Resorts for Families

Choosing the right Cape Verde resorts for families is no small task. Trust me, I’ve been there!

When I booked our family holiday to Cape Verde in 2022, I sifted through endless tripadvisor reviews.

I mean, who wouldn’t? When you’re investing in that dream family vacation, you want the best. What’s the real story beyond those picture-perfect images? Is this hotel truly the family haven it claims to be?

I’m glad you landed on this blog post as I’ve done the heavy lifting for you! I’ve spent many hours reading through hotel websites and review sites so you don’t have to.

In this guide I’ll reveal our pick of the 4 best Cape Verde family hotels on Sal Island.

Is Cape Verde a Good Family Holiday Destination?

Yes! Here’s 7 reasons why Sal Island is a dream spot for families.

1. First off, it’s a mere 5-hour flight from the UK. That’s not too bad, especially when you’ve got little ones in tow.
2. And the climate is a perfect balance, hovering between a comfy 21°C to 28°C all year round.
3. Imagine waking up to views of Santa Maria beach right outside your resort. Well, that is a reality at many of the best Cape Verde resorts. Pristine white sands and mesmerizing crystal-clear waters are always just a stone’s throw away.
4. Cape Verde has a vibrant culture and there will be many opportunities to immerse yourself in it during your stay. From trying authentic Cape Verdean cuisine to observing everyday life on the Santa Maria Pier or in the Island’s capital, Espargos.
5. Unlike some other holiday destinations, it is safe to leave your resort on Sal Island.
6. The locals are warm and welcoming and their mantra, “No Stress,” can be heard wherever you go.
7. Even though Sal is small in size, trust me, it’s big on adventures. For a bucket list of things to do in Sal Cape Verde, check out this blog post. You’ll find something for every age.

What Is a Family-Friendly Hotel?

Alright, let’s talk about what truly sets apart a family-friendly hotel from the rest. Because let’s face it, traveling with kids is a whole different ball game than a romantic getaway or a trip with friends.

Here’s the checklist I used to pick the best Cape Verde resorts for families. You can use it too and get clear on what you need from a family hotel.

Best Cape Verde Resorts for Families in Sal

I’ve spent hours researching hotels and family friendly resorts in Sal, Cape Verde. The following four resorts made it into my pick of the very best Cape Verde resorts for families. And one of these may just be the paradise you’re seeking for your next family vacation.

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This 5-star resort boasts not one, not two, but six swimming pools! And the separate water park is an added bonus for teens and adults alike. The water park has a minimum age requirement of 12, but fear not. RIU Palace Santa Maria also has you covered if your kids are younger. The dedicated kids pool with slides kept our 6 and 8-year-olds entertained for hours on end.

But it’s not just about the amenities; it’s the spirited atmosphere that makes RIU Palace Santa Maria truly exceptional. The hotel staff, particularly the animation team, brought an infectious energy with their music and dancing that added an extra layer of joy to our family getaway.

What Do the Reviews Say?

The staff here are super friendly, always going the extra mile to ensure your stay is comfortable. The attentive waiters and waitresses are always ready to clear your plates. And the complementary poolside drinks service goes down well with many guests.

Some reviewers like how the RIU app makes it easy to order extras for your room. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. We got extra pillows and drinks delivered right to our door that evening!

Nothing can be perfect. There’s a bit of a toilet shortage in public areas, especially by the pool and in the main restaurant. And, for some, the poolside music was a tad too loud.

Our family’s time at RIU Palace Santa Maria was excellent, and finding negatives was a bit of a challenge. One problem, if I’m being picky, was a mosquito invasion on our terrace. This made outdoor lounging a no-go but luckily, there seemed to be fewer mosquitos in other areas of the resort.

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Nestled along the serene shores of Santa Maria Beach, Hotel Morabeza stands as a testament to Sal Island’s hospitality. As samll family-run resort, it offers a tranquil escape – a stark contrast to the bustling energy of its larger, all-inclusive counterparts.

While availability for the spacious two-bedroom family suites is limited, they promise an ideal haven. Family suites boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a convenient sofa bed in the living room.

What Do the Reviews Say?

On TripAdvisor, Hotel Morabeza receives very good reviews. Visitors praise the helpful staff and spacious rooms.

Some feedback notes minor discomfort with beds and sun loungers. Additionally, a few guests find the hotel restaurant prices on the higher side, although Santa Maria provides plenty of delicious alternatives just a stroll away.

Important to Note: from May 1, 2024, until September 30, 2024, Hotel Morabeza will undergo significant renovation works at the Beach Club. During this period, the restaurant, bar, and beach club on the shore will be temporarily closed.

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Just a leisurely 10-minute stroll from Santa Maria town center, this classy haven boasts spacious, neutral-toned rooms and a grand lobby adorned with an impressive chandelier.

Families are welcomed with a dedicated kids’ pool and a hotel-run kid’s club. Additionally, the resort offers stylish suites designed with families in mind, featuring a living area and a dining table for added convenience and space.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Guests consistently applaud the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort for its exceptional cleanliness and meticulously maintained grounds. They particularly appreciate the thoughtful gestures of the hotel, going above and beyond to make special occasions, such as birthdays, truly memorable.

While most feedback is positive, there are some constructive suggestions regarding the kids’ club. Guests have recommended more engaging activities to enhance the experience for the little ones.

On a note of concern, some reviewers expressed disappointment upon encountering wear and tear on the furniture in their rooms, feeling it fell below the typically high standards expected from the Hilton brand.

Despite these considerations, the overall sentiment reflects a positive and appreciative guest experience.

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TUI SUNEO Dunas has clubs for kids of all ages (from the tiniest at 8 months to 17-year-old teens) but the reviews are particularly good from visitors with younger children. The waterpark is also bound to be a winner for older kids and teens.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Diving into the reviews, it’s clear that the animation team and kids’ activities steal the spotlight at this resort.

However, a few grumbles have surfaced about the resort’s organization, with timetables not quite aligning with daytime activities. There were a couple of instances where check-in stretched longer than expected. And despite the resort’s 2014 debut, some furnishings could use a bit of an update.

For those eyeing the a la carte restaurants, early booking is a must. Guests who missed out on a reservation found themselves stuck with a buffet routine, and a bit of monotony in the buffet menu led to some disappointment.

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Recap of the 4 Best Cape Verde Resorts for Families

I’m sure you’ve realized by now that choosing the best family resort in Sal, Cape Verde is no mean feat. There are so many resorts to choose from!

This blog post was designed to do the heavy lifting for you. Here’ a quick recap of what we covered.

Why Cape Verde for Families? Sal Island in Cape Verde is a dream spot for families with its relatively short flight from the UK, perfect climate, vibrant culture, and a range of adventures for all ages.

Checklist for the best family hotel in Cape Verde: Consider what is important to you before booking your Cape Verde family holiday. Here are some of the factors I considered when compiling these reviews: family suites, prime location, flexibility, in-room amenities, kid-friendly facilities, diverse catering options, and great reviews from real holidaymakers.

Our Top Picks:

1. RIU Palace Santa Maria: Our overall winner with spacious family rooms, a waterpark, diverse dining options, and more.
2. Hotel Morabeza: A quieter family-run retreat with spacious family suites and a beachfront location.
3. Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort: A luxury family holiday with spacious and stylish suites, kids’ facilities, and diverse dining.
4. TUI SUNEO Dunas: Ideal for larger families with young children, offering spacious suites and a waterpark.

I hope this blog post has helped in the search for the best Cape Verde resort for your family. If you’re looking for things to do in Sal, Cape Verde you may also find this blog post helpful.

I hope your family’s vacation in Sal, Cape Verde is as special as ours was in December 2022.