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. Maybe you are too, and I don’t blame you! When you’re investing in that dream family holiday, you want nothing but the best.

Do you find yourself asking, “What’s the real story beyond the picture-perfect images on the website?” “Is this hotel 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 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 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 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 experience. 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.

These are the factors I considered when selecting the best Cape Verde resorts for families. Are any of the following a priority for you too? Feel free to use my checklist to 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. Could one of them be the paradise you’re seeking for your next family holiday?

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This 5-star resort boasts not one, not two, but six swimming pools! And the separate water park is a bonus for teens and adults. The water park has a minimum age requirement of 12, but 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-old 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 enjoyment 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. In the restaurant areas, attentive waiters and waitresses are always ready to clear your plates. And the complimentary poolside drinks service goes down well with many guests.

Some TripAdvisor reviewers liked how the RIU app made it easy to order extras for the room. We have to agree – thanks to the app, extra pillows and drinks were 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 Santa Maria Beach, Hotel Morabeza stands as a testament to Sal Island’s hospitality. The small family-run resort offers a tranquil escape. A stark contrast to the bustling energy of its larger, all-inclusive counterparts.

Availability for the spacious two-bedroom family suites is limited, so you’ll need to act fast to get one! These 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 hotel boasts spacious, neutral-toned rooms and a grand lobby adorned with an impressive chandelier.

Families are catered for with a dedicated kids’ pool and a hotel-run kid’s club. Additionally, the resort offers stylish family suites with 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 cleanliness and meticulously maintained grounds. They particularly appreciate the thoughtful gestures of the hotel staff, making special occasions, such as birthdays, memorable for guests.

While most feedback is positive, there are some constructive suggestions regarding the kids’ club. Guests would like more engaging activities for the little ones.

Some reviewers expressed disappointment at wear and tear on the furniture in their rooms. They felt it fell below the typically high standards expected from the Hilton brand.

Despite these sticking points, the overall sentiment is positive.

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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 a winner for older kids and teens.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room – this hotel has 2.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor. Compared to the other hotels that have 4+ stars, you may be wondering how on earth TUI SUNEO Dunas made it into our top four family-friendly resorts. Let me explain.

From the TripAdvisor reviews, it appears that disgruntled customers felt they’d been mis-sold on a 5-star holiday. Many felt the resort was more like a 3-star by European standards.

But, I came across many great reviews, particularly from parents travelling with their kids. They felt their children were well catered for thanks to the pool, waterpark, and daily entertainment.

Some reviewers felt the resort’s organization could be improved. Timetables didn’t always align with daytime activities. And there were a couple of instances where check-in stretched longer than expected.

It’s also worth noting that booking into a la carte restaurants isn’t a smooth process. You’ll need to queue to secure your place. Some reviewers missed out on a reservation and were disappointed with the monotony of the buffet menu.

So long as you’re aware that TUI SUNEO Dunas doesn’t offer a 5-star experience, it is still a valid and great value option for families looking to create incredible memories. It’s for this reason that we stand by this Cape Verde resort for families.

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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 family holiday spot with its relatively short flight from the UK. It also offers a year-round warm 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 your 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.