Cape Verde

[Pickled]

Old Merc said:

Probably what your getting is a TAP flight via Lisbon,they go daily.

Thomson fly regularly to Sal from Gatwick in about 5.5hrs, and they have just introduced a Dreamliner on that route. Return with the usual "extras" like luggage (who goes on holiday without?) will cost around £350,but you do get a free in-flight meal though.

Ours was 5:50 going out and 5:20 coming back, and its still a 757-200 with no entertainment; the Dreamliner is supposed to be introduced next month, but apparently it was supposed to be a Dreamliner from June 2016

[Shnozz]

Thanks chaps. Looking at the week - 10 days I was considering its actually cheaper to fly to St Lucia and the hotel isn't much different (I am a single traveler so all in one holiday deals don't suit). Given that I think I will aim for that instead but will keep in mind CV as a shorter get away in the future.

[mcg_]

Bump -

Rather than start a new topic.

Looking to go to Sal in December. I'd prefer to go bed and breakfast as I'm not a huge fan of staying in a resort for 7 nights, are the enough restaurants and some bars to keep us interested? It's only me and the misses and primarily just looking to chill out.

[Pickled]

mcg_ said:

Bump -

Rather than start a new topic.

Looking to go to Sal in December. I'd prefer to go bed and breakfast as I'm not a huge fan of staying in a resort for 7 nights, are the enough restaurants and some bars to keep us interested? It's only me and the misses and primarily just looking to chill out.

Stay in the place Old Merc mentions it really is very nice around there - there's plenty of bars and it's right on the beach, don't expect pristine urban development though but great for kicking back with a cold beer and watching the world go by

[mcg_]

Pickled said:

Stay in the place Old Merc mentions it really is very nice around there - there's plenty of bars and it's right on the beach, don't expect pristine urban development though but great for kicking back with a cold beer and watching the world go by

That's all I'm after really, nice cold beer and doing f all most the time. Maybe some fishing, never done it before but something a bit different out there.

Odjo d'Agua Hotel? Looking on trip advisor it's 'only' number 11 out of 20? We were looking at HotelOasis Salinas Sea (no. 6 on TA), seems reasonable enough, only meant to be a cheap holiday!

[isaldiri]

mcg_ said:

That's all I'm after really, nice cold beer and doing f all most the time. Maybe some fishing, never done it before but something a bit different out there.

If you're going fishing, might be worth have a check what the sea conditions are like especially if you're going offshore as it's generally very windy in Cape Verde afaik. Never been to Sal but to Sao Vicente in the spring for marlin fishing and it is very rough there.

[Pickled]

mcg_ said:

That's all I'm after really, nice cold beer and doing f all most the time. Maybe some fishing, never done it before but something a bit different out there.

Odjo d'Agua Hotel? Looking on trip advisor it's 'only' number 11 out of 20? We were looking at HotelOasis Salinas Sea (no. 6 on TA), seems reasonable enough, only meant to be a cheap holiday!

Odjo d'Agua is the best location, right in Santa Maria on the beachfront, the restaurant/bar there is pretty good as well, there's also nice little bar as you walk round to the main beach area. I took a cheap crappy travel fishing set and caught a few fish without even trying. I'll dig a few photos out

[Pickled]

Just a few I took with my phone

[mcg_]

Pickled said:

Odjo d'Agua is the best location, right in Santa Maria on the beachfront, the restaurant/bar there is pretty good as well, there's also nice little bar as you walk round to the main beach area. I took a cheap crappy travel fishing set and caught a few fish without even trying. I'll dig a few photos out

Will have more of a look into Odjo d'Agua tonight

Pictures look great! Thanks for posting

[Old Merc]

mcg_ said:

Pickled said:

Stay in the place Old Merc mentions it really is very nice around there - there's plenty of bars and it's right on the beach, don't expect pristine urban development though but great for kicking back with a cold beer and watching the world go by

That's all I'm after really, nice cold beer and doing f all most the time. Maybe some fishing, never done it before but something a bit different out there.

Odjo d'Agua Hotel? Looking on trip advisor it's 'only' number 11 out of 20? We were looking at HotelOasis Salinas Sea (no. 6 on TA), seems reasonable enough, only meant to be a cheap holiday!

We have been to Santa Maria three times now.Check back on this thread about all my comments. If your just after chilling out,how about a self catering apartment? so you can do what you want when ever you want.this year we rented one at Porto Antigo 2 (NOT to be confused with Porto Antigo 1 which is just down the road) nice place,swimming pool etc,all the beach bars and restaurants are just 100yds away.

The Odjo d`Agua Hotel(we had a couple of issues when we stayed) is next door to Porto Antigo 2. The Oasis Salinas Sea is a big brash new all inclusive hotel the other end of the beach.Next door to that is the Morabeza Hotel,we have stayed there,perfect place but expensive.
We were very satisfied with Porto Antigo 2,we did not have to clock watch for meal times,sit on the balcony for breakfast or with a cold beer watching the sun go down,then stroll along the beach for dinner. Mind you if your a cook how about going to see these girls for fresh fish? (the beach bars,Porto Antigo 2,Odjo d`Agua are in the background)

[happie33]

old merc --- for porto antigo -- whom did you book with ??? thanks

[Old Merc]

We booked through Booking.com. Beware though its very easy to get the two Porto Antigo`s mixed up.If you google "Porto Antigo/booking.com" you will get lots of options,some are 1,just go for the one "Porto Antigo 2". Mind you there is nothing wrong with PA 1 its just much bigger and more expensive.
Porto Antigo 1 is a large apartment hotel complex,Porto Antigo 2 is small and all the apartments are privately owned. The apartment we stayed in is owned by this lovely Dutch couple who have quite a few places in Santa Maria.His number is [phone] ask for Ron Boss,alternatively call Cape Verde 002389257956. Unfortunately I haven't got his email address as all the correspondence was done through booking.com.One thing that may put you off? you have to transfer ALL the money up front to a bank in Holland.Dont worry Ron Boss is a very good guy,well known in Santa Maria and will look after you. If you contact him direct,leave out booking.com,I`m sure you will get a good deal.

Edited by Old Merc on Thursday 10th August 10:46

[Old Merc]

One other thing,you will need to take lots of cash.Only the hotels accept cards,bars,shops,and restaurants its cash only.There are ATM`s but I bet your card provider will rip you off?
You can only buy/sell Cape Verde Escudos (CVE) on the island. As always the rates at the airport and hotels are very poor,there is only one bank in Santa Maria that will exchange £`s.
Don`t worry though,Euros are accepted everywhere,you will get the change in Escudos,handy for tips,but get rid of them before you leave.The unofficial rate is normally 100cve = 1 Euro.I`m sure the locals are making a killing out of all this,but good luck to them,nothing is expensive.

[mcg_]

Old Merc said:

One other thing,you will need to take lots of cash.Only the hotels accept cards,bars,shops,and restaurants its cash only.There are ATM`s but I bet your card provider will rip you off?
You can only buy/sell Cape Verde Escudos (CVE) on the island. As always the rates at the airport and hotels are very poor,there is only one bank in Santa Maria that will exchange £`s.
Don`t worry though,Euros are accepted everywhere,you will get the change in Escudos,handy for tips,but get rid of them before you leave.The unofficial rate is normally 100cve = 1 Euro.I`m sure the locals are making a killing out of all this,but good luck to them,nothing is expensive.

Thanks for the info Old Merc. So is the best thing to do just take £ notes and change over there at the bank? Few euros initially to tie us over?

Booked this morning to go oasis salinas sea in December, had a look at the other place mentioned but it was a good few hundred more. Went for bed and breakfast, went all inclusive once in Egypt and wasn't a fan

[Old Merc]

I took Euros,plenty of them,OK it costs you a bit more but I found it more convenient.When I went to the only bank in Santa Maria that changes £`s they were queuing out of the door,hopeless,I gave up.If you end up with Escudos at the airport going home they will charge you a minimum of £10 to change back to £`s.
I suspect one or two evenings you will eat at your hotel and will be able to book it to your room.All the other places be prepared to pay in cash.Just get on the beach path in front of your hotel and walk into town,so many choices.I will suggest two special evenings, http://www.leprivesal.com/ got to be the best restaurant in Santa Maria,well worth a visit. Also book a Saturday night BBQ at the Morabeza Hotel(they take cards)next door to you,local dance and music show,eat as much as you can.Or,just sit in a quirky beach bar with your feet in the sand,with a pizza and beer,listening to a guy playing a guitar. Have a good time,best of luck. Let us know how you got on.

[mcg_]

Old Merc said:

I took Euros,plenty of them,OK it costs you a bit more but I found it more convenient.When I went to the only bank in Santa Maria that changes £`s they were queuing out of the door,hopeless,I gave up.If you end up with Escudos at the airport going home they will charge you a minimum of £10 to change back to £`s.
I suspect one or two evenings you will eat at your hotel and will be able to book it to your room.All the other places be prepared to pay in cash.Just get on the beach path in front of your hotel and walk into town,so many choices.I will suggest two special evenings, http://www.leprivesal.com/ got to be the best restaurant in Santa Maria,well worth a visit. Also book a Saturday night BBQ at the Morabeza Hotel(they take cards)next door to you,local dance and music show,eat as much as you can.Or,just sit in a quirky beach bar with your feet in the sand,with a pizza and beer,listening to a guy playing a guitar. Have a good time,best of luck. Let us know how you got on.

Brilliant advice, thank you.

Can't wait!

[Dan_1981]

Bit of a bump on this one.

Considering a trip in July.

Probabaly to one of the Tui all inclusive Rui resorts.

Flights from Manc to Sal are pretty poor - arriving back early hours of the next day

Boa Vista are lots better.

Sal vs Boa Vista?

Much to choose between the two?

[Old Merc]

Dan_1981 said:

Bit of a bump on this one.

Considering a trip in July.

Probabaly to one of the Tui all inclusive Rui resorts.

Flights from Manc to Sal are pretty poor - arriving back early hours of the next day

Boa Vista are lots better.

Sal vs Boa Vista?

Much to choose between the two?

SAL is much better,I`ve never been to Boa Vista but there have been some bad reports on here. The Rui resort was described as a 5* prison camp.Apparently its all on its own miles from anywhere,a bit like being stuck on the moon.
We have been to Santa Maria,Sal Island a number of times,(see the reports above) If you want a big all inclusive,have a look at Dunas De Sal or Oasis Salinas Sea, just a walk down the beach to Santa Maria.

[Dan_1981]

The flights to Sal are awful, Birmingham Manchester or Gatwick all fly out at around 7pm getting you back early hours of the next morning.

Not much fun with an 18 month old

[pidsy]

Old Merc said:

Dan_1981 said:

Bit of a bump on this one.

Considering a trip in July.

Probabaly to one of the Tui all inclusive Rui resorts.

Flights from Manc to Sal are pretty poor - arriving back early hours of the next day

Boa Vista are lots better.

Sal vs Boa Vista?

Much to choose between the two?

SAL is much better,I`ve never been to Boa Vista but there have been some bad reports on here. The Rui resort was described as a 5* prison camp.Apparently its all on its own miles from anywhere,a bit like being stuck on the moon.
We have been to Santa Maria,Sal Island a number of times,(see the reports above) If you want a big all inclusive,have a look at Dunas De Sal or Oasis Salinas Sea, just a walk down the beach to Santa Maria.

The comments about the prison camp were mine.

That’s the riu tourareg. It hasn’t changed, a friend of mine went in November.