Discussion
Its kind of putting me off Cape Verde but we were looking for a cheaper alternative to the Maldives where we normally go in January. Obviously its not the same but we just want to do nothing for a week and no bothered about loads to do, just some nice restaurants or a decent AI resort.
Would Santa Maria be the place to go?
Would Santa Maria be the place to go?
Edited by interstellar on Thursday 26th October 14:33
The first time we went to Cape Verde it was very good, good food etc.
The second time we went 2 yrs later to the same hotel and they had sold off half of it and the food was terrible - then there was a huge tummy bug outbreak and we all got ill.
It has some interesting things to do but some of things we went on were low quality - the snorkelling trip had broken equipment and awful food on a tired boat and I got the impression that there was no money to replace things. It is a very 3rd world place and you need to make some allowances for that.
The second time we went 2 yrs later to the same hotel and they had sold off half of it and the food was terrible - then there was a huge tummy bug outbreak and we all got ill.
It has some interesting things to do but some of things we went on were low quality - the snorkelling trip had broken equipment and awful food on a tired boat and I got the impression that there was no money to replace things. It is a very 3rd world place and you need to make some allowances for that.
interstellar said:
Its kind of putting me off Cape Verde but we were looking for a cheaper alternative to the Maldives where we normally go in January. Obviously its not the same but we just want to do nothing for a week and no bothered about loads to do, just some nice restaurants or a decent AI resort.
Would boa vista be the place to go?
No. Would boa vista be the place to go?
I haven't been for a couple of years but you need to understand how desolate Boa Vista is. It's like the surface of Mars.
We were taken from the airport to our hotel - an approximately 30-40 min coach trip. We saw no other cars. No vegetation. There's a small town by the airport. That's it.
The only restaurants are within the AI hotels. These can be perfectly pleasant but, after two weeks stuck in the same hotel complex, we needed to get out. Don't get me wrong, the place (Riu Touraeg) is massive but this is where the "luxury prison camp" analogy comes in.
It also limited entertainment. It's a small island, the pool of talent is limited.
They tried their best but, again, you're going to the same bar every night. It gets repetitive very quickly.
I enjoyed our first trip - my work had been really stressful leading up to our trip and the OH hadn't been well. We just needed two weeks of lazing by a pool, reading books and sleeping a lot. Boa Vista is perfect for that.
Second time, we should have gone to a different hotel as it was very familiar very quickly.
The Touareg had noticeably deteriorated in the 5 years hence aswell.
First time we went it felt like a bit of a secret - not many people had gone (comparatively) and it was all new. Second trip, the cheap deals enticing people over were well known and every Wayne and Waynetta you can think of was there in their Superdry baseball caps.
I have heard good things about Sal. More to do and more of a traditional setup with towns, bars, restaurants, etc.
Muzzer79 said:
interstellar said:
Its kind of putting me off Cape Verde but we were looking for a cheaper alternative to the Maldives where we normally go in January. Obviously its not the same but we just want to do nothing for a week and no bothered about loads to do, just some nice restaurants or a decent AI resort.
Would boa vista be the place to go?
No. Would boa vista be the place to go?
I haven't been for a couple of years but you need to understand how desolate Boa Vista is. It's like the surface of Mars.
We were taken from the airport to our hotel - an approximately 30-40 min coach trip. We saw no other cars. No vegetation. There's a small town by the airport. That's it.
The only restaurants are within the AI hotels. These can be perfectly pleasant but, after two weeks stuck in the same hotel complex, we needed to get out. Don't get me wrong, the place (Riu Touraeg) is massive but this is where the "luxury prison camp" analogy comes in.
It also limited entertainment. It's a small island, the pool of talent is limited.
They tried their best but, again, you're going to the same bar every night. It gets repetitive very quickly.
I enjoyed our first trip - my work had been really stressful leading up to our trip and the OH hadn't been well. We just needed two weeks of lazing by a pool, reading books and sleeping a lot. Boa Vista is perfect for that.
Second time, we should have gone to a different hotel as it was very familiar very quickly.
The Touareg had noticeably deteriorated in the 5 years hence aswell.
First time we went it felt like a bit of a secret - not many people had gone (comparatively) and it was all new. Second trip, the cheap deals enticing people over were well known and every Wayne and Waynetta you can think of was there in their Superdry baseball caps.
I have heard good things about Sal. More to do and more of a traditional setup with towns, bars, restaurants, etc.
I have looked on google maps and can see Boa Vista is desolate, santa maria looks nice, I am favouring the hilton Cabo there by looking at the photos.
interstellar said:
Its kind of putting me off Cape Verde but we were looking for a cheaper alternative to the Maldives where we normally go in January. Obviously its not the same but we just want to do nothing for a week and no bothered about loads to do, just some nice restaurants or a decent AI resort.
That's quite some downgrade. Like going from a Bentley to a Seat.Shaoxter said:
interstellar said:
Its kind of putting me off Cape Verde but we were looking for a cheaper alternative to the Maldives where we normally go in January. Obviously its not the same but we just want to do nothing for a week and no bothered about loads to do, just some nice restaurants or a decent AI resort.
That's quite some downgrade. Like going from a Bentley to a Seat.There is nothing warmer I dont think that isnt a long haul flight away.
We've stayed at the Toureg and Karamboa and it's really not worth the hike (coach trip) out to the Toureg as it's 30 mins through a moonscape and the destination is just another huge complex like the Karamboa, but that is a short walk from the airport. I would go again but will try the Riu Place next door next time
There really isn't much to do outside the resorts/holiday villages so you just go to enjoy your (insert length of stay here) relaxing, swimming, water-sports and eating reasonable canteen type food. Drink is OK and flows all day long like most All incs, but if just chilling (and little else) isn't your thing, nowhere on Boa Vista will be. There's next to bugger all in Sal Rei or Rabil, not even a good (big) choice of restaurants to make B and B worthwhile.
It's relatively cheap, so don't have high expectations. The staff try hard but by day three you've heard all the same old waffle and seen the smiles. If your expectations aren't too high and you just need a break, I'd say it's still OK. There doesn't appear to be any medical facilities close by though (a Doctor has an office a few times a week in the complex) so make sure you have all your meds and are prepared to wait if you do get ill. Remember too that while it's hot and sunny for the most part, the Atlantic piles straight into the West coast and although nicely cooling, the wind is relentless.
There really isn't much to do outside the resorts/holiday villages so you just go to enjoy your (insert length of stay here) relaxing, swimming, water-sports and eating reasonable canteen type food. Drink is OK and flows all day long like most All incs, but if just chilling (and little else) isn't your thing, nowhere on Boa Vista will be. There's next to bugger all in Sal Rei or Rabil, not even a good (big) choice of restaurants to make B and B worthwhile.
It's relatively cheap, so don't have high expectations. The staff try hard but by day three you've heard all the same old waffle and seen the smiles. If your expectations aren't too high and you just need a break, I'd say it's still OK. There doesn't appear to be any medical facilities close by though (a Doctor has an office a few times a week in the complex) so make sure you have all your meds and are prepared to wait if you do get ill. Remember too that while it's hot and sunny for the most part, the Atlantic piles straight into the West coast and although nicely cooling, the wind is relentless.
Edited by cookie1600 on Thursday 26th October 15:54
interstellar said:
Its kind of putting me off Cape Verde but we were looking for a cheaper alternative to the Maldives where we normally go in January. Obviously its not the same but we just want to do nothing for a week and no bothered about loads to do, just some nice restaurants or a decent AI resort.
Would Santa Maria be the place to go?
]
intersteller, you was asking me questions about Cape Verde back in January 2019 !! haven't you made your mind up yetWould Santa Maria be the place to go?
]
Definitely go to Santa Maria, We have been there three times, (pre Covid mind you?) Stayed in a 5*, 4* and a self catering flat. Cape Verde has been discussed on here many times over the years. I think this is the best thread https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... go through all the posts, things may have changed? certainly its got bigger.
f=209&t=1646627
Sal Island is the opposite of Boa Vista.
Locals are a friendly lot.
Edited by Old Merc on Thursday 26th October 16:17
Stayed at Rui Funana in santa maria couple of years ago just after the place opened up from Covid in late Feb. Was really pleased with the place, food was excellent, clientele seemed good - no sovs & tats. Was generally always a breeze, but shorts and t-shirt all the time.
You can walk into Santa Maria in about 20 mins, nice enough place - but not a vast array of eateries - probably due to all the AI places.
We hired a [4x4] car to explore for a couple of days, but crikey once you get north of the airport you are driving on bolder strewn tracks - I think taking a car on them would destroy it quickly. There's only a couple of things to see such as the Kite beach, Blue Eye Cave and the Salt mine (which is fairly dull to be fair).
Overall I liked the place for what it was etc and would go back again.
You can walk into Santa Maria in about 20 mins, nice enough place - but not a vast array of eateries - probably due to all the AI places.
We hired a [4x4] car to explore for a couple of days, but crikey once you get north of the airport you are driving on bolder strewn tracks - I think taking a car on them would destroy it quickly. There's only a couple of things to see such as the Kite beach, Blue Eye Cave and the Salt mine (which is fairly dull to be fair).
Overall I liked the place for what it was etc and would go back again.
Cape verde is a bit of a hidden gem that everyone seems to know about.
But I wouldn't go again.
We went last year and stayed at Melia Dunas.. It has lots of potential, but hygiene was a serious issue.
Good points-
-pretty much on the beach*
-Rooms are a good size*
-large resort
Bad points-
-They are a sister hotel with Sol Dunas (which is a long walk to the beach) but due to demand and capacity Melia Dunas have commandeered some rooms from Sol Dunas and painted them in the same colours. They originally put us in the Sol Dunas insisting it was the same (it wasn't at all - the rooms are smaller, not finished as well and centre around a party pool blaring pop music all day long).. After hours (literally) of arguing at the front desk we were finally given rooms right by the beach in the correct resort.
-rooms are a good size as long as they put you in the correct resort!
-Flies! f
k me.. All the food is covered in flies.. Simple coverings would have prevented this. We would time our lunch and dinner times for exactly when the restaurants opened so we could run to the buffets before the flies had sat on everything. The Europeans didn't seem to bat an eyelid at this?!
-food poisoning! Many many guests told us how they had been at the resort for a couple weeks and had fallen sick with food poisoning. Lots of stories of outbreaks on the island but staff would not acknowledge any of it, neither did the TUI reps. Probably a result of the flies tbh.
-towels and toiletries weren't replaced regularly.
The island itself has a lot going for it, being able to get in the water with yellow tip sharks, watching turtles lay eggs at night etc.. Amazing experiences, but marred by the resorts imo.
The consensus from other resort goers (and family that recommended it) was that things had really gone down hill post covid (as someone else has also mentioned).
But I wouldn't go again.
We went last year and stayed at Melia Dunas.. It has lots of potential, but hygiene was a serious issue.
Good points-
-pretty much on the beach*
-Rooms are a good size*
-large resort
Bad points-
-They are a sister hotel with Sol Dunas (which is a long walk to the beach) but due to demand and capacity Melia Dunas have commandeered some rooms from Sol Dunas and painted them in the same colours. They originally put us in the Sol Dunas insisting it was the same (it wasn't at all - the rooms are smaller, not finished as well and centre around a party pool blaring pop music all day long).. After hours (literally) of arguing at the front desk we were finally given rooms right by the beach in the correct resort.
-rooms are a good size as long as they put you in the correct resort!
-Flies! f
k me.. All the food is covered in flies.. Simple coverings would have prevented this. We would time our lunch and dinner times for exactly when the restaurants opened so we could run to the buffets before the flies had sat on everything. The Europeans didn't seem to bat an eyelid at this?! -food poisoning! Many many guests told us how they had been at the resort for a couple weeks and had fallen sick with food poisoning. Lots of stories of outbreaks on the island but staff would not acknowledge any of it, neither did the TUI reps. Probably a result of the flies tbh.
-towels and toiletries weren't replaced regularly.
The island itself has a lot going for it, being able to get in the water with yellow tip sharks, watching turtles lay eggs at night etc.. Amazing experiences, but marred by the resorts imo.
The consensus from other resort goers (and family that recommended it) was that things had really gone down hill post covid (as someone else has also mentioned).
Climate was a mildly interesting one.
First time, we went in early July IIRC.
It was mid-high 20s, a bit cloudy some days. Pool warm enough to get in from lunchtime, once the sun had warmed it up.
Breezy as people have said - this meant it didn't feel too hot but by Christ, did I go brown!
Deepest tan I've ever had, I think due to the fact that because it didn't feel that hot, one could comfortably sit out in it all day.
Second time we went in September. Not as cloudy but similar temperature.
I'm told that it's nice in winter.
First time, we went in early July IIRC.
It was mid-high 20s, a bit cloudy some days. Pool warm enough to get in from lunchtime, once the sun had warmed it up.
Breezy as people have said - this meant it didn't feel too hot but by Christ, did I go brown!
Deepest tan I've ever had, I think due to the fact that because it didn't feel that hot, one could comfortably sit out in it all day.
Second time we went in September. Not as cloudy but similar temperature.
I'm told that it's nice in winter.
eliot said:
Billy_Rosewood said:
-Flies! fk me.. All the food is covered in flies..
Didn't experience that at-all at the Funana thankfully. k me.. All the food is covered in flies.. Forgot to mention we went last summer.. Hopefully things have improved. The flies alone were the biggest put off. The staff made no attempt to acknowledge or do anything about them.
The place has so much potential if it can get back to the way it was described to us.
Billy_Rosewood said:
eliot said:
Billy_Rosewood said:
-Flies! fk me.. All the food is covered in flies..
Didn't experience that at-all at the Funana thankfully. k me.. All the food is covered in flies.. Forgot to mention we went last summer.. Hopefully things have improved. The flies alone were the biggest put off. The staff made no attempt to acknowledge or do anything about them.
The place has so much potential if it can get back to the way it was described to us.
Old Merc said:
intersteller, you was asking me questions about Cape Verde back in January 2019 !! haven't you made your mind up yet
You are right, I was asking back then. We went to the Maldives instead twice plus the covid years are in there. We want to go away in January, somewhere warm for a quiet week like I said above but not the price of the maldives or the long flight. Edited by Old Merc on Thursday 26th October 16:17
Last time I looked at Boa Vista and it put me off. It has come back up again as its 5 hour flight and warm in Jan.Santa Maria looks like it could work.
Where else in Jan thats not a 9 hour flight or £££ like the Maldives. I reckon we should try it if there is nowhere else that fits the bill.
Remember I’ve not been there for 5 years.
The weather in January can hit 26c, but the evenings may get chilly. A tip on currency. When we were there it was cash only in most of the bars, small restaurants and shops. Euros are accepted everywhere, so take a wad.
I’m sure though more places will accept cards now, the hotels always did.
You can only buy and sell the CP Escudo on the island. What happens is you get the bill in Euros and the change in Escudos, they make a killing. It’s handy to get rid of them with tips, but don’t collect a lot.
The weather in January can hit 26c, but the evenings may get chilly. A tip on currency. When we were there it was cash only in most of the bars, small restaurants and shops. Euros are accepted everywhere, so take a wad.
I’m sure though more places will accept cards now, the hotels always did.
You can only buy and sell the CP Escudo on the island. What happens is you get the bill in Euros and the change in Escudos, they make a killing. It’s handy to get rid of them with tips, but don’t collect a lot.
The bars on either side of the beach both take cards and for what it’s worth serve really good food. I’m there in April and plan is to spend most days on the beach or using those bars for sun loungers & chilling. Will eat in the hotel if the food seems ok and not everyone is complaining of sickness, if not we’ll eat out. Sal Rei now has a few restaurants getting good reviews. The hotel will just be a bed & base for the two weeks Will be out with GG for 4 days and a few nights. Will avoid the pool bars and neon party, etc and do our own thing. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but the beaches are amazing and locals really pleasant
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