Riu Touareg Reopens in Cape Verde as a Family Resort After Full Renovation

Hotel Riu Touareg has reopened on the southern coast of Boa Vista, Cape Verde, after RIU Hotels & Resorts renovated every one of its 1,181 rooms along with its restaurants, bars, pools, spa, gym and kids' areas. The five-star resort keeps RIU's 24-hour all-inclusive plan, but it comes back as a different kind of stay: the old split between family and adults-only sections is gone, and the property now runs almost entirely as a family resort.

What changed in the rooms?

All 1,181 rooms received new furniture, finishes, bathrooms and climate control, plus new entrance doors and exterior carpentry. For a resort that first opened in 2011, that is a top-to-bottom room overhaul, not a paint-and-linens refresh.

Is Riu Touareg still a good pick for couples?

Adults lose their dedicated section, but not every quiet corner. One pool stays reserved for guests over 18, which matters on a property this large. Couples who want an adults-only RIU on the same island can look at Hotel Riu Karamboa, while Hotel Riu Palace Boavista is the brand's Palace-tier option on Boa Vista.

What is new to eat and drink?

The food and drink lineup was reorganized more than any other part of the resort. It now totals six restaurants and nine bars:

• Morabeza, the main restaurant, adds a larger air-conditioned indoor room alongside its terrace.
• Kabuki, the Asian restaurant, moved into a bigger space, and Kulinarium was expanded.
• Bereber is a new themed steakhouse built from the former snack restaurant.
• American Country, a sports bar and restaurant, replaces the old nightclub and karaoke venue.
• Candy, a new ice cream parlour and café, joins two Pepe's Food grill stations beside the main pools.
• Da Marcello stays on as the Italian option.

What else was upgraded?

The three main pools were completely remodelled with bigger sun terraces around them. The gym was expanded, the RIU Fit and RIU Land programs were updated, and the spa and children's playground were renovated. Shops were consolidated into one larger central store, and several public spaces were redesigned.

Why does this matter for a winter sun trip?

RIU now operates six hotels in Cape Verde, three on Sal and three on Boa Vista, with 4,679 rooms between them. Bringing more than 1,100 renovated rooms back before the main European winter season gives families a newly rebuilt 24-hour all-inclusive on an island that leans on direct holiday flights. Anyone comparing packages should make sure the room photos on a booking site show the new design, since older images of the pre-renovation resort will keep circulating for a while.