Rating8.4
Rating8.0
Rating8.1Adults OnlyGood
Based on 4.9k reviews
Prime Beachfront Location
Guests consistently praise the resort's stunning direct beachfront access to a vast white sandy beach, complete with natural palm trees offering shade, making it ideal for relaxation and ocean activities.
Exceptional Dining Variety
The all-inclusive program receives high acclaim for its diverse and high-quality food offerings, especially the extensive buffet with live cooking stations and the selection of specialty restaurants.
Inviting Pool Areas
The two outdoor swimming pools, each featuring convenient swim-up bars, are frequently highlighted as perfect spots for relaxation and enjoying refreshing drinks.
Diligent Cleanliness Standards
The resort consistently earns high praise for its impeccable cleanliness throughout the property and in the guest rooms, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stay for all visitors.
Engaging Entertainment
Guests appreciate the varied and lively entertainment program, including live music and shows, which contributes to a vibrant atmosphere and memorable evenings.
Friendly Staff & Free WiFi
Many guests commend the friendly and helpful demeanor of the staff, alongside the convenience of complimentary and generally reliable WiFi access across the resort.
Sunbed Availability
A recurring concern is the challenge of securing sunbeds by the pool, as guests often reserve them early in the morning despite hotel policies, leading to scarcity.
Specialty Restaurant Reservations
Guests frequently report difficulty in booking tables at the à la carte specialty restaurants, recommending early booking upon arrival, ideally via the RIU app.
Inconsistent Service Experience
While many staff are praised, some guests have noted instances of inconsistent friendliness or responsiveness from certain bar and main restaurant staff members, particularly at busy times.
December Sea Conditions
Travelers planning a visit in December should be aware that sea conditions can be rough with red flags, which may limit swimming and water activities directly from the beach.
Limited Vegetarian Options
Some reviews highlight a lack of consistent and varied vegetarian protein options within the buffet, which might be a consideration for guests with specific dietary needs.
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Travellers Choice awards
Several awards for romantic getaways
Tripadvisor
Hotel Riu Cabo Verde sits directly on one of Sal Island's best stretches of white sand, where natural palm trees — not imported landscaping — provide organic shade along the shore. That beach is the resort's strongest asset: it's wide, genuinely pretty, and doubles as the launching point for complimentary water sports including kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, and bodyboarding when conditions allow.
The resort is adults-only (18+), which calibrates the atmosphere toward couples, friend groups, and solo travelers who want a quieter environment. It's not adults-only in the Sandals sense — the vibe is relaxed rather than romantic — but the absence of children does meaningfully reduce pool noise. The trade-off is a beach setting that can sometimes feel isolated; Santa Maria village is a short taxi ride away but the resort itself offers limited off-property character.
A genuine drawback worth naming: sunbed competition begins early. Reviews consistently flag that poolside chairs get claimed with towels before 8am. If you're not a morning person or don't want to play that game, build your day around beach access instead — the beach is longer and doesn't have the same territorial dynamic.
Practically: 500 rooms across five buildings, about 20–30 minutes from Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID). The all-inclusive program is comprehensive — four restaurants, seven bars, 24-hour room service, in-room liquor dispensers, and complimentary Splash Water World access at the adjacent Riu Palace Santa Maria. Price tier lands above standard Riu properties but below true luxury — think premium all-inclusive rather than boutique.
