Rating8.4
Rating8.0
Rating8.1Adults OnlyThe activity program covers the expected all-inclusive range plus a few additions. The RiuArt Atelier creative workshop is genuinely unusual — painting and craft sessions for adults and older children that go beyond the standard pool games and beach volleyball. Non-motorized water sports are included; scuba diving and golf are extra. Note that Cape Verde's trade winds make windsurfing and kitesurfing the area's standout watersports — external operators in Santa Maria offer lessons at higher quality than the resort's basic windsurfing equipment.
The primary pool for general swimming and the animation team's activity zone. Gets the most traffic and the most sun-towel competition. If you want a chair with a clear spot, arrive before 8:30 a.m.
A significant advantage during cooler months (December–March) when Sal's temperatures can drop enough to make unheated pools uncomfortable. Usually less crowded than the main pool because its heating is underappreciated by guests who don't know it's an option.
Adults only (18+) with in-pool seating and bar service. The quietest pool zone on the property — the 18+ restriction keeps the family crowd out. Usually has more chair availability than the main pool.
Shallow, safe, specifically for younger children. Adjacent to the RiuLand kids' club area. Standard dedicated children's zone.
Cross-property access to the water park at the neighboring Riu Palace Santa Maria — included in Funana's rate. This is the feature that makes Funana more family-friendly than its own pool count would suggest. Multiple slides for different age groups and height minimums.
Direct access to one of Sal Island's white-sand beaches on the Santa Maria waterfront. The water is generally clear and swimmable, with the characteristic turquoise of the Cape Verde shallows. The trade winds are a consistent factor — January and February are the windiest months and can make the beach uncomfortable for lounging. From March onward, conditions are more manageable. Loungers and umbrellas included. External watersport operators set up on the beach for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and other activities.
Complimentary from the beach. Sal's waters are generally calm enough for beginners, though afternoon winds can pick up.
Included. The waters around Sal have good visibility and some reef life — worth doing at least once.
Included use of equipment. The consistent trade winds make Sal one of the better spots in the Atlantic for windsurfing, though the resort's on-site instruction is basic. Serious windsurfers are better served by the specialist schools in Santa Maria town.
Boards included from the beach. Wave conditions are generally moderate on Sal.
Complimentary pedal boat rentals from the beach. A casual low-effort water activity.
Organized and casual play. The animation team runs organized games at set times.
Court available. Informal play, walk-in.
Included access. Rackets available at the equipment desk.
Scheduled group classes each day — aqua aerobics, yoga, fitness circuits. Quality varies; check the daily board.
The most distinctive activity on the property — creative workshops including painting and handcraft sessions. Unusual for a mass-market all-inclusive and worth trying, especially on windy days when outdoor activities are limited.
Fully equipped gym. Open daytime hours. Sports shoes required.
The broader umbrella program covering all fitness-related activities. Check the daily schedule.
Supervised daily programming for ages 4–12 in two groups, morning and afternoon sessions (10:20 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3–5 p.m.). Structured around games, crafts, and sports.
Live entertainment at the resort theatre most evenings. Quality is standard for a mass-market all-inclusive — fine as background entertainment.
Occasional live music in the bars and entertainment areas. Cape Verdean morna music sometimes features — one of the more distinctive cultural touches at the resort.
On-site club, free entry, drinks included. Opens late evening. The main nightlife option on the property.
The main buffet Espargos runs themed dinner nights several times a week. Check the weekly schedule at reception — this is the best use of the main buffet for longer stays.
Weekly themed pool parties with DJs. The All White Party is the most regularly mentioned event. More of a structured social event than a proper nightclub.
Arcade games, likely in the entertainment complex. Useful for teens and on rainy or windy days.
Scuba lessons available. Extra charge. The waters around Sal have reasonable marine life.
Excursions available through concierge — boat trips, island tours, whale watching (seasonal). Extra charge. Santa Maria town is walkable for an independent afternoon without additional cost.
Off-site golf available. Extra charge. There's a golf course on Sal Island.
