Rating8.4
Rating8.0
Rating8.1Adults OnlyGood
Based on 4.2k reviews
Exceptional Entertainment
Guests consistently laud the diverse and engaging entertainment, from Riu Parties to live shows and the Pacha nightclub, creating a lively atmosphere.
Outstanding Staff Service
The resort staff are frequently praised for their friendliness, professionalism, and attentive service, enhancing the overall guest experience significantly.
Beautiful Pools & Beach
The large, clean pools with hydromassage features and direct access to an unspoiled, powder-soft white-sand beach are major draws for relaxation and enjoyment.
Strong All-Inclusive Value
Many guests appreciate the extensive 24-hour all-inclusive program, finding it offers excellent value for a 5-star experience with abundant food and drink options.
Family-Friendly Amenities
With the RiuLand kids' club and access to Splash Water World, the resort provides ample activities and facilities catering specifically to families with children of all ages.
Dated Rooms & Maintenance
Some guests report that rooms can feel somewhat dated or exhibit minor wear and tear, including occasional damp smells or bathroom design issues.
Buffet Repetitiveness for Longer Stays
While varied, the main buffet can become somewhat repetitive for guests staying 10 days or longer, prompting recommendations for themed restaurants.
Beverage Quality
A few guests noted that some local-brand wines, beers, or pre-mixed cocktails might not meet expectations for premium quality or taste.
Sunbed Availability
A recurring issue is the challenge of securing sunbeds by the pool, often requiring early morning reservations, which can be inconvenient for some.
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Access to the Splash Water World at the neighboring Riu Palace Santa Maria — at no extra cost — is the practical perk that families should note first. Funana doesn't have its own water park, but the free cross-resort access to the Palace's facility closes that gap. The two properties share infrastructure here in a way that genuinely benefits Funana guests.
This is a classic holiday-village resort. The 572 rooms, seven bars, multiple dining options, RiuLand kids' club, and nightly entertainment program are structured around keeping guests on-site from arrival to departure. Families with children 4–12 are well-served. The RiuArt Atelier creative workshops are an unusual inclusion — adults and older children can do painting and craft sessions, which stands out on a menu otherwise dominated by pool sports and beach games.
The honest complaints from guest reviews are consistent: rooms show age since the 2016 renovation — some have damp smells, bathrooms with drainage issues, and hard beds. These are the kinds of issues that appear regularly enough in reviews to be treated as a real possibility rather than bad luck. Requesting a recently refurbished room at check-in is worth attempting. The sunbed situation by the main pool is also a genuine problem — guests put towels down at 7:30 a.m. to reserve chairs, which creates friction throughout the day.
Practically: 572 rooms on Sal Island, about 15–19 km from Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) — a 20-minute transfer. The 24-hour all-inclusive covers the full food and drinks program including the Kulinarium gourmet restaurant (reservation required). Cape Verde's trade winds are the defining weather reality — winds are strongest January through February and can make beach time uncomfortable on those days. The rest of the year is more moderate but still noticeably windy compared to Caribbean all-inclusives. Santa Maria town is 10–25 minutes on foot — a worth-doing afternoon for local context.
