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Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
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Riu Hotels & Resorts

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria

Sal, Cape Verde

OverviewDiningRoomsActivitiesSpaGallery

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Activities at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria

Scale supports a broad activity program. Beach water sports from Praia de Santa Maria. RiuLand for children 4–12. Splash Water World is operated by this property and is the largest on Sal island.

9 Pools
Beach Access
Spa

Swimming Pools

Main Outdoor Pools (General Use)

Six outdoor pools across the complex. Two have swim-up bars (Murdeira Swim-up Bar and a second unit). Scale means there is usually space across the pools even at full occupancy.

Adults-Only Outdoor Pools with Swim-up Bars

Dedicated area with slides for younger guests.

Children's Pool with Slides

A vibrant and safe children's pool is specially designed for younger guests, complete with exciting slides for endless entertainment. This pool is also heated during the colder winter months.

Splash Water World

Experience exhilarating fun at Splash Water World, the resort's water park featuring various thrilling waterslides. Guests must be at least 1.20m tall, and a minimum age of 12 is recommended for this attraction, open six days a week.

Indoor Relaxation Pool

Located within the serene Renova Spa, this adults-only indoor relaxation pool offers a tranquil environment for unwinding and gentle swimming, providing a peaceful escape.

Beaches

Santa Maria Beach

Direct access to Sal's flagship beach — long white-sand stretches typical of this island rather than the volcanic black sand common elsewhere in Cape Verde. Trade winds keep conditions breezy. Sun loungers, parasols, and water sport equipment available. Water sports including kayaking, windsurfing, and bodyboarding launched from here.

Activities & Entertainment

Kayaking

Included

From Praia de Santa Maria beach. Included.

Snorkeling Equipment

Included

Free. Included.

Bodyboarding

Included

Equipment from beach. Included.

Pedaloes

Included

Free. Included.

Introductory Scuba Diving Lesson in the Pool

Included

Court on the beach. Included.

Beach Volleyball

Included

Court on the beach. Included.

Group Fitness Sessions (RiuFit)

Included

Ages 4–7 and 8–12. Daily supervised program.

Gym/Fitness Center

Included

Operated by this resort — the largest water park on Sal island. Complimentary for all guests. Also accessible to guests from neighboring Riu properties.

Aqua Aerobics

Included

Daily and nightly entertainment program. Cimboa Lounge Bar has an indoor stage.

RiuLand Kids' Club

Included

Children aged 4 to 7 and 8 to 12 can enjoy daily supervised activities including t-shirt painting and team games at the dedicated RiuLand kids' club.

Children's Playground

Included

A dedicated outdoor playground provides a safe and fun environment for younger guests to play and explore.

Children's Pool with Slides

Included

Kids can splash and play in their own dedicated pool, complete with exciting slides for endless fun.

Nightly Shows

Included

Be entertained every evening with a variety of professional nightly shows, offering captivating performances for all guests.

Live Music

Included

Enjoy the sounds of live music performances in various venues around the resort, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Evening Entertainment Program

Included

An extensive evening entertainment program ensures that there's always something engaging happening after sunset.

Cabaret Acts

Included

Experience sophisticated and entertaining cabaret acts, adding a touch of glamour to your evenings.

Live Sport Screenings

Included

Catch up on major sporting events with live screenings, allowing fans to follow their favorite teams.

Theme Nights (Themed Buffets)

Included

Indulge in diverse culinary experiences with themed buffet dinners offered twice a week, showcasing international and local flavors.

Riu Party

Included

Guests are invited to vibrant themed parties held once a week at the neighboring Riu Funana, providing an energetic night out.

RiuArt Atelier Program

Included

Unleash your creativity with the RiuArt atelier program, offering various artistic activities several times a week.

Windsurfing (Equipment Hire and Lessons)

Extra cost

Experience the thrill of windsurfing with equipment hire and professional lessons available at the Kite&Tonic surf school.

PADI Scuba Diving Courses

Extra cost

Advance your diving skills or get certified with PADI scuba diving courses offered by Scuba Caribe, available for an additional charge.

Excursions to Island Attractions

Extra cost

Discover the beauty of Sal Island with recommended excursions to natural pools in Buracona, the old fishing village of Pedra de Lume, and the island's only port, Palmeira.

Explore More on Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria

Overview & TipsDining GuideRoom GuideSpa & WellnessPhoto Gallery