Cape Verde – Boa Vista
27th – 31st March 2025
I have been lucky enough to be offered a place on the TUI & RIU top sellers trip for 2025 on the sunny island of Boa Vista, Cape Verde.
Day 1
We departed Manchester airport Terminal 2 with TUI heading over to Boa Vista which took 6 hours direct. After landing, we quickly went through immigration at the airport and got onto our private coach to the hotel. Not even 5 minutes after we arrived at the beautiful 5* RIU Place Boa Vista Hotel.
After a speedy check in, our bags were taken to our rooms and we freshened up ready for some dinner and cocktails watching the sunset in the evening.
Day 2
After a morning stroll along the beach we had a full day of adventure ahead. We started the day exploring Boa Vista in a 4×4 TUI Jeep venturing through the surrounding villages and desert. Stopping off along the way checked out the local culture and got to experience some authentic Cape Verdean dishes as well as having a browse around souvenir shops in the local villages.
After lunch, we went sandboarding which was so much fun before we were taken to the stunning Santa Monica Beach which was a 15 minute drive away. Santa Monica beach is one of the prettiest beaches I have ever been to and is a protected area on the island therefore is a popular with local wildlife and you can even catch turtles hatching here in the summer months. You will find a lot of the locals enjoying this beach at the weekends as you can go swimming in sea where this is located.
In the evening, we joined in the fun at one of the amazing RIU Parties they offer in the RIU Hotels worldwide. Ours was at the hotel next door, the RIU Karamboa 5* (adults Only) & our theme for the party was NEON. Everyone made such an effort it was great and it created such a good atmosphere.
The all inclusive drinks went down a treat this evening, and the hotel really knows how to put on party with all their staff performing as well as bringing out a brilliant DJ, we danced until the early hours of the morning!
After an earlier site inspection of the RIU Karamboa I have to say I would highly recommend this hotel. The service, food, staff and amenities were exceptional this hotel really has everything for a perfect get away, not to mention the stunning beachfront location too. You will not be disappointed if you stay here!
Day 3
After a lovely breakfast, we had a hotel inspection at the RIU Palace Boa Vista with the hotel manager in the morning. It was great to see the different room types to suit all types of travellers from swim up rooms to 2 bedroom family rooms this hotel really has something for everyone.
The shared water slides and kids splash area with RIU Karamboa is a great feature as well as an adults only pool with swim up bar, the hotel was brilliant. Other facilities includes 3 pools, a gym, RIU fitness area, lobby coffee shop, sports bar and relaxing spa.
We enjoyed the rest of the day enjoying the all-inclusive package at the pool and taking a walk along the beach.
In the evening we went on another TUI experience, this time was stargazing in the desert and learning about the stars, planets and atmosphere. We enjoyed more local cuisine and entertainment as the evening went on and I thought it was lovely to experience something difference and support the local community.
Day 4
After an early start we took the 40 minute bus journey to the 5* RIU Touareg Hotel. We met the hotel manager on arrival and got an iced coffee from the bar in reception. This hotel is one the largest on the island with over 1000 rooms. Opening in 2011,this hotel has always been popular and has been upgraded throughout the years which includes an adults only area to the hotel.
The beautiful beachfront location offers great views for when you are relaxing around the pool areas or grabbing some food in one of the restaurants.
Various different room types caters for everyone, these include standard twin rooms, sea view rooms as well as Junior Suites (some in the adults only area), Family Suites, and standard Suites. This hotel is really geared up for families with a brilliant daytime and evening entertainment programme but also features a spa which looks over the beachfront and adults only pool for those wanting to relax.
In the evening we got ready for our final evening of the trip and were booked into the Krystal a la carte restaurant back at the RIU Palace. The food was incredible and a good variety of options. I had pumpkin soup for starters, duck in a red wine sauce for main and a delicious chocolate dessert with hazelnuts which I really enjoyed and the service from the staff was faultless. I recommend booking into the a la carte restaurants as soon as you can on arrival as it would be a shame to miss this dining experience.
Day 5
Sadly this was our last day and after the short transfer back to the airport we flew back to Manchester with TUI which took 5 hours 20 minutes.
If anyone is thinking about going to Cape Verde I would highly recommend as it’s a brilliant destination to relax with exceptional service. There is a hotel suitable for everyone on the island and the weather was great every day, reaching 26c in March.
There are local flights from Birmingham and some great offers to be had.
Once again I would like to thank TUI, RIU & Holiday Lounge for this trip and I am so grateful for the opportunity.
If you are interested in your next holiday to Cape Verde please don’t hesitate to contact me on: [email protected] or calling on 01455 233935.
Leanne Watts-Supervisor Hinckley Office
