Exploring Cape Verde with Rachel Lewis

We all met at Manchester Airport before our flight to Cape Verde. We were fast-tracked through security, and the whole experience went seamlessly. The flight with TUl was on time, and the customer service from the crew onboard was excellent.

Upon arrival at the hotel, we had a couple of hours to freshen up after our day of travelling. Then we met for pre-dinner drinks before eating in the main buffet restaurant, Africa, in the RIU Palace, where the whole group was staying.

The food selection was excellent, and the best way to describe it would be to say they had a choice from every corner of the world.

The group met in reception at 8:15 am for a half-day 4x4 excursion around Boa Vista. We visited inland villages and the Viana do Castelo desert, ending at one of the island's most beautiful beaches. In the desert, we stopped at a local restaurant for rum tasting and sampled Cape Verde's national dish, Catchupa Stew.

While in the villages, we browsed handmade pottery and watched locals craft it. Back at the RIU Palace, we enjoyed lunch and some free time at the pool, which has both a main pool and an adults-only pool featuring a swim-up bar.

In the evening, we visited the neighbouring adults-only RIU Karamboa for a hotel site inspection and a lively Neon Party. The hotel is similar to the RIU Palace but is more modern and includes a waterpark. If I return, I'd choose Karamboa over the Palace, especially for honeymooners. Dinner at the Kazumi Asian restaurant was excellent, with full waiter service, followed by a fun-filled evening at the RIU Get Together Party.

We met in reception at 10 am to tour the other room types at the RIU Palace and the rest of the hotel facilities. I highly recommend upgrading the swim-up rooms, as they were fantastic.

We then had a day of leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities. We used the RIU app to check out the day's hotel activities. There were pool games, a fitness area, and entertainment around the pool, which was a good vibe as the entertainment team always had a smile on their face.

We met in reception at 7 pm and were transported to the middle of the desert for an evening of traditional Cape Verdean dishes and stargazing. I would recommend this excursion to anyone visiting Cape Verde, especially couples and honeymooners, as it is very romantic. In addition to food, you are provided with blankets and telescopes.

After breakfast, we met in reception at 9:30 am and headed to the RIU Touareg, about 30 minutes from the RIU Palace. On arrival, we had a site inspection. The hotel is very family-friendly and ideal for guests travelling with children. It's a large resort that could benefit from updates compared to the RIU Palace and Karamboa. However, I'd still recommend it for families.

The sea on this side of the island has strong currents, so swimming isn't advised — although lifeguards are present across all hotel beaches to ensure safety.

On arrival, lunch was at the Bereber restaurant, served al fresco with champagne. It was a buffet with plenty of options, including a kids' corner, which the RIU Palace doesn't offer despite being family-friendly.

We returned to the RIU Palace at 4 pm and enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails at Bar Kizomba. Our farewell dinner occurred at Krystal, one of the à la carte restaurants. The setting was elegant and intimate, with standout fusion cuisine. Reservations are required and can be made via the RIU app.

WHO WOULD THIS TYPE OF TRIP BE SUITED TO?

Couples and honeymooners, and the RIU Touraeg for families. Lots of guests I spoke to in the hotels were repeat guests.

FAVOURITE HOTEL VISITED?

RIU Karamboa was my favourite hotel because it is adult-only. It felt a step above the other two hotels. It felt more modern, fresh, and had a younger vibe.

BEST EXPERIENCE FROM THE TRIP?

My best experience was the 'Neon Party' at the RIU Karambo. It was fun, and the interaction between the group was excellent. It was something I hadn't experienced before and would like to experience again.

RIU alternates this type of party, so once a week, they will have the Neon party and then the White party next week. If a guest is there for two weeks, they won't be experiencing the same one twice.

Favourite Restaurant Visited:

The Krystal restaurant at the RIU Palace Boa Vista.

AIRLINE COMMENTS:

It was the first time I had flown with TUI in a long time, and I found the whole experience excellent.

General Comments and Tips:

Be very careful of the sun in Cape Verde. It is easy to get sunburned, and the humidity is always high. Take a jacket or a cardigan for nighttime, as the temperature does change in the evening if you get wind from the desert.

Even though you are all-inclusive, take some euros for tips, especially if you venture into the local villages. Cape Verde is great for anyone looking for a honeymoon or holiday with vibes similar to those of the Caribbean, and is excellent value for money.