Hotel in Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde
Hotel Riu Palace Boavista
Luxury beachfront resort on Boa Vista featuring expansive pools, world-class spa, and multiple dining venues. The resort combines modern comfort with tropical ambiance, offering stunning ocean views and comprehensive all-inclusive service.
Hotel Riu Palace Boavista sits on Praia de Chaves, one of the most spectacular and least crowded beaches in the Cape Verde archipelago, on Boa Vista Island. Unlike Sal Island — where the majority of Cape Verde's tourist infrastructure is concentrated — Boa Vista retains a wilder, more remote character: a flat, wind-sculpted landscape of golden dunes and volcanic rock, with Praia de Chaves stretching for several kilometres of near-empty white sand and warm Atlantic water. The resort's position here is among the most geographically dramatic of any hotel in Cape Verde.
Hotel Riu Palace Boavista is a large five-star all-inclusive resort and one of the principal hospitality developments on Boa Vista Island. The property was conceived as a self-contained destination reflecting the grandeur of the Riu Palace brand: expansive architecture, comprehensive public amenities, and a complete range of facilities intended to meet all guest needs on site. Three large outdoor swimming pools — including swim-up bar facilities — are arranged across the beachfront grounds, connected by landscaped pathways.
The resort's spa facility offers a full treatment menu including massages, hydrotherapy, and body rituals, with treatment rooms oriented toward ocean views. A 24-hour fitness centre and dedicated yoga spaces supplement the wellness offering. Four dining venues cover diverse needs: a main international and Cape Verdean buffet restaurant, a Mediterranean à la carte venue, a poolside grill for casual daytime dining, and a specialty themed dinner restaurant. All meals and domestic drinks are included in the all-inclusive package. A kids club with supervised activities accommodates families, while the entertainment team runs poolside and evening programmes throughout the week.
Boa Vista's surrounding waters are among the most ecologically significant in the archipelago. The island hosts one of the Atlantic's most important loggerhead turtle nesting populations, and the resort's concierge team arranges guided turtle-watching excursions during the June to October nesting and hatching season. Humpback whale watching is available between January and April. Scuba diving on surrounding reefs, offshore fishing, and inter-island catamaran excursions can also be organised through the resort.
Amenities
- beachfront
- 3 pools
- spa
- fitness center
- kids club
- 4 restaurants
- swim-up bars
- entertainment
- WiFi
- all-inclusive
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +238 251 1000
Location
Praia de Chaves, Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde
16.1500, -22.9450 — View on map
Highlights
- Beachfront position on Praia de Chaves, one of Cape Verde's most spectacular and remote beaches, on Boa Vista Island
- All-inclusive five-star resort with three pools, swim-up bars, and full evening entertainment
- Full-service spa with ocean-facing treatment rooms and a 24-hour fitness centre
- Loggerhead turtle nesting beaches nearby for guided conservation excursions from June through October
- Four dining venues including à la carte and buffet options, all covered under the all-inclusive rate
Tips
- Praia de Chaves is exposed and can be very windy — pack a beach windbreak for extended sessions on the sand
- Book turtle-watching excursions through the concierge in advance; guided conservation tours have limited places during peak nesting season in July through September
- Boa Vista is less developed than Sal Island — bring medications, reading material, and any specific personal items as shopping options outside the resort are limited
- Swim-up room categories sell out early for Christmas and February peak periods; book at least four months in advance for guaranteed availability
- The all-inclusive format is particularly well suited to this location as dining options within easy reach outside the resort are limited in the surrounding area
FAQ
What is the nearest airport to Hotel Riu Palace Boavista?
Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC) on Boa Vista Island serves the resort. It is located approximately 5 kilometres from the property near Sal Rei. Transfer time by road is under 10 minutes.
Is Hotel Riu Palace Boavista all-inclusive?
Yes, the resort operates on a full all-inclusive basis. The package includes all meals at four dining venues, domestic drinks, access to pools, the fitness centre, entertainment, and non-motorised water sports.
Is Boa Vista suitable for families with young children?
Yes, the resort features a kids club with supervised activities, and the beach at Praia de Chaves is vast and sandy with shallow entry points for young children. The remote, low-traffic environment makes it a relaxed and safe setting.
Are turtle-watching excursions available from the resort?
Yes, guided loggerhead turtle nesting and hatching excursions can be arranged through the resort concierge. The best season is July through September. Places are limited and should be reserved in advance as these excursions are regulated for conservation purposes.
How far is Sal Rei, Boa Vista's main town?
Sal Rei is approximately 5 to 7 kilometres from the resort, reachable in 10 to 15 minutes by taxi. The town has local restaurants, small shops, and ATM facilities.
Accessibility
Hotel Riu Palace Boavista provides step-free access to main public areas including the lobby, pool deck, and restaurant venues, with lift access to all accommodation floors. Adapted rooms for wheelchair users and guests with mobility impairments can be requested at time of booking. The beach at Praia de Chaves involves soft sand which can present challenges for wheelchair navigation; assistance from resort staff can be arranged on request.