Hotel in Sal Island, Cape Verde
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
Premium all-inclusive resort with direct beach access, multiple pools including swim-up bars, and diverse dining options. Features modern rooms with ocean views, extensive entertainment program, and full water sports facilities.
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria occupies a beachfront position on Santa Maria Beach, Sal Island, Cape Verde, and represents RIU Hotels & Resorts' flagship property on the island. The resort operates on a comprehensive all-inclusive basis and is designed to function as a self-contained destination, with all meals, drinks, and the majority of activities and entertainment included in the rate. It consistently ranks among the most visited resort properties in Cape Verde, drawing high volumes of European package travellers from the United Kingdom, Germany, Scandinavia, and beyond.
The property's architecture follows the Riu Palace brand's characteristic palatial approach — grand entrance lobbies, broad facades, and an expansive pool complex arranged around beach access. The 342 rooms span superior, premium, and suite categories, all featuring air conditioning, satellite television, minibars, and private balconies or terraces. Ocean-view and beachfront categories deliver unobstructed Atlantic vistas and command a premium. Four outdoor pools — including swim-up bar pools — are distributed across the property alongside a dedicated children's pool, making the resort highly suited to families.
Five restaurants cover diverse culinary approaches: a main all-day international and Cape Verdean buffet, a Mediterranean à la carte venue, a grill restaurant, and specialty themed evening dining. Reservations for à la carte restaurants are made through reception and are recommended in advance. Three bars, including a nightclub venue, ensure entertainment extends well into the night. An extensive animation programme runs poolside throughout the day with aqua aerobics, beach volleyball, and organised activities.
The full-service spa is among the more comprehensive on Sal Island, offering massages, body treatments, and beauty services. A 24-hour gym, a professional PADI diving school, and a water sports centre offering surfing, windsurfing, and kayaking round out the active leisure offer. A full kids club operates during peak holiday periods. The concierge team arranges island excursions, quad-bike safaris, and trips to the loggerhead-turtle nesting beaches that make Sal Island's coast internationally significant during the nesting season.
Amenities
- beachfront
- 4 pools
- spa
- gym
- kids club
- 5 restaurants
- 3 bars
- water sports
- nightclub
- all-inclusive
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +238 242 1500
Location
Santa Maria Beach, Sal Island, Cape Verde
16.5920, -22.9070 — View on map
Highlights
- All-inclusive beachfront resort on Santa Maria Beach with four pools including swim-up bars
- Five restaurants and three bars with a full evening entertainment and nightclub programme
- Full-service spa, 24-hour gym, PADI diving school, and a comprehensive water sports centre
- Dedicated children's pool and seasonal kids club suited to families during school holidays
- 342 rooms and suites with ocean-view and beachfront categories available
Tips
- The resort is busiest during European school holidays — book six or more months ahead for Christmas, Easter, and summer travel
- Request upper-floor ocean-facing rooms for the best unobstructed beach views without street-level noise
- Rooms near the entertainment stage and nightclub bar may be noisy at night — request a quieter room location at check-in if needed
- Beginners can book introductory PADI scuba sessions through the on-site dive school; independent local dive centres may offer more competitive rates for longer courses
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen — Cape Verde's marine environment is increasingly protected, and water sports operators may request its use when snorkelling or diving
FAQ
Is Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria all-inclusive?
Yes, the resort operates exclusively on an all-inclusive basis. The package covers all meals, domestic drinks, access to pools, gym, entertainment programme, and non-motorised water sports.
Is the resort suitable for families with young children?
Yes, the resort is family-oriented with a dedicated children's pool, a seasonal kids club, and family room categories. The beach and pool areas are monitored throughout the day.
Can guests leave the resort to explore Santa Maria?
Yes, guests may leave the resort at any time. Santa Maria town is approximately 10 to 15 minutes' walk along the beach. Leaving the resort briefly does not affect all-inclusive entitlements.
What dining options are included?
Five on-site restaurants are available, including the main all-day buffet, a Mediterranean à la carte venue, a grill, and theme-night specialty dining. Reservations for à la carte restaurants should be made in advance via reception.
Is there a diving school at the resort?
Yes, a professional PADI diving school operates through the water sports centre. Introductory sessions and certification courses are available. Booking in advance is recommended during peak season.
Accessibility
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria provides step-free access to main public areas including the lobby, pool deck, restaurants, and beach access points. Lift access is available to all accommodation floors. Adapted rooms for wheelchair users and guests with mobility impairments can be requested at time of booking. The beach involves soft sand which can present challenges for wheelchair navigation; resort staff can assist.