18 Best Cape Verde Hotels In Santa Maria

When you’re looking for the best hotels in Santa Maria on the Cape Verde island of Sal, you’ve come to the right place. After you see these beautiful hotels, it’s clear that your holiday in Cape Verde will be amazing.

READY TO BOOK THE BEST HOTEL IN SANTA MARIA, CAPE VERDE?

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best Hotel in Santa Maria, Cape Verde, is the 5-star Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, with multiple swimming pools, and a private beach and within walking distance from Santa Maria town.

Santa Maria is a vibrant and charming town located on the southernmost tip of Sal, the most popular island of Cape Verde. Known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and sunny weather year-round. Santa Maria has become a popular tourist destination in recent years.

The town offers a range of activities for visitors, from water sports and beach lounging to exploring local markets and trying traditional Cape Verdean cuisine. With a mix of African, European, and Brazilian influences, Santa Maria’s unique cultural and architectural identity sets it apart from other beach destinations.

I share the best hotel options in this list, from charming beachfront hotels to luxurious all-inclusive resorts, offering insight into what makes each hotel unique and why it should be considered for your next vacation in Cape Verde. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous holiday, Santa Maria, Cape Verde, has something to offer for every type of traveler.

Ready to book your hotel in Santa Maria, Cape Verde? Let’s get to this list!

My Top 3 Picks: Best Cape Verde Hotels In Santa Maria

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
✔️ Multiple Swimming Pools
✔️ Private Beach

↳ Book it

#2 PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
✔️ Six Pools
✔️ Beachfront Locations

↳ Book it

#3 PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa – Sal
✔️ Adults Only
✔️ Beachfront Location

↳ Book it

In this travel guide to the best Hotels in Santa Maria, Cape Verde, we extensively list the best accommodations, ranging from all-inclusive resorts, adults-only hotels, and beautiful boutique hotels in or near the town of Santa Maria on the Cape Verde island Sal.

Best Hotels In Santa Maria, Cape Verde

1) Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort – Santa Maria Cape Verde

The Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort is a luxurious 5-star hotel located on the stunning Santa Maria beach in Sal, Cape Verde. One of the standout features of the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort is its exceptional location. The hotel is situated on Santa Maria Beach, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Verde. Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort is also just a short walk away from the town of Santa Maria, where you can explore a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.

The hotel offers several amenities for you to enjoy, including several outdoor swimming pools, a spa, a fitness center, and various water sports activities. The hotel’s restaurants serve local and international cuisine, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort has a rating of 8.9/10 on Booking.com. Guests consistently praise the hotel’s excellent location, comfortable rooms, and great amenities. The hotel’s staff is also highly appreciated by guests, who describe them as friendly, professional, and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that guests have an unforgettable vacation experience.

“Absolutely perfect! This hotel is perfect and worth the money. The whole experience goes beyond our expectations. The room, the comfort, the view, the facilities, the pool, the restaurants, the bar, the beach restaurant, the hotel beach, the breakfast and most importantly: the staff! Absolutely everyone working in this hotel with whom I spoke with is very nice, always with a smile and makes everything smooth and nice. I would risk to say this is the best hotel in Santa Maria.” – Liana, Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort Reviews

2) Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria

The Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria is a luxurious all-inclusive resort situated on the beautiful beachfront of Santa Maria. The hotel is known for its exceptional service, beautiful design, and excellent amenities, making it one if not the best hotel in Santa Maria, Cape Verde.

The hotel is fairly new and opened its doors in February 2021. It also has six outdoor pools, a waterpark, a kids’ pool with slides, and watersports on the beach outside. And you can dine at five different restaurants, including a Japanese and a steakhouse restaurant. Or order a nice drink at one of the seven bars! And the hotel also offers a variety of excursions and activities for guests to explore the island, or you can already check out these amazing tours in Sal.

The hotel is located approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the city center of Santa Maria. It is situated right on a beautiful white sand beach. While the hotel is not directly in the heart of the town, it is still conveniently located for those who wish to explore Santa Maria’s attractions and amenities, with a range of restaurants, shops, and bars within easy reach. Additionally, the hotel offers a shuttle service to the town center for its guests, making it easy to experience all that Santa Maria has to offer.

“Couldn’t fault anything in this hotel. The staff are all extremely friendly and hard working. Nothing is too much trouble. The place is spotless. Food and drinks are all top quality and they will make any cocktail you ask for. We managed to book the a la carte restaurants easily with the app.

The standard of food is equally as good as the main buffets but it’s nice to have a change of scenery and table service. Particularly enjoyed the Japanese restaurant. Always plenty sunbeds and enough pools so it never felt crowded. It’s a nice walk into Santa Maria either by the beach or a little path off the main road. Approximately 40 mins by the amazing beach or 20 by road. A taxi is 4€ if you’re not up to the walk.” – Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria Reviews

3) Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa – Santa Maria Cape Verde

The Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa is a luxurious 5-star hotel located on the beautiful Santa Maria beach in Sal, Cape Verde. This hotel stands out from the others on the list of the best 5-star hotels in Cape Verde for a number of reasons.

Firstly, the Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa is an adults-only hotel, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere for guests looking for a relaxing getaway. With its exceptional location on the beautiful Santa Maria beach, the hotel also boasts a variety of amenities for you to enjoy. The hotel features a state-of-the-art fitness center, several outdoor swimming pools, and a world-class spa offering a range of rejuvenating treatments and massages. The hotel also offers a variety of water sports activities, including snorkeling, windsurfing, and scuba diving.

The Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa has a rating of 8.9/10 on Booking.com. Guests consistently praise the hotel’s luxurious rooms, excellent service, and tranquil atmosphere. The hotel’s restaurants serve local and international cuisine, and guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including a buffet restaurant and several a la carte options.

“The Melia Llana was fantastic, I loved that it was adult only and it was never too busy. The food was good, and as a coeliac (gluten free) you can ask the chef for different options which was great. There are two pools and we never struggled to get a sun bed. Overall the rooms were clean and comfortable and we had a lovely stay” – Bethany, Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa Reviews

4) Hotel Morabeza – Cape Verde

The Hotel Morabeza is a beautiful 4-star beachfront boutique hotel situated in the heart of Santa Maria. The hotel features spacious and well-appointed rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, three outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, and a spa.

The hotel also offers a range of activities, including water sports, tennis, and evening entertainment. The hotel’s location is ideal for exploring the town, with many restaurants and shops within walking distance. And at the hotel, you can enjoy a breakfast buffet breakfast each morning, and the hotel’s three restaurants specialize in international, Grill/bbq, and local cuisine, plus have vegetarian options.

“Everything was perfect. We loved the location of the hotel as it was by the sea with a quick walk into town. And the staff were exceptionally helpful and kind. Few four star hotels match their stars with the quality of the premises and offering. Hotel morabeza does deliver the goods.” – George & Lisa, Hotel Morabeza Reviews.

5) Hotel Oasis Salinas Sea – Santa Maria Cape Verde

The Oasis Salinas Sea Hotel in Sal, Cape Verde, is a luxurious 5-star hotel that perfectly blends modern amenities and traditional African charm. One of the hotel’s best features is its stunning beachfront location, providing guests with unparalleled ocean views and easy access to the sandy beach. And it is in the heart of the town of Santa Maria.

Inspired by the island’s natural beauty, the hotel’s unique design and architecture create a serene and relaxing ambiance that makes it stand out from other 5-star hotels in Cape Verde.

The hotel boasts a range of impressive amenities, including two outdoor swimming pools, a spa, a fitness center, and multiple on-site dining options that serve a variety of international and local cuisine. Guests can also enjoy various water sports activities on the hotel’s beachfront, such as windsurfing, snorkeling, and kiteboarding.

“Great hotel with good service, and excellent breakfast. Rooms were clean and bed was ok. Beach was just a few meters away. Perfect location. We only had breakfast, no other meals at the hotel. Every day there was aerobic classes in the garden. Wifi was good in the room but never worked in the breakfast area.” – Oasis Salinas Sea Hotel Reviews

6) Sobrada Boutique Hotel – Santa Maria Cape Verde

The Sobrada Boutique Hotel is a stunning luxury hotel located just a few minutes’ walk from Santa Maria town. This hotel offers a unique blend of traditional Cape Verdean architecture and contemporary design, with its elegant white-washed buildings, terracotta roofs, and chic interior decor. The hotel’s central location makes it an ideal choice for visitors who want to explore Santa Maria town and the surrounding areas, with a range of restaurants, shops, and bars just a stone’s throw away.

One of the best features of the Sobrada Boutique Hotel is its exquisite attention to detail. From the beautiful mosaic tiles to the carefully curated artwork, every aspect of the hotel has been thoughtfully designed to create a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere. The hotel also offers a range of amenities to ensure that guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay, including a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center.

What sets the Sobrada Boutique Hotel apart from other hotels in Cape Verde is its focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness. The hotel uses solar energy to power its operations and has implemented various other environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling and composting. This commitment to sustainability has earned the hotel a reputation as one of the greenest hotels in Cape Verde.

The Sobrada Boutique Hotel has received high ratings on TripAdvisor, with many guests praising its beautiful design, excellent service, and prime location. It is the perfect choice for those seeking a luxurious and eco-friendly getaway in Santa Maria.

“A great hotel. The rooms were clean and bright. The bed was very comfortable. USB plus made it easy to charge everything. The breakfast and dinners were delicious and a reasonable price to add onto your stay. Staff was really helpful for addressing any issues in a timely fashion and helping to set up activities. They also gave great recommendations for food and things to do. The hotel is walking distance to the beach. Our room overlooked a lot, not nice in itself, but the benefit was we had an unobstructed view of the sunsets!” – Sharon, hotel review on Booking.com

7) RIU Funana

The RIU Funana is a luxurious 5-star all-inclusive resort located 1.5 km from the town center. One of the hotel’s best features is its prime beachfront location, which offers stunning views of the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. And a large outdoor swimming pool. And guests have access to a waterpark located at the neighboring Riu Palace Santa Maria. The hotel also boasts many amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and numerous bars and restaurants.

The RIU Funana is considered to be one of the best hotels in Santa Maria, Cape Verde, thanks to its exceptional service, excellent facilities, and prime location. It is an ideal choice for families, couples, and solo travelers who are looking for a luxurious and relaxing holiday in a beautiful location and love swimming. The hotel’s all-inclusive package offers great value for money, allowing guests to enjoy all of the hotel’s facilities and amenities without worrying about additional costs.

8) Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa

The Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa is a luxurious 5-star hotel on Sal’s beautiful island in Cape Verde. It is renowned for providing guests with an unforgettable vacation experience of luxury, comfort, and unparalleled hospitality. Its adults-only section and diverse range of restaurants make it a top choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway, while its family-friendly amenities cater to families with children.

It’s located on the outskirts of Santa Maria, approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) from the town center. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to Santa Maria town several times a day, making it easy for guests to explore the local area and enjoy the town’s restaurants, bars, and shops. Or you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Santa Maria, which should take only a few minutes.

One of the best features of the Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa is its stunning location, set against the backdrop of the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa also features many amenities, including several outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, a spa, and various water sports activities. The hotel’s restaurants offer diverse international and local cuisine, catering to various dietary preferences.

The hotel also features an exclusive adults-only section, providing guests with a serene and relaxing environment. And the hotel has a rating of 4.0/5 on Tripadvisor, where guests consistently praise the hotel’s beautiful location, excellent amenities, comfortable rooms, and friendly staff.

“We stay at various Melia hotels as we always get a consistent and excellent experience. Dumas Beach did not disappoint! Amazing experience! We booked The Level and we’ll worth it. The adult only The Level pool right at the beach was fantastic. One thing that really matters to us both when on holiday is the hotel staff. They were all so kind, generous and welcoming.” – Gary and Tracy, Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa Reviews.

9) Hotel Riu Cabo Verde

Hotel Riu Cabo Verde is a luxury 5-star hotel only for adults and boasts a stunning beachfront location, offering guests beautiful views of the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

It features a variety of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a range of dining options. The hotel’s main restaurant offers a buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the themed restaurants serve Italian, Asian, and Cape Verdean cuisine.  You can’t go hungry or get thirsty with four restaurants, five bars, and a patisserie. Also, the hotel’s beach club is a popular spot for guests to relax and enjoy the beach.

The Hotel is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) south of the center of Santa Maria town. It takes about 5 minutes by taxi or 20-25 minutes on foot to reach the center of Santa Maria. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service to Santa Maria several times a day for the convenience of its guests.

One of the unique features of Hotel Riu Cabo Verde is its all-inclusive package, which covers all meals, snacks, and drinks at the hotel’s restaurants and bars. This allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the hotel’s luxurious atmosphere without worrying about additional expenses. According to Tripadvisor, the hotel has a rating of 4.5 out of 5, with many guests praising its excellent location, comfortable rooms, and attentive staff.

“This hotel is amazing, from the minute we arrived, we were blown away by the beautiful surroundings and the staff were so welcoming and friendly. The food was fantastic, and the all-inclusive package was such great value. We would definitely come back again!” – Riu Cabo Verde Reviews

10) TUI BLUE Cabo Verde

TUI BLUE Cabo Verde is an adults-only 5-star hotel located on the stunning beach with Santa Maria town about five minutes’ drive away. It offers a luxurious and sophisticated vacation experience, with spacious rooms and suites featuring modern decor and private balconies or terraces with sea or garden views. The hotel offers a wide range of amenities, including several restaurants serving local and international cuisine, multiple bars, a spa, a fitness center, and swimming pools.

What sets TUI BLUE Cabo Verde apart from other 5-star hotels in Cape Verde is its adults-only policy, making it an ideal destination for couples and adults looking for a relaxing and peaceful vacation. The hotel also offers various activities and excursions, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, and snorkeling.

The hotel has received positive reviews on TripAdvisor, with guests praising the excellent service, beautiful location, and delicious food. Many also appreciated the adults-only atmosphere, noting that it created a more relaxed and peaceful vacation experience.

“We had a wonderful stay at the TUI Blue Cabo Verde resort. Booking a swim up room is definitely recommended. The resort is beautifully landscaped, clean and spacious. The staff is incredibly friendly and super helpful. We also had amazing massages at the spa, where the staff was really skilled. All the a la carte restaurants were good, but Nami was our favourite, so we went there twice. If you want a relaxing vacation, TUI Blue Cabo Verde is definitely a good choice.” – TUI BLUE Cabo Verde

11) Hotel Dunas de Sal

The Hotel Dunas de Sal is popular among travelers visiting Santa Maria, Cape Verde. This stylish and modern hotel offers a range of excellent amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving delicious international cuisine. The hotel also boasts a prime location just a short walk from the white sandy beach of Santa Maria, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

One of the highlights of the Hotel Dunas de Sal is its spacious and well-appointed guest rooms, which are tastefully decorated and come equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay.

In terms of location, the hotel is just a short walk away from the pristine white sand beach of Santa Maria, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the turquoise waters. While it’s not located directly in the center of Santa Maria, it’s still a convenient base from which to explore the town’s numerous restaurants, bars, and shops.

“Great hotel – large and comfortable rooms with very helpful staff. Slightly outside the town but still very conveniently located (8-10 minutes on foot).” Review on Booking.com

12) Ocean Suites

The Ocean Suites in Sal, Cape Verde, is a top-rated hotel for many reasons. Firstly, the hotel’s location is fantastic, situated in the town center and near the Santa Maria beach. Guests love the stunning ocean views and appreciate the hotel’s proximity to restaurants, shops, and other attractions.

Secondly, the hotel’s amenities are excellent. The spacious suites are well-appointed and offer all the necessary comforts, including air conditioning and a minibar. However, some guests have noted that the hotel’s restaurant is slightly overpriced and that the food can be hit or miss. Also, because it is above a cafe, some guests have experienced loud noise from the cafe past midnight.

 “The staff was amazing in their efforts to welcome us and accommodate our requests. The suite was very spacious and we loved the interior design. We knew up front there was going to be live music until late, thankfully. This is a real issue for light sleepers I reckon :)” – Review on Booking.com

13) Hotel Da Luz

Hotel da Luz is a budget-friendly hotel located on the island of Sal in Cape Verde. It is situated in the heart of Santa Maria, making it a convenient location for travelers who love exploring the town. The hotel has spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the city. The best feature of Hotel da Luz is its friendly staff, who offer exceptional customer service, making guests feel welcome and comfortable throughout their stay. The hotel has a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the town and the ocean, making it a great spot for relaxation.

One of the hotel’s unique features is its traditional Cape Verdean decor which gives guests a sense of the local culture. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant serving various local and international dishes.

“There was a lot to like about Hotel Da Luz. The location—with easy access to the Santa Maria city center but also quieter and close to less populated beaches—was ideal.” – Joshua, Review on Booking.com

14) Sol Dunas Resort

The Sol Dunas Resort is a stunning 5-star hotel located in Sal, Cape Verde, a 5-minute drive from Santa Maria.

One of the hotel’s best features is its stunning pool area, which includes several pools, sun loungers, slides, and a swim-up bar, providing the perfect spot for relaxation and soaking up the sun. Another highlight is the hotel’s beautiful beach, with soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

The Sol Dunas Resort stands out from other 5-star hotels in Cape Verde because of its family-friendly atmosphere, with a kids’ club and several activities for children, making it an excellent choice for families. And TUI has also recognized the resort as one of their top-rated hotels in Cape Verde, with guests citing its beautiful beach, delicious food, and excellent staff.

“From our arrival everyone at the hotel could not have been more helpful. All the staff went over and above to ensure we had a great holiday. The rooms were spotless, daily fresh towels and bedding. Spices restaurant was amazing, so much choice and high quality food available to cater for all tastes. Grounds, pools and bars all easily accessible. Highly recommend this hotel for a relaxing quiet holiday with the addition of good quality evening entertainment.Thanks from Marcia and Sue” – Sol Dunas Resort Reviews

15) Halos Casa Resort

Halos Casa Resort is a luxurious aparthotel located 300 meters from the beach and 1 km from Santa Maria center. The resort offers a perfect escape for travelers who want to enjoy the tranquility and privacy of a modern, elegant, comfortable space.

Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living room, and a private balcony or terrace with stunning sea views. The stylish and contemporary design of the rooms creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for you to unwind and rejuvenate.

In addition to its comfortable rooms, Halos Casa Resort also offers a range of amenities for you to enjoy. These include a large outdoor swimming pool, a wellness center with a sauna, a jacuzzi and massage services, and a fitness center.

“Nice, comfortable, well-kept property. Good value for money. Units are spacious and comfortable. Buffet breakfast was wonderful! The staff was very helpful.” – Marin, Halos Casa Resort Reviews.

16) Design Suites Boutique Hotel

Design Suites is a sleek and modern adults-only boutique hotel located just a short distance from Santa Maria town, making it an ideal location for those who want to explore the local area.

The hotel features a stunning outdoor pool and a spacious terrace area, which is perfect for relaxing in the sun. The rooms are spacious and stylishly decorated, with large comfortable beds and plenty of natural light.

The hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar offer breathtaking ocean views and top-notch food. Guests have praised the helpfulness of the staff and the convenient location. And guests particularly love the rooftop bar and spacious rooms.

“Lovely welcome with welcome drink, amazing design hotel! Breakfast was delicious and the room very clean! Only swimming pool was not heated” – Review on Booking.com

17) Oasis Belorizonte

The Oasis Belorizonte in Sal, Cape Verde, is a popular all-inclusive resort that offers guests a wide range of amenities. Many guests appreciate the hotel’s location, which is just a short walk from the beach and close to the charming town of Santa Maria. The hotel’s best features include its spacious and comfortable rooms, beautiful swimming pools, and excellent food and drink options. Guests can also use the hotel’s on-site gym, tennis court, and beach volleyball court.

Some guests have noted that the resort can feel a bit crowded, especially during peak season. However, others have found that the hotel’s size and layout help it to feel more intimate than some of the larger resorts in the area. Overall, guests seem to appreciate the hotel’s friendly staff, beautiful grounds, and convenient location.

“The hotel was very clean with good bed linen and towels. Food very good and varied. Improvements are being made where and when required. The three swimming pools are well maintained and very clean. Staff excellent. Location to the beach is fabulous.” – Review on Booking.com

18) Hotel Odjo d’água

Hotel Odjo d’água is an authentic and historical beachfront hotel located in the heart of Santa Maria, Cape Verde. Guests love its prime location as it is just a stone’s throw away from the beach, shops, and restaurants. The hotel’s best features include its stunning sea views, spacious rooms with traditional decor, and a swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers. However, some guests have reported that the rooms could use a bit of renovation, and the noise from the nearby bar can be heard at night.

What sets Hotel Odjo d’água apart from other hotels is its historical significance. The hotel is one of the oldest in Sal, dating back to the 1960s, and has welcomed famous guests such as the Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The hotel also boasts a lively atmosphere with regular live music performances at the on-site restaurant.

Guests have rated the hotel highly for its friendly staff, delicious food, and convenient location, and many guests praised the hotel’s authentic Cape Verdean experience.

“it’s a very special place with great gardens and sea view from almost all the angels. the staff was amazing! always polite and helpful the food at the breakfast or at diner was delicious!” – Review on Booking.com

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