Cape Verde - sal

[Everyonelovessparkles]

Thinking of going to Cape Verde next feb (half term).sol Dunas and Melia Dunas look like good options as we have 2 DC who will be 4 and 6. Has any one stayed at either? It looks like the kids stuff (pool and playground are on the sol Dunas site) but Melia Dunas is next to the beach. Would it be better to be nearer the beach or the activities? Kids just love the pool and beach so not really looking for somewhere with loads of stuff to do outside of the hotel (hence Cape Verde!). Any advice or reviews would be great. Thanks in advance.

If no-one has been then I think you would be best reading up on both hotels on TripAdvisor plus you get to see traveller photo's which give you a better idea of what the hotels are like in comparison to a brochure or website.

I considered it but from reading reviews I ruled it out.
Having said that big hotels and buffets aren’t really my thing so it might suit some people.
A lot of it sounds pretty grotty though, they must be a reason it’s so cheap compared to other winter sun places

I did some research on Cape Verde (Sal) a few months ago as I was considering it for January. In the end I decided not to book for two reasons. The first was that it is apparently VERY windy, and if the sun isn’t out or if the temps aren’t that high (which they won’t be in Feb) it feels cold.....especially in the water and in the evenings. The second is that I read and heard from others that it’s quite dated as a tourist destination i.e. not the standards you get in a Mediterranean resort. Obviously it’s your holiday but you may be better off in the Canaries.

I stayed at the sol dunas last year in early March with my sister. We loved it. Didn't have any children with us but it seemed that the majority were in the sol dunas rather than the melia. The sol has a fantastic children's pool and also the water park. There were always sunbeds available and the bars are right next to the pool so no problem getting drinks. The melia is more expensive and tries to be more upmarket. It isn't worth it as both hotel restaurants had the feeling of eating in the old bhs restaurants. Nothing special but we didn't starve. Beach was good and again plenty of sunbeds but it was windy. We preferred it to the pools but if we'd had children the relentless wind would have been an issue. I'd opt for the sol dunas if I were you.

I stayed at melia dunas 3 years ago for honeymoon.

Upgraded to a villa as it was a special occassion.

Lovely hotel, great food and location. Def recommend.

Only thing id maybe check is the weather for feb. I was there mid april and mornings/evenings were a bit chilly.

Went there a couple of years ago had a nice time hotel was good you can to a tour of the whole island in a day and depending on which time of year can be windy so sitting on the beach can be a bit like getting sand blasted all day.
The locals are very poor but honest didn’t feel threatened. The local shops will try and drag you in and sell the same stuff.
Good to relax take a book not much internet

It’s a very genuine, down to earth place. Lovely people. Stayed at the Ria once in Sal which was...okay. Attracted a certain crowd. Both Melia Dunas and Sol seemed smarter.

Beach is beautiful but agree on the wind - I’d base it on the pool. However there is an amazing turtle sanctuary on the beach near the Riu hotels which is worth seeking out.

I really like Cape Verde - it’s affordable and unpretentious. Not much in the town, although it’s changing, and some of the day trips are brilliant. Have modest expectations :-)

I went last year with 3dc and didn't rate it. Food was poor, service took forever and there was nothing that made it feel worth what we paid. I def wouldn't go back

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply, it is much appreciated. I’m starting to go off the idea now as weather doesn’t seem guaranteed (main reason for going!) and the more I look into it, I’m not sure it’s worth it.....