Friendship Travel

Boa Vista, Cape Verde

5* Iberostar Club Boa Vista

The Cape Verde islands are set wa-a-y south of the Canaries, and wa-a-y off the coast of West Africa, yet they’re only six hours’ flying time from Gatwick. This little string of islands offers guaranteed winter sun, the most spectacular beaches and turquoise seas.

But so do plenty of other places. What makes Cape Verde unique is the fact that tourism is only just getting off the ground – which means no crowds, a pristine environment, brand new hotels and friendly locals… The blend of African and Portuguese heritage makes the islands a joy to discover, from the colonial buildings of the old towns to the Brazilian beat of the local music.

The 5* Hotel

• 273 rooms
• Beach side All-inclusive
• 2 Restaurants
• 4 bars
• Beauty Centre
• Watersports
• Daily Entertainment

Rooms

• Garden views
• Patio
• Air-conditioning
• Satellite TV
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe (small charge)

We’ve chosen the island of Boa Vista, because the beaches are some of the best we’ve seen in all our years of travelling. Vast sand dunes lie behind the beaches, with volcanic slopes rising to the greener interior. The cobbled streets of Sal Rei have a laid-back charm, but it’s the sea and the sand that are Boa Vista’s best selling points. Pack a high factor sun-tan cream!

We’ve chosen the Club Boa Vista which is being upgraded from 4 to 5 star during late Summer 2011. It offers an unbeatable beachfront location and outstanding value for money. It’s a low-rise, colourful holiday village set right on Areja de Chaves beach, with the Atlantic Ocean rolling in just a few yards away.

There’s a large free-form pool to enjoy and a whole host of activities on offer, from aerobics to Pilates, archery and rifle shooting, boules, beach volleyball and step classes. The watersports (weather permitting) include catamaran sailing, windsurfing and snorkeling. Kite surfing is also popular on the island, taking advantage of the Atlantic breezes - which are pretty strong.

The rooms are set in colour-washed bungalows behind the beach, each with a little garden and decorated in contemporary style with colourful African accents. Each room has two beds set side by side and has an ensuite shower room. The hotel re-opens this winter after a five star upgrade and with an even more comprehensive All-Inclusive package.