Serenity Holidays Cape Verde Experience

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Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 1

A warm welcome

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© Chloe Lyttle @lyttlelens

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Contents

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n experience A to remember

Find out more about us and our passion for helping you to craft the perfect holiday.

Introducing Cape Verde From climate and history to facts and stats, here’s our introduction to Cape Verde.

14 Carnival fever

Experience the vibrant and exciting celebrations which make up Cape Verde’s most famous Carnival.

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Holidays to Sal

Learn everything you need to know about holidaying on the stunning island of Sal.

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Island hopping holidays

Discover the islands beyond the beach.

From myself and everyone at Cape Verde Experience, we’d like to welcome you to our new and improved 2018/19 brochure!

Our brochure gives us the opportunity to not only showcase everything we love about Cape Verde, but also to highlight that it’s so much more than simply a winter sun beach destination! Hopefully we can tempt you to see what else the archipelago can offer.

We’re proud to provide you with honest, first-hand information, especially when considering the individuality of each island. It’s because of this diversity that we’ve decided to include more in-depth information within our tailormade and island hopping pages. We hope to inspire you to choose Cape Verde for your next adventure, whilst safe in the knowledge that our expert, in-resort team are on hand and happy to help, 24/7.

As the destination specialist, we’re always excited to explore further to offer you, our customer, even more. This year’s no different, and as we move into our 12th year of operation, we’re happy to introduce some new hotels, providing you with yet more flexibility. We’re delighted to welcome back Oasis Salinas Sea on Sal, plus Tiduca Hotel, a welcome addition on Santo Antão. New multi-centre ideas are also showcased, so you can see how easy it is to combine more than one island during your holiday.

Our expert staff have visited not only our new offerings for this year, but our customer favourites too, so I’m confident we have the knowledge and skills to build your perfect getaway. Our aim is to show you the beauty of this unique archipelago off West Africa’s shores, and offer insight into all the different holiday combinations you could take advantage of. But most of all, we hope you enjoy reading this brochure as much as we have enjoyed producing it.

Ribeira Grande Santo Antão

Discover more online

All-inclusive holidays For a relaxing, care-free holiday under the Cape Verdean sun, opt for an all-inclusive beachfront break (pg 26, 28 & 34).

Find out more at

capeverde.co.uk

© Chloe Lyttle @lyttlelens

Climate & more With average year-round temperatures between 26°C and 30°C, low humidity and long sunshine hours, find out more about the benefits a holiday to Cape Verde presents (pg 8-9).

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Charlotte Eames

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20 kilometres 10

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A stay at Hotel Morabeza guarantees relaxation and indulgence – find out more.

elcome all-inclusive 28 WOasis Salinas Sea

We’re delighted to welcome back this stunning beachfront hotel on the island of Sal.

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What will your next adventure look like?

Things to know before you go

For any unanswered questions and plenty of essential information, these are the things to know before you go.

MINDELO

Cape Verde Product Manager São Vicente Santa Luzia

45 MINUTES

São Nicolau

Sal ESPARGOS

RIBEIRA BRAVA Santa Maria

Tarrafal

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays45 in this brochure are financially protected by MINUTES the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate.

40 MINUTES Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. Our ATOL number is 1866.

We are also members of ABTA and AITO, the AITO quality charter is on page 66.

OCEAN Serenity Holidays Ltd, Registered in the UKATLANTIC number 01744872.

Atlantic House,

3600 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7AN. Copyright © 2018 Serenity Holidays. All rights reserved.

Front Cover: Shutterstock Back Cover: Edward Staines, Jon Banfield, David Abram & Shutterstock Photography: Jon Banfield, Pier Golden, Chloe Lyttle, Kim-Ze Brito, Serenity staff & Shutterstock Fogo Design: Design Studio, Serenity Holidays SÃO NOVA FILIPE Print: Linney SINTRA

Brava

30 MINUTES 40 MINUTES

2 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk

For in-depth articles about activities, top 10s, festivals, news and more, be sure to pay a visit to our dedicated Cape Verde Blog. With lots of different categories to help inspire and inform, no matter what sort of holiday you’re after, you can find out more about it on our blog.

capeverde.co.uk/blog

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Tailormade island holidays

Get inspired by our blog

Get inspired at

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Customer favourite: Hotel Morabeza

For even more information about the Cape Verde archipelago, head to our website. You’ll find a whole host of special offers and extra information about all our properties, plus a comprehensive Cape Verde Guide. Our dedicated Holiday Ideas section provides inspiration for beach holidays, family holidays and more, and you’ll also be able to browse a variety of excursions and experiences on each of the islands. You can also sign up to our e-newsletter, which puts you first in line to receive offers, news and updates from Cape Verde Experience.

15 MINUTES 45 MINUTES

Boa Vista SAL REI

Follow us on … facebook.com/CapeVerdeExperience @CapeVerdeExperience

Praia de Chaves Santa Monica

@CapeVerdeExperience

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Discovering Cape Verde’s archipelago Santiago Tarrafal

A particularly rewarding Maio way to experience this VILA DO MAIO diverse country, find Cidadeout Velha what island hopping PRAIA adventures you could enjoy (pg 38-39).

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 3

A Cape Verde experience to remember Cape Verde presents a superb holiday experience for the discerning traveller. The archipelago’s eclectic African, Portuguese and Brazilian heritage is truly infectious, and with each island boasting its own distinct character, whether you’re a devoted beach lover or outdoor adventurer, Cape Verde has the perfect holiday for you. As the destination specialist, let us assure you why a holiday with us will provide an unforgettable experience…

With passion, enthusiasm, expertise and honesty being at the heart of everything we do, we constantly endeavour to ensure that you receive the best holiday experience possible. Our knowledgeable staff are ambassadors to our values, with many having visited Cape Verde to explore the islands, learn about the cultures and get familiar with our properties. This is so that we can provide first-hand recommendations, helping to give you complete confidence in your holiday choices.

We also believe in providing the highest quality customer service, which you’ll experience as soon as you call us to enquire. We offer support at all stages of the booking process to make it as straightforward as possible.

When you’re off enjoying your getaway, we’re proud to work directly with Barracuda Tours, who provide an exceptionally experienced in-resort team who will support you as much or as little as you need.

We also work hard to make our holidays as hassle-free as possible, which is why we include return flights, 20kg luggage allowance, private transfers, UK airport lounge access and visas as standard.

Throughout this brochure you’ll find hotels to suit all manner of tastes and budgets, from beach holidays through to hidden mountain retreats. With flexibility in mind, you don’t have to simply stick to one island during your holiday with us – our island hopping holidays give you the chance to design your own multi-centre itinerary, perfect for soaking up as much of the archipelago’s diversity as you wish.

We’re also proud to be part of tour operator Serenity Holidays, who have built up over 30 years’ experience in providing holidays to the discerning British traveller. Together, we’re always looking for new and exciting ways to enhance our customers’ experiences.

We hope you enjoy reading through our brand-new brochure, and that you gain a true insight into what your perfect holiday in Cape Verde could look like.

Introducing C a p e Ve r d e A beautiful archipelago of 10 sun-kissed islands enjoying a serene location off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde presents a diverse and blissful paradise for holidaymakers to indulge in. The islands are defined by a medley of captivating culture, a strong sense of historical identity, breathtaking natural beauty and exciting activities, ensuring there’s something for everybody who lands on Cape Verde’s shores. From hiking in the mountains of Santo Antão and discovering the scintillating music scene in São Vicente, to lazing on the sands of Sal or Boa Vista and exploring an active volcano on Fogo; you’ll find the unique holiday experience you’ve been searching for in Cape Verde. 6 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 7

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WHAT SORT OF HOLIDAY CAN I EXPECT?

WHY CAPE VERDE? There are countless rewards and benefits of booking a holiday to Cape Verde, as it’s a beautiful country with enough diversity and character to appeal to everyone. The climate is often the starting point for holiday-makers whose heads are turned by Cape Verde, and with an average annual temperature ranging between 24°C and 30°C, the islands are renowned for promising fulfilling beach breaks. But it isn’t just about the sun, sand and sea here; you’ll enjoy outdoor adventure to keep you active, a fascinating history

Such is the diversity of Cape Verde’s archipelago, you can enjoy several different types of holiday throughout the islands, and the same can be said for the variety found in our programme. We’re passionate about showcasing each and every characteristic that defines Cape Verde, and as such, we offer a range of holidays across seven of the archipelago’s islands. If you’re looking to laze by the sea on a long stretch of sandy beach, you can embrace one of our rewarding beach holidays. Alternatively, if you’re not one for sitting back to relax, why not consider booking one or more of our exciting and adventurous excursions and experiences or even a holiday themed by outdoor activities?

If the wide range of choice is making it impossible to settle on one island and one holiday experience alone, our Island Hopping itineraries will be perfect for you. Offering the chance of combining the likes of hiking opportunities in green, rugged landscapes, a captivating music scene on the streets of an atmospheric town, and the blissful appeal of

to discover, diverse wildlife to encounter, wonderfully friendly people to interact with, and breathtaking landscapes to explore. All of this lies just a six-hour flight away from the UK, and as Cape Verde’s time zone is only one hour behind the UK, you’ll also avoid the inconvenience of holiday jet lag.

Add to that our fantastic accommodation collections and our exciting range of excursions and experiences, and you’ll have only scratched the surface of Cape Verde’s appeal as a holiday destination.

beautiful beaches; an island hopping itinerary allows you to experience the very best of Cape Verde’s diversity. In addition to this, did you know you can even tailor-make your own Cape Verde holiday? With the help of our knowledgeable and expert Reservations Team, we can help you craft your very own perfect, personalised holiday experience.

Find out more about Tailormade Holidays on pg 46-47.

The facts about tourism It’s vital to remember that tourism is still very much in its infancy in Cape Verde. Health and safety and service levels in hotels and restaurants may not always compare to what you would expect in a more established destination. You may encounter locals selling paintings and handicrafts, which you may find off-putting at times, however they’re quite harmless. There’s on-going development on the islands so you may see and hear building works. If there’s work taking place in or next to your chosen hotel, we will advise you if we feel it will affect your holiday. 

A FANTASTIC CLIMATE

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Santa Luzia

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São Vicente

RIBEIRA BRAVA

São Nicolau

Boa Vista Praia de Chaves

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Santa Monica

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Fly direct from: Gatwick Manchester Birmingham

ATLAN ATLANTIC NTIC OCEAN OCE EAN

Santiago

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AVERAGE SUNSHINE HOURS

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NOV 28°c 45

DEC 27°c 34

JAN 24°c 325

FEB 25°c 124

MAR 25°c 135

APR 25°c 4 255

MAY 26°c 31454

JUN 27°c 3234

JUL 27°c 13225

AUG 28°c 12154

SEP 30°c 143

OCT 29°c 32

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Santa Maria

SAL REI

CAPE E VER VERDE RDE LAND DS ISLANDS

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Fly direct from: Gatwick Manchester Birmingham Bristol

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8 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk

AVERAGE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE Enjoying a warm and sun-filled climate throughout the year, with 350 days of sunshine, low humidity and an average annual temperature that often climbs to 30°C; Cape Verde presents an attractive climate to sun-seeking holiday-makers. Given the geographical spread of the archipelago, each island is prone to slightly differing weather traits, but for the most part the whole country experiences the same seasonal weather.

November – December: Humidity decreases and the rain becomes almost non-existent, offering cooler night-time temperatures and longer sunny days.

Meanwhile, the greener islands become just that – very green and lush after the recent rainfall.

January – February: The coolest months with slightly more breeze, yet still floating around the early to mid-20s. This is when the trade winds come, making Sal and Boa Vista a haven for water sports. These months are also ideal for exploring the islands of Santo Antão and São Nicolau.

March – May: This is the most pleasant time to travel to Cape Verde, with consistent temperatures of around 25°C ready to be enjoyed. You’ll also experience the longest sunshine hours in April and May – up to 10 hours a day.

June – July: Temperatures start to rise as Cape Verde enters its summer months, and the winds drop. Some rain begins to creep in to some islands during July, but the high temperatures make the pool or beach very tempting.

August – October: These months are the only period across the year to experience rainfall and higher humidity, while sunshine hours also begin to decrease. September is the wettest month.

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 9

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GETTING AROUND AND EXPLORING CAPE VERDE TRANSPORT ON THE ISLANDS Taxis: You’ll find these readily available in the larger towns and resort areas, and most are of a good standard. They work on a meter, which can be ‘creative’, so try and agree a price beforehand. A two-mile journey should cost around €3.

ONLY ONE HOUR BEHIND GMT, SO NO JETLAG

Buses: The cheapest way of getting around the islands is via the local buses, known as ‘aluguers’. These usually operate daily until 7.30pm and you simply shout when you want to get off.

INTERESTING FA C T S A B O U T

Walking: Many of the resort areas are small enough to explore on foot, while some of the greener and more mountainous islands are a haven for hiking, offering unrivalled exploration on two feet.

TRANSPORT BETWEEN ISLANDS Planes: For travel between islands, flying provides the most practical choice. Internal flights between the islands are operated by Binter, and while these flights are comfortable and convenient, they are occasionally subject to schedule changes.

CAPE VERDE

ENJOYS YEAR-ROUND AVERAGE TEMPERATURE RANGING BETWEEN 24˚C – 30˚C

Ferries: Regular ferries run between São Vicente and Santo Antão, compensating for the lack of airport on the latter, with the crossing taking around one hour. Ferries also run between Fogo and Brava.

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HISTORY Due to their somewhat isolated location, set 500km from the coast of West Africa, it’s unsurprising that the islands remained uninhabited until they were populated by the Portuguese in the 15th century. The archipelago then became a significant outpost of the Portuguese empire and a frequent stop for trading on slave routes across the Atlantic. These movements hundreds of years ago have shaped Cape Verde’s unique culture, defined by African, Portuguese and even Brazilian influences, a heritage that Cape Verdeans are immensely proud of.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the country suffered a number of setbacks, including drought, famine and economic decline, before being reinvigorated as a stop-off for America-bound ships as a result of the industrial revolution. The late 20th century saw Cape Verde experience a period of steady development under the PAICV government, who increased incoming aid and foreign investment. The 20th century also saw the country gain independence, with the affirmation of the Cape Verdean nation occurring on the 5th July 1975.

Today, Cape Verde enjoys peace and stability, and with the rise of tourism, the islands are now flourishing in this modern era. 

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Lighthouse of Maria Pia, Santiago © Salvador Aznar | Shutterstock

CAPE VERDEAN ESCUDO $110 CVE TO £1

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EUROS ARE WIDELY ACCEPTED THROUGHOUT THE ISLANDS

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GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY – A THREE-COURSE MEAL FOR TWO FROM AROUND £25PP

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As a former colony of Portugal, Portuguese is the official language of Cape Verde, though it is less spoken. Instead Cape Verdeans speak Creole, their national language.

The highest point in Cape Verde is Pico do Fogo on the island of Fogo, an active volcano reaching 2,829m.

Of the 10 islands that make up the Cape Verde archipelago, Santa Luzia is the only uninhabited island.

The islands are split into two groups, the windward Barlavento Islands in the north and the Sotavento Islands on the leeward side and to the south.

Some of the beaches in Cape Verde, specifically on Sal and Boa Vista, are among the world’s most important nesting sites for loggerhead turtles.

Independence came to Cape Verde in 1975 and was shared with Guinea-Bissau. The two nations were a joint country until 1980.

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 11

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TOP 10 ACTIVITIES IN CAPE VERDE From exciting adventures through to more relaxing pastimes, a holiday to Cape Verde can encompass all kinds of different activities. Here’s our top 10…

1. EMBARK ON AN ISLAND TOUR No matter what island you choose to visit, there are ample choices for half or full-day island tours. You’ll get to see the island’s highlights, and learn about local traditions.

2. HIKING IN THE MOUNTAINS If you love to head off and discover fantastic panoramas on two feet, you’ll be pleased to know that Cape Verde offers some extraordinary hiking opportunities. São Nicolau and Santo Antão’s green peaks and hidden craters make every twist and turn of your hike exciting, and Santiago’s everchanging landscape provides a new adventure every day. You can even explore the crater on Fogo’s magnificent volcano if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

3. VISIT ANOTHER ISLAND From Sal, there are options to visit other islands for the day. It will involve a flight and maybe a boat trip, but with short transfer times it’s an easy and convenient way to explore some of the archipelago’s diversities.

If an island hopping holiday is more to your taste, visit pg 38 for details.

who strive to protect the nesting sites of these turtles and help the hatchlings make it out to sea.

6. FISHING Whether you’re a keen fisherman or complete beginner, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a spot of beach, rock and even deep sea fishing in Cape Verde.

“Cape Verde totally exceeded my expectations, it has something for everyone, the sybaritic beach lover, the water sports crowd, walkers and hikers, backstreet explorers, island hoppers, fishermen, photographers and artists will also be inspired by its beautiful light.

It’s like the Swiss army knife of holiday destinations!”

Piers Golden – Photographer

7. QUAD BIKING IN THE SAND DUNES Discover impressive sand dunes on both Sal and Boa Vista on a guided quad biking tour. Boa Vista alone boasts over 50km of golden coastline to explore.

8. RELAX ON THE BEACH When you arrive in Cape Verde you’re sure to be impressed by the stunning coastline. Take some time to completely relax and soak up the sunshine on the soft sands.

4. LEARN ABOUT LOCAL SPECIALITIES A holiday to Cape Verde would not be complete without a taste of the local specialities. Get involved in a cookery lesson and learn how to make cachupa, the national dish. Cape Verde also has a national alcoholic drink, called grogue, and there are distilleries on many of the islands where you can see how it’s produced and have a taste.

9. DIVING AND SNORKELLING Many of the Cape Verde islands are blessed by rich marine life, and what better way to experience it than to delve into the underwater world? Scuba diving excursions and courses are available from single dives through to PADI open water training – so you can discover as much as you wish!

5. WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS Cape Verde boasts some wonderfully unique wildlife experiences. Whale watching can be enjoyed between late February and May, and you can witness loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on Ervatão Beach, Boa Vista, between July and September. On Sal, you can visit Project Biodiversity, a non-profit organisation

10. WATER SPORTS Surfing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and kitesurfing are all readily available on several islands. Visit Kite Beach, on the island of Sal, which is home to the Mitu & DjO kitesurfing school. What better way to learn or practice than with the world champion kitesurfer, Mitu Monteiro?

12 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk

OUR FAVOURITE FESTIVALS There’s nothing quite like a Cape Verdean festival.

Brightly coloured costumes, impressive floats and traditional music play a large part in many of the islands’ festivities, and the atmosphere that takes over is wonderfully fun and infectious. If you happen to find yourself in Cape Verde during one of these events, we highly recommend you take some time to get involved.

MINDELO CARNIVAL – SÃO VICENTE Held on Shrove Tuesday, Mindelo’s Carnival is a very vibrant and exciting event, showcasing what São Vicente is known for – music! The locals prepare for weeks beforehand, making impressive floats, elaborate costumes and practising dances, and when Carnival descends, the atmosphere is truly infectious. Find out more about how to add a trip to Mindelo Carnival to your Cape Verde holiday on page 14.

GAMBOA MUSIC FESTIVAL – SANTIAGO Held in mid-May, this festival is one of the archipelago’s most famous music festivals. Held on Gamboa Beach close to Praia, the country’s capital, local and international musicians come to entertain the crowds.

SANTA MARIA’S ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL – SAL Another popular music festival held in Santa Maria during September, you can enjoy the music and live acts, whilst sampling tasty food and drink at the various pop-up stalls.

Find out more about the festivals and events in Cape Verde at capeverde.co.uk/fm

© Chloe Lyttle @lyttlelens

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 13

Carnival Fever

EXPERIENCING CAPE VERDE’S CARNIVAL At Cape Verde Experience, we know how magical an experience São Vicente’s Carnival is, so we’ve tailored our very own four-day package that will allow you to soak up these festivities for yourself.

The Carnival Package serves as a four-night add-on to your main holiday on the island of Sal, with inter-island flights provided by Binter.

São Vicente’s Carnival, based on the iconic celebrations held in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, is easily Cape Verde’s most vibrant and captivating cultural experience. Parades of colour, pulsating music and an eccentric atmosphere define this memorable event, officially held every Shrove Tuesday.

2019’s package departs on Saturday 2nd March from Sal and returns to Sal on Wednesday 6th March. The package also includes some wonderful tour opportunities.

São Vicente, one of 10 stunning islands amid the Cape Verde archipelago, is recognised as the country’s cultural and artistic heart, with the island’s capital, Mindelo, famed for its nightly live music and proud Cape Verdean identity.

The island’s Carnival significantly showcases this colourful and authentic character and is the premier listing on the São Vicente annual events calendar. It’s believed that the traditions of the Carnival stem from the 12th century, influenced by the Portuguese rule and their celebration of lent. The cultures and traditions of the festival have developed over the years, and today the celebrations are defined by a parade of floats, colourful marches, live music and eye-catching dance performances.

In the days surrounding the Carnival celebration, Mindelo’s vibrancy peaks, with locals eagerly practising their routines and perfecting their elaborate costumes. This ensures a medley of atmospheric festivities perfectly suited to those who are ready to embrace the festivities and get stuck into local culture and celebrations, with music and singing extending into the early hours.

WHAT’S INCLUDED: • Return inter-island flights and transfers between Sal and São Vicente • Four nights’ accommodation in São Vicente on Bed & Breakfast basis

“The experience of the carnival was fantastic - to see so many local people coming together with hundreds of dancers, exotic costumes and huge floats, not to mention the samba music and singers. The carnival was much bigger and slicker than we expected. Truly a memorable experience in-between stays at Hotel Morabeza on Sal, which is always good, while we loved the top room of the Orquidea Guest House in Sal Rei, Boa Vista.”

Mrs Coleman – Guest

• Guided full-day tour of neighbouring island Santo Antão, including transfers, return ferry and lunch • Guided evening excursion ‘Mindelo by Night’ including evening meal • Guided half-day island tour of São Vicente • Experienced and reliable resort team, on hand to assist with local advice to help you make the most of your Carnival experience You can book or find out more about this package by calling our experts on 01489 866 969, we recommend that you book early.

Or, visit capeverde.co.uk/carnival for further information.

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Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 15

OUR FEATURED PROPERTIES IN SAL:

Holidays in Sal

• Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort (pg 24-25) • Oasis Salinas Sea (pg 28-29)

PEDRA DE LUME

ESPARGOS Kite Beach

• Dunas de Sal Hotel (pg 32-33) • Hotel Pontão (pg 37)

SANTA MARIA

0 5 km 0

5 miles

Discover more properties on Sal on our website.

© Thoom

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THINGS TO DO IN SAL SAMPLE THE BARS AND RESTAURANTS Santa Maria boasts the best variety of bars and restaurants across the archipelago, and all are conveniently within walking distance of all our hotels. There are also some wonderful beachfront restaurants such as Barracuda, where you can completely relax and listen to the waves lap at the shore.

UNWIND ON SANTA MARIA’S BEACH Top up your tan, take a dip in the water, do a spot of snorkelling or watch the waves with a refreshing caipirinha cocktail, there’s lots of relaxing to be done on this long stretch of sand. There’s also no need to worry about finding a nice spot to lay your beach towel (as with some European beach destinations), as there’s more than enough space for everyone.

© Chloe

LEARN ABOUT SAL’S HISTORY IN SALT PRODUCTION From the 1700s through until 1985, the town of Pedra de Lume on Sal’s north-west coast was an established salt producer. Although no longer in operation, you can visit the salt flats, see the large conveyor system used to transport the salt and then take a dip in the salt water, where you’ll float as if in the Dead Sea.

ttlelens

Lyttle @ly

EXPLORE THE DESERT Sal’s large expanse of dry, desert landscape is home to some particularly rewarding features. The north-west coast is home to the Blue Eye, a natural pool formed by lava rocks, which, at certain times of the day glows a beautiful bright turquoise. You can swim in the pool or simply admire its natural beauty. Heading inland, you can also witness the impressive mirage at Terra Boa, where you can watch the illusion of an ocean appear and disappear before your eyes.

VISIT CAPE VERDE’S FIRST AND ONLY CASINO The recently built Casino Royal is located just a little inland from the beach and next to the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort (pg 24-25).

ENJOY A SPOT OF BIRDWATCHING Birdwatchers will be pleasantly surprised as to what they can witness on Sal. Frigatebirds can be spotted on occasion, plus other species such as the Grey Heron, Sanderling, Little Stint and Greenshank.

16 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk

PALMEIRA

Hotel Morabeza Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort Oasis Salinas Sea Odjo d’Agua Hotel Dunas de Sal Hotel Hotel Pontão Aparthotel Tropical (online)

• Odjo d’Agua Hotel (pg 30-31)

Sal’s capital, Espargos, can be found in the centre of the island, but you’ll find the main resort area along the south of the island in Santa Maria. Here, there’s an endless expanse of golden beach which follows the coast all along the bay and around towards the western side of the island. As the main resort, Santa Maria is where you’ll find all our hotels on Sal, and each is within a 20-minute walk of the variety of shops, restaurants and bars that also reside there.

Not only does Sal cater for serious beach goers, but also those in search of something a little more unique. There’s lots of history to absorb in the form of the island’s once booming salt trade (from which the island takes its name), and heading inland will uncover a vast, barren landscape with exceptional features, poles apart from the sandy paradise at Santa Maria.

Our variety of excursions will help you to discover as much or as little of the island as you please, but one thing’s guaranteed, a holiday on Sal will be a memorable one.

BURACONA

• Hotel Morabeza (pg 20-23)

An island that’s best described as a beach lover’s paradise, Sal is the archipelago’s most popular destination for holiday-makers, and it’s no surprise why. With golden sandy beaches sinking into azure waters, windows into the island’s past and some truly spectacular natural phenomena to admire, Sal successfully caters for many kinds of holiday-maker.

= Hotels

TERRA BOA

© Chloe Lyttle @lyttlelens

EXCURSIONS AND EXPERIENCES IN SAL EMBARK ON AN ISLAND TOUR With both full and half-day island tours available, hop aboard an air-conditioned or open 4x4 vehicle and discover the island’s highlights, learning lots about the local traditions from your knowledgeable guide.

YACHT TRIP Enjoy an unforgettable sailing experience aboard a yacht. Learn to sail, do some snorkelling or simply lay back and soak up the sunshine during this experience – the choice is yours!

QUAD BIKING A guided quad bike tour is a fantastic way to see some of the island’s highlights, including deserted white sand dunes, the landscape surrounding the salt mines and some spectacular beaches.

INTER-ISLAND DAY TRIPS For a day out with a difference, we can organise a trip for you to explore another island of this diverse archipelago. Contact our Reservations Team to find out what we’re currently offering, as availability tends to change.

SUNSET & COCKTAILS Relax on the soft white sands of Ponta Preta Beach with a cocktail in hand, along with some local nibbles, whilst admiring the golden hues of the sunset.

Find out more about our range of Sal excursions at capeverde.co.uk/ee

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SAL REI

Shipwreck 3

= Hotels

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Viana Desert

Praia de Chaves

FUNDO DAS FIGUEIRAS

RABIL

1. Iberostar Club Boa Vista 2. Royal Horizons Boa Vista 3. Orquidea Guest House 4. Spinguera Eco Lodge

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OUR FEATURED PROPERTIES IN BOA VISTA: • Iberostar Club Boa Vista (pg 26-27) • Royal Horizons Boa Vista (pg 34) • Orquidea Guest House (pg 35)

SANTA MONICA

CURRAL VELHO

Holidays in Boa Vista

Away from the coast, the interior of the island presents a luna-like landscape, home to desert and barren rockfilled vistas, dotted with date trees and the occasional ruins of an abandoned village or building. You’ll find the main town of the island, Sal Rei, in the north-west, a location gradually becoming home to more restaurants and bars, as well as showcasing some intriguing architectural landmarks. Our numerous excursions and experiences will allow you the possibility of exploring and discovering the best of Boa Vista’s attractions, though many may prefer to just lay back, soak up the sunshine and embrace the languid pace of life that makes Boa Vista so desirable.

18 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk

0 5 km 0

5 miles

THINGS TO DO IN BOA VISTA

Blessed by vast stretches of untouched golden sand, surrounded by crystalline waters and boasting a relaxed and low-key atmosphere, Boa Vista is the perfect destination for a rejuvenating holiday.

The island is home to some of the archipelago’s most beautiful and rewarding beaches, with the sands here stretching for 55km. On the beaches and the waters that surround them, holiday-makers can choose to either relax in the gorgeous sunshine, or alternatively get active across a range of water sports. The same can be said for the great range of accommodation to choose from across Boa Vista, offering the temptation to recharge by the pool one day, and the chance to get involved in numerous activities the next.

Ervatao

ENCOUNTER LOGGERHEAD TURTLES Ervatão Beach, located on the south-east coast of Boa Vista, is considered the third most important loggerhead turtle nesting site in the world. Between the months of July and September, and as the evenings close in, you can witness the turtles making their way across the sand to nest and lay their eggs.

RELAX ON THE BEACH Boa Vista’s gorgeous coastline is blessed by several beaches which are defined by sweeping, golden sands, lapped at by inviting turquoise water. Setting up camp on one or two of these beaches during your stay on the island will promise unrivalled relaxation, particularly on the breathtaking sands of Praia de Chaves and Santa Monica Beach, both considered among the most impressive beaches in Cape Verde. © Borges

Samuel |

Alamy Stoc

k Photo

VISIT THE CABO SANTA MARIA SHIPWRECK Best reached via one of our exciting 4x4 tours, a visit to Praia de Atlanta will allow holiday-makers to witness one of the most iconic scenes on the island of Boa Vista. The shipwreck of the Cabo Santa Maria, ran aground here in 1968 while sailing to Brazil, and today the rusting wreck provides one of the best photo opportunities in the archipelago.

EXPLORE THE VIANA DESERT An additional popular stop on our tours of Boa Vista, and easily combined with a visit to the shipwreck, the Viana Desert is another of the island’s most striking spectacles. These expansive white dunes have been formed over time by the sands that have blown across the Atlantic from the Sahara Desert, and are ready to give visitors their Lawrence of Arabia experience!

• Spinguera Eco Lodge (pg 36) Discover more about these properties on Boa Vista on our website.

EXCURSIONS AND EXPERIENCES IN BOA VISTA WHALE WATCHING The waters around the island of Boa Vista are a breeding ground for humpback whales, and between the months of February and May, we offer the chance for you to catch a glimpse of these magnificent animals. Our four-hour catamaran trip, with onboard bar, will allow you to tick this unforgettable experience off your bucket list.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES Embark on a memorable evening of superb traditional food and live local music on our Cape Verdean Night excursion. Sample the national dish, cachupa, along with plenty of other meat and fish dishes, and get a true insight into Cape Verdean culture whilst listening to talented local musicians.

FISHING EXCURSIONS From beach fishing for novices, up to big game fishing for more experienced and accomplished fishing enthusiasts, there’s plenty of opportunity on Boa Vista. The world record marlin was caught in the waters around Cape Verde, maybe you could try and set your own record!

Find out more about our range of Boa Vista excursions at capeverde.co.uk/ee

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 19

Hotel Morabeza SAL CUSTOMER FAVOURITE | ESTABLISHED AND FAMILY RUN | BEACHFRONT

TRANSFERS: 20 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B / BON APPETIT / HB / FB

An immaculately kept, family-run hotel boasting great facilities and direct access to Santa Maria’s golden beach, it’s no surprise that Hotel Morabeza continues to be voted the top hotel by our guests. An ideal choice for both couples and families alike, the hotel boasts extensive and colourful well-kept grounds, attentive staff and several à la carte dining experiences, which all add up to create a superb, all-round holiday.

‘Morabeza’, locally translated as ‘hospitality’, describes this hotel perfectly, and it’s constantly reinforced by its glowing reputation and the fact it’s the longest established hotel on the island. A popular pastime for guests is to make good use of the Aquarius beach bar, where you can enjoy a tasty seafood lunch and sip on a refreshing caipirinha cocktail, all whilst soaking up the sunshine and looking out across the bay – what a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!

Plus, for families, the two pools and variety of on-site activities such as mini-golf, archery and tennis are great fun for all ages.

The guest rooms at Morabeza are spacious, and decorated using neutral tones to create a relaxing ambience. This also extends throughout the grounds, and with three pools, even during peak season you won’t struggle to find yourself a sunlounger to relax on and get lost in a good book.

WHAT WE LOVE HOTEL FACILITIES • Three swimming pools • Four restaurants • Saturday barbecue and regular evening entertainment • Three bars • Wi-Fi • Fitness room • Variety of on-site activities

ROOM FACILITIES • Twin or double beds • Air-conditioning • Small fridge • Television • Safe • Tea and coffee-making facilities • Balcony or terrace

• The hotel’s beach club situated on Santa Maria Beach; the location is second to none with stunning vistas across the sand.

GOOD TO KNOW • Don’t leave it to the last minute – this hotel is very popular and sells out quickly, especially the Executive area. Book early to avoid disappointment!

• There’s a local charge for beach sunloungers if staying on B&B basis.

• Bon Appetit board basis provides you with breakfast each day of your stay plus three evening meals included in each seven-night stay. These meals must be taken on set nights and cannot be changed.

POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Executive Rooms & Suites: Available exclusively via Cape Verde Experience in the UK, these rooms are set in an attractive, adults only (12yrs+) area of the hotel grounds. These rooms are of a high standard, located on the sea side of the hotel.

• Junior Suites: Giving you that extra space, these rooms provide you with a combined living area featuring a bedroom and living room and are available on the garden and sea side of the hotel.

Standard Land View Room

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DISTANCE TO BEACH: BEACHFRONT NUMBER OF ROOMS: 130

OUR GUEST’S OPINION...

We had the most wonderful holiday, so much so that we have decided to go back for 12 days in November when we will do a bit of island hopping! Hotel was fabulous, staff brilliant, ambience superb, beach to die for, weather perfect - what more can I say!

Mrs Simmonds

20 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/hm

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 21

Holidaying adults-only with Morabeza’s Executive rooms and suites Although Morabeza is a fantastic choice for holidaying families, it’s also nice to have the option to escape to total peace and tranquillity, which is where the Executive rooms and suites are the perfect fit.

Executive Room

Exclusively available to the UK market through Cape Verde Experience, this separate accommodation is graced with access to an adults-only pool, which the guest rooms are conveniently located around. Plus, all the rooms and suites are located sea side, offering wonderful vistas towards the beach and ocean.

Decorated using the same soft neutral tones of the hotel’s other guest rooms, Executive rooms are larger in size and sleep two adults, and the suites are more than double the size again at a massive 80m², with a separate living area and dressing room. These make the ideal choice for a couple looking to indulge in a more luxurious beach holiday, especially as they are located on the first floor, so you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink on your private balcony, whilst enjoying views to the sea.

Executive Rooms & Pool Area

Our recommendation: Demand for these room types is very high, and they often sell out. We highly recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.

22 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/hm

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 23

WHAT WE LOVE • The Hilton brand and its renowned top-class service and facilities.

• Evening strolls along the beach – take a wander along the soft white sands of Santa Maria Beach as the sun begins to set.

GOOD TO KNOW • Deluxe Rooms with Partial Ocean View are now exclusive to Cape Verde Experience customers on the UK tour operator market.

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

• The large Eforea Spa is the ultimate in relaxation. Unwind in the thermal lounge, get pampered in the hair and nail salon or indulge in a treatment or two in one of the double or single treatment rooms. Usage is payable locally.

BEACHFRONT | LUXURIOUS | SPA

HOTEL FACILITIES • Two restaurants and two bars • Swimming pool and children’s pool • Children’s club • Eforea Spa (payable locally) and fitness centre • Atlantic Star Nautical Centre (payable locally) • Casino (payable locally) • Wi-Fi

ROOM FACILITIES King or double beds, air-conditioning, bathrobe and slippers, safe, balcony or terrace

POPULAR ROOM CHOICES

Deluxe Room

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• Superior Pool View: A little larger than the ‘Guest’ rooms, with the added bonus of pool views.

• Deluxe Room with Partial Ocean View: Beautifully spacious room with freestanding bath and separate shower. These rooms overlook the pool with partial views of the sea in the distance.

• Ocean Front Suite: Located beachfront in the best position for views towards the ocean.

Situated on the ground (first), second and third floor with higher floors having beautiful sea views.

24 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/hcvsr

DISTANCE TO BEACH: BEACHFRONT NUMBER OF ROOMS: 241 TRANSFERS: 20 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B / HB / FB

SAL

A recently built, 5-star resort boasting everything from an incredible location and superb service, to a diverse range of facilities and unrivalled room options, the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort has quickly become one of the grandest and most rewarding hotels in Cape Verde. Each and every room in the hotel is modern, spacious and well equipped, with many blessed by wonderful views of the sea.

Guests also have the option of upgrading to the likes of an Ocean Front Suite, making that holiday experience even more special.

Eforea Spa, boasts numerous features, including eight treatment rooms with heated beds, a hydropool and a sauna. Two restaurants and two bars are guaranteed to keep guests well fed and refreshed, including the Bounty Beach Restaurant which serves up chef specialities on the sand, and Cize Bar with its fantastic cocktails and finger food. Furthermore, those holidaying with children will be pleased to know that a children’s club and nursery are ready to help to make your sunny escape as relaxing as possible.

Guests will discover the great facilities that run throughout the resort, beginning with a wonderfully inviting swimming pool located at the heart of the hotel’s grounds.

A fabulous spa and fitness centre is also at the disposal of guests, as is a nautical centre on the beach, offering a wide range of water sports opportunities. The former, named the

OUR GUEST’S OPINION...

A beautifully designed hotel and furnished impeccably with lovely rooms and a large pool.

Mr Atkinson

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 25

Iberostar Club Boa Vista BOA VISTA ALL-INCLUSIVE | SPA | BEACHFRONT

DISTANCE TO BEACH: BEACHFRONT NUMBER OF ROOMS: 276

TRANSFERS: 10 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: ALL-INCLUSIVE

Boasting a remarkable location overlooking one of the finest beaches in the whole of Cape Verde, the Iberostar Club Boa Vista promises an unforgettable stay amid the coastal beauty of this alluring island. Such is the philosophy of the reputed Iberostar group, you can expect an excellent standard of facilities and service throughout your stay, as well as an attractive and appealing presentation throughout the grounds, filled with palms and flowering plants.

The rooms are set over a variety of levels and are accessed via cobbled pathways which spread throughout the grounds, leading holiday-makers to their spacious, comfortable and well-equipped bedrooms.

Outside and upon exploring the grounds, guests are likely to be drawn to the inviting pool area, enjoying some remarkable beach views from its elevated position. It’s also here that you’ll encounter the neighbouring buffet restaurant, Belvedere, as well as the pool bar, Palapa, both promising to keep you refreshed and fed during your stay. You can achieve further relaxation by indulging in the diverse offerings of the hotel’s spa, opting for one of its rejuvenating beauty treatments, or why not just laze back and enjoy the personal feel that makes the Iberostar so rewarding?

WHAT WE LOVE

HOTEL FACILITIES • Swimming pool and children’s pool • Two restaurants and four bars • Spa and fitness room • Shops/boutiques • Daily activity programme and evening entertainment • Tennis courts • Children’s clubs • Wi-Fi

ROOM FACILITIES • Twin or double beds • Air-conditioning • Fridge • Safe (payable locally) • Balcony or terrace

• Its excellent location on Praia de Chaves – the fabulous, picture-postcard white sands stretch as far as the eye can see and provide endless strolls in the sunshine.

• Indulging in one of the many cocktail choices at the Palapa pool bar whilst enjoying the amazing sunset.

GOOD TO KNOW • Steep slopes and steps, plus cobbled pathways make this hotel unsuitable for the less mobile.

•B ook yourself an excursion at your welcome meeting and get out and see the island. Half and full-day tours provide a real flavour of what Boa Vista has to offer.

POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Front Sea View Rooms: You won’t be disappointed with the views – uninterrupted blue sea all the way to the edge of the horizon.

ALL-INCLUSIVE • Breakfast at Belvedere or continental breakfast at pool bar Palapa • Lunch at Belvedere or at pool bar Palapa • Afternoon snacks at pool bar Palapa and evening snacks in the lobby bar • Dinner at Belvedere • R ange of local alcoholic drinks • Soft drinks (including water) • One evening visit to Gourmet restaurant Sodade per stay – reservation required, special menu items are at a supplement.

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OUR GUEST’S OPINION… Super holiday, great location, fabulous weather and a good choice of excursions to see and learn something of the culture of the island. Absolute bliss!

Mrs Roberts

26 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/ibv

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 27

Oasis Salinas Sea SAL ALL-INCLUSIVE | BEACHFRONT | GOOD FOR FAMILIES

WHAT WE LOVE • The beachfront location – the beautiful sands of Santa Maria Beach, along with plenty of sunbeds are literally on your doorstep.

• The proximity to Santa Maria – sample a growing variety of shops, bars and restaurants.

GOOD TO KNOW • Garden view rooms can be located on a ‘lower ground’ level, with steps leading up to ground level. If you want to ensure you’re not located here, upgrade to the side sea view rooms.

• Although an all-inclusive resort – it’s also possible to book on B&B if you’d prefer.

Set in a prime beachfront location along Santa Maria’s golden sands and just a short stroll from the main town, we’re delighted to welcome Oasis Salinas Sea back into our collection. A stylish and modern 4-grade hotel, it’s an ideal choice for both couples and families looking for an all-inclusive beach break.

The hotel’s beachfront swimming pool is the focal point of the resort, ideal for you to relax and soak up the sunshine whilst admiring the sweep of sand ahead. For children, a dedicated team run clubs with daily activities, making good use of the playground, children’s pool, games room and outdoor theatre.

Designed to make the most of its superb setting, the property offers a variety of rooms with land, garden and side sea views, with the chance to upgrade to suites which are wonderfully spacious and elegantly designed.

You’ll find that all the guest rooms at Salinas Sea boast a modern, light and airy décor with splashes of colour on neutral palettes, and interconnecting rooms are available for families too.

Dining at Salinas Sea is also an exciting prospect.

Sample everything from fish and meat to pastas and salads at the main Tabanka Restaurant, or alternatively enjoy pizzas at the Pani di Terra, the choice is yours. The Morna Beach Club, ideally positioned right on the golden sands, provides all-inclusive guests with a beachfront barbecue included in their package, totalling one for every seven-nights stayed.

TRANSFERS: 20 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: ALL-INCLUSIVE

HOTEL FACILITIES • Swimming pool, children’s pool and whirlpool • Four restaurants and bars • Indoor and outdoor fitness centre • Beach volleyball, football and French bowls • Games room, darts, pool and card tables • Wellness centre (payable locally) • Children’s club aged 4-12 years and playground • Wi-Fi

ROOM FACILITIES • Twin or double beds • Air-conditioning • Small fridge, safe • Balcony or terrace

POPULAR ROOM UPGRADES • Upgrade to a Suite, these rooms are very spacious and have the best position within the hotel.

ALL-INCLUSIVE • Main buffet restaurant Tabanka for breakfast lunch and dinner • Tradiçon restaurant for breakfast • Light buffet lunch can be taken at Morna Beach Club • Afternoon and evening snacks at pool bar Grill Batuko, Pizzeria Pano di Terra and Bar D’Jeu • R ange of local alcoholic drinks • Soft drinks (including water) Plus once in a 7-night stay...

• A BBQ dinner at Morna Beach Club • Sushi dinner at Restaurant Sakura • A ‘Taste Menu’ dinner at Restaurant Tradiçon

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DISTANCE TO BEACH: BEACHFRONT NUMBER OF ROOMS: 338

OUR EXPERT OPINION A holiday at Salinas Sea will tick many boxes – an all-inclusive holiday with great accommodation, a fantastic beach and Santa Maria town on your doorstep – you can have it all!

Suzanne – Commercial

28 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/oss

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 29

WHAT WE LOVE • The location of Odjo d’Agua is hard to beat – a beachfront location, right in the heart of Santa Maria.

• The restaurant and bar at the hotel holds an enviable position jutting out into the sea. It’s the perfect spot to watch local life in Santa Maria unfold before your eyes.

GOOD TO KNOW

Odjo d’Agua Hotel

DISTANCE TO BEACH: BEACHFRONT NUMBER OF ROOMS: 116 TRANSFERS: 20 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B / BON APPETIT / HB

SAL FAMILY RUN | CENTRAL LOCATION | RECENTLY EXTENDED

HOTEL FACILITIES • Small swimming pool • Restaurant with outside terrace • Beach area and Sambinha Beach Bar • Bar with evening music • Wi-Fi • Alma massage suite (payable locally)

ROOM FACILITIES • Twin beds • Air-conditioning • Minibar (payable locally) • Safe (payable locally) • Television • Balcony or terrace

POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Standard Partial Sea View: These bedrooms face towards the sea, offering a better view with some outdoor space.

• Junior Suite: Providing additional living space, the Junior Suites offer a bedroom with a separate lounge area which can also provide additional beds sleeping up to four.

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With its own small sandy beach and perfect location right in the heart of Santa Maria, Odjo d’Agua sits on a rocky promontory affording superb ocean views. A family-run hotel, it exudes its own personal charm, and throughout the property you’ll find a number of antiques and old photographs, all adding to its wonderful personality.

• The hotel is currently undergoing an extension to complete a new block of 65 rooms. Located behind the existing Junior Suites and Suites, the new building will be a mix of Standard and Sea View rooms plus some additional Suites. The hotel is also planning the addition of a second pool, situated on the beach.

bars serving all manner of traditional and international cuisine, which are conveniently right on your doorstep.

The guest rooms at Odjo d’Agua are simple in design, but perfect for a comfortable night’s sleep.

By day, guests can enjoy the small secluded pool and sunbathing area, offering the same superb coastal vistas across Santa Maria’s glistening bay. Or, perhaps you’d prefer to sunbathe along the private sandy cove or take a stroll down the soft golden sands that Santa Maria is famous for? During the evening, the hotel’s restaurant and outside terrace come alive with the gentle sounds of live music and the subtle scent of freshly prepared food.

For guests who prefer to eat out, Santa Maria is home to a variety of restaurants and

OUR GUEST’S OPINION… Odjo had character and a lovely ambience, the staff were all very good - very well trained.

Loved our room near the swimming pool with a sea view.

Mrs Horne

30 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/odh

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 31

WHAT WE LOVE • The location away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby tourist resort of Santa Maria complements the boutique, relaxing and romantic feel of this hotel.

• The new lounge bar, located at the entrance of the hotel, offers a relaxed atmosphere and wonderful cocktails. People-watch as life plays out along the avenue, listen to music or catch a movie shown on the big screen.

GOOD TO KNOW • The sands of Santa Maria’s stunning beach are just a short stroll away. Here you’ll find plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas and wind breakers available exclusively for Dunas de Sal guests.

Dunas de Sal Hotel CONTEMPORARY | YOGA & WELLNESS | SPA

A modern, boutique-style hotel enjoying tranquil grounds filled with palm trees, bougainvillea and lush green lawns, you’ll discover a laid-back and distinctly romantic feel to Dunas de Sal. The hotel’s guest rooms surround an inviting swimming pool and terrace area, adorned with comfortable seating and serving as the focal point of Dunas de Sal.

HOTEL FACILITIES • Swimming pool • Restaurant and two bars • Spa • Gym and yoga/holistic programme • Wi-Fi • Television

ROOM FACILITIES • Twin or double beds • Air-conditioning • Safe (payable locally) • Minibar (payable locally) • Balcony or terrace area

POPULAR ROOM CHOICES

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• Superior Rooms: Providing an additional 10m2 of space, these rooms also offer a private balcony equipped with sunbeds and are located on the first or second floor.

• Junior Suites: Larger in size, and located on the second floor, these rooms offer a separate living area plus private balconies with your own sunbeds or reclining chair.

32 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/dds

DISTANCE TO BEACH: 3 MINUTES’ WALK NUMBER OF ROOMS: 68 TRANSFERS: 20 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B / HB / FB

SAL

A recent refurbishment has seen the hotel undergo some exciting developments, including the building of a second floor which has increased the amount of rooms on offer to guests, as well as introducing new room types such as Master Suites, ideal for Dunas’ most discerning of guests. The redesigned features greatly reinforce the hotel’s ethos of luxury and boutique, best found in the shape of a specialised spa, offering complete rejuvenation and a range of treatments. Guests can also enjoy access to a panoramic gym and the

chance to benefit from the likes of wellness treatments and PADI certified diving tuition.

Guests will enjoy Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, as well as access to a small souvenir shop selling gifts and essentials. Dunas also offers several holistic activities in its programme, presenting the opportunity of a weekly yoga class in the hotel gardens, further adding to the promise of a truly relaxing holiday in Sal.

OUR EXPERT OPINION...

If you are looking for somewhere to completely unwind and take life at a slower pace Dunas de Sal is for you… with a ‘zen’ feel, this hotel reinforces Cape Verde’s moto of ‘no stress’.

Charlotte – Product Manager

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 33

Royal Horizons Boa Vista

DISTANCE TO BEACH: BEACHFRONT NUMBER OF ROOMS: 300 TRANSFERS: 10 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: ALL-INCLUSIVE

BOA VISTA ALL-INCLUSIVE | BEACHFRONT | GREAT FOR FAMILIES

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A haven for both beach and activity lovers alike, set beside the sun-kissed sands of the stunning Praia de Chaves, a stay at the all-inclusive Royal Horizons Boa Vista is a memorable experience. Ideal for families, the hotel boasts two large pools, a great kids’ club with daily activity programme and a myriad of sporting facilities, while couples will love the hotel spa and the romance of the sea view rooms. The guest rooms are bright and airy, scattered throughout the well-kept and peaceful grounds.

Guests will also benefit from two restaurants and three bars, including a themed buffet restaurant and an à la carte option, and if you’d rather be on the sands, the beach bar is also a wonderful spot from which to enjoy a bite to eat. The hotel’s elevated position means you can soak up the stunning coastal panoramas, all while sipping a drink in the shade of the lobby bar’s terrace. Relaxation comes effortlessly at Royal Horizons, though those hoping for a touch of adventure can take advantage of a range of experiences, from quad bike excursions to whale watching.

HOTEL FACILITIES • Two Swimming pools and children’s pool • Two restaurants & snack bar, three bars • Spa & Hairdressers (payable locally) •C hildren’s clubs: 4-12 years & babysitting (payable locally) • Daily activity programme & evening entertainment • Wi-Fi (payable locally) • Fitness room & tennis courts

POPULAR ROOM CHOICES •B oth Double Rooms and Suites have an upgrade option to sea view, which is highly recommended.

ALL-INCLUSIVE For further details please refer to our website capeverde.co.uk/rhbv.

Orquidea Guest House BOA VISTA FAMILY RUN | CENTRAL LOCATION | SMALL & FRIENDLY

DISTANCE TO BEACH: BEACHFRONT NUMBER OF ROOMS: 10 TRANSFERS: 20 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B

WHAT WE LOVE • Its incredible position above one of the best beaches in the archipelago.

A charming, seafront property in the small town of Sal Rei, Orquidea Guest House is best described as a tropical paradise. An intimate property with just a handful of simple, comfortable guest rooms, the hotel grounds are bursting with a variety of palm trees and beautifully bright flowers, offering a secluded and paradisiacal atmosphere. The small courtyard where breakfast is served is also home to flourishing banana trees, all of which add to Orquidea’s overall Cape Verdean charm.

• The second pool, is very relaxing, with no activity – great for some ‘me time.’

GOOD TO KNOW • The hotel offers an animation programme in the evening, however, as many of the holiday-makers are European, it’s often presented in French.

A short stroll will take you into the centre of Sal Rei, Boa Vista’s capital, where unlike other capitals, there’s just a handful of local bars and restaurants. Finally, not forgetting the glorious stretch of beach just in front of your hotel, where a sandy golden bay awaits.

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34 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/rhbv

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Superior Room

Orquidea Guest House is a perfect choice away from the larger resorts, where you can achieve total relaxation in intimate, beautiful surroundings.

HOTEL FACILITIES • Small café/snack bar • Wi-Fi (free in breakfast area, other areas payable locally)

POPULAR ROOM CHOICE • Superior – Superior Rooms provide slightly greater floorspace, and generally a more elevated position with the guarantee of a balcony.

WHAT WE LOVE • Its location on the calmer side of the bay makes it ideal for beach lovers.

• The perfect hotel to experience the real Boa Vista, with Sal Rei right on your doorstep.

GOOD TO KNOW • This quirky hotel is home to several pets.

You will frequently meet a couple of macaws, pet dogs, cats and turtles.

For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/ogh | 35

Hotel Pontão SAL EXCELLENT VALUE | CONVENIENT LOCATION | CONTEMPORARY

Hotel Pontão is a friendly hotel situated in the centre of Santa Maria, offering attractive accommodation for both couples and single travellers alike.

BOA VISTA FAMILY RUN | TRANQUIL | SMALL & INTIMATE

Reached via a 4x4 journey that transports you along an old riverbed and through striking surrounding landscapes to the edge of the Norte National Park, Spinguera is truly unique in its location, as well as its sustainable ethos created by its passionate Italian owners. The hotel is an ideal choice for those seeking an authentic, unspoilt location with little but the sea and a good book for company.

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Defined by an arrangement of stylish stone cottages that connect with their rural surroundings, this is a haven for rest and relaxation, blessed by beautiful ocean views and plenty of sun traps and shady hideaways in which to lay back. In addition to this, the hotel’s restaurant, Ca’Cabra, serves up fresh Cape Verdean and Italian cuisine to its guests.

Just a 10-minute walk away you’ll discover white sands and turquoise water, and a great sheltered bay for swimming can be found a further 20 minutes away.

36 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/sel

DISTANCE TO BEACH: 10 MINUTES’ WALK NUMBER OF ROOMS: 12 TRANSFERS: 40 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B / HB / FB

Surrounding a central pool, the guest rooms are spacious and decorated in a smart, modern style providing ample comfort for holiday-makers.

HOTEL FACILITIES • Ca’Cabra restaurant and bar • Small gift shop • Jeep rental on-site • Wi-Fi in reception area

POPULAR ROOM CHOICE • Superior Rooms – Larger in size and providing you with sunloungers on your terrace, it’s a nice little upgrade to add that extra bit of relaxation.

•V illa – There are only two villas, one with one bedroom, and the other with two bedrooms. If you want to really get away from it all and have a home from home with more private space, these are worth the upgrade if available.

7 NIGHTS FROM

14 NIGHTS FROM

£649

£981

PER PERSON

PER PERSON

PRICING & FLIGHT DETAILS – PAGES 61 & 66

FROM PRICES

Spinguera Eco Lodge

Superior Room

Over the past few seasons, this hotel has undergone several improvements, including refurbishment to rooms and public areas.

This provides a fresh and contemporary look, along with improved levels of comfort, giving customers an excellent base for a beach holiday in Sal. Ideally located close to the central square with its growing choice of busy restaurants and bars, this hotel is the perfect choice for those wanting to sample the different cuisine options at hand and spend their evenings taking in the local ambience.

A 10-minute stroll away is Santa Maria’s stunning beach, where beautiful turquoise waters lap at soft golden sands, and you’ll also discover an interesting pier, which each day comes alive with the local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day.

DISTANCE TO BEACH: 10 MINUTES’ WALK NUMBER OF ROOMS: 84 TRANSFERS: 20 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B

HOTEL FACILITIES • Small swimming pool • Snack bar • Breakfast room • Wi-Fi

ROOM FACILITIES • Twin beds • Air-conditioning • Safety deposit box (payable locally) • Minibar (payable locally) • Balcony or terrace

WHAT WE LOVE • It’s in a great central location in Santa Maria and just 10 minutes from the beach on foot, providing the perfect base for a good value holiday in Sal. • The pool bar is a great little place to grab a refreshing drink and snack throughout the day.

GOOD TO KNOW • Wi-Fi is free of charge; however, this is only available in the reception and bar areas.

WHAT WE LOVE • The peace and quiet – a holiday here enables total relaxation, you can switch off from everyday life and just enjoy some ‘me’ time.

• All the little touches in the rooms. Sea shells are often used for decoration and the cool linen drapes add a real touch of luxury, while hammocks and chill out areas add even more appeal.

GOOD TO KNOW • Due to Spinguera’s isolated location, we recommend upgrading to half or full board.

For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/hpo | 37

0

Santo Antão

Ribeira Grande Paúl

10

0

Discovering Cape Verde’s Archipelago

20 kilometres 10

20 miles

PORTO NOVO 1 Hour

MINDELO

São Vicente

Santa Luzia

Sal

45 MINUTES

São Nicolau

ESPARGOS

RIBEIRA BRAVA Santa Maria

Tarrafal

15 MINUTES

45 MINUTES

45 MINUTES

Boa Vista

40 MINUTES

SAL REI Praia de Chaves Santa Monica

ATLANTIC OCEAN 35 MINUTES

Santiago Tarrafal

Maio Fogo

VILA DO MAIO

SÃO NOVA FILIPE SINTRA Cidade Velha

Brava

30 MINUTES

Island hopping presents one of the most diverse and rewarding experiences to holiday-makers who fancy more than just a single flavour of what Cape Verde has to offer. From relaxing on the gorgeous sands of Sal or Boa Vista, to strolling in the beautiful and verdant mountains of Santo Antão or encountering volcanic landscapes on Fogo; an island-hopping itinerary proposes the most comprehensive and memorable impression of this exciting and varied archipelago.

In addition to the unforgettable memories promised by this kind of holiday, the ease of following an island hopping itinerary couldn’t be any greater. Internal flights between most of the islands leave every day, with the maximum flight time around 45 minutes, and Santiago, the island’s main transport hub, serves as an ideal connector to the rest of the archipelago. Turn to page 46-47 for some examples of our superb tailormade and bespoke island hopping holidays and tours, or why not call our experts on 01489 866 969 to discuss the prospect of your own itinerary?

Find out more about the possibility of island hopping in Cape Verde by visiting the dedicated page on our website at capeverde.co.uk/ih

PRAIA

40 MINUTES

38 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 39

Island Hopping Holidays

PANORAMIC TRANSFER TOUR For all package holidays on Santo Antão, Fogo & São Nicolau, we include, as standard, a Panoramic Transfer Tour.

We have designed these to ensure that customers are guaranteed to witness the beauty of these islands on arrival, with each tour taking between 2 ½ – 3 hours and showcasing some of the highlights of the islands.

While Sal and Boa Vista are considered the most popular islands to visit during a holiday to Cape Verde, at Cape Verde Experience we’re passionate about showcasing each and every corner of this stunning archipelago.

We offer holidays to seven of Cape Verde’s 10 diverse islands, and we believe that the very best way to discover each member of the country’s archipelago is to include them in a tailormade island hopping tour. The big question is, which of the islands are perfect for you?

While beautiful and inviting strips of sand can be discovered on many of the other islands besides Sal and Boa Vista, it’s often the history, culture and stunning natural landscapes that draw holiday-makers to seek adventure throughout the archipelago. If you’re searching for the rich history of the country, there’s no better place to head than Santiago, home to the capital, Praia. Old colonial buildings line the main square here, while the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cidade Velha provides a window into the island’s capital of old.

This cultural and colonial exploration continues in Mindelo, the main town on the island of São Vicente, famous for its vibrant live music scene. You’ll also discover superb hiking on this island, though neighbouring Santo Antão is perhaps the most alluring for outdoor enthusiasts, with its remarkable green mountains dominating the landscape. Fogo and São Nicolau also lend themselves well to those hoping to get out and about during their holiday, boasting plenty of trekking opportunities, with local wine, a volcano and endangered dragon trees thrown in for good measure.

Guide to São Vicente MUSIC & CULTURE | VIBRANT | CARNIVAL

Home to the cultural capital of the archipelago, São Vicente’s capital city Mindelo is a vibrant musical town where you can soak up the very best of Cape Verdean culture.

By day, head down to Laginha Beach, where there’s a bay of white sand and a great beach bar, called Kalimba. By night, with live music taking place most evenings across the variety of bars and restaurants, you won’t struggle to find several places to grab some tasty food and listen to the talented musicians. Casa Café Mindelo is one of our favourites, and be sure to taste the grogue, the local alcoholic beverage, which comes in a variety of different flavours.

“Edson (Cape Verde Experience Representative) took us on our first evening to see a large group undertaking final dance and music rehearsals, which were fascinating and energetic.

The following day he sneaked us into a place where they were making floats, spray painting and finishing off the details.

This felt like a huge privilege for us as the competition pieces are kept under wraps as much as possible. It was great to see the dancers and floats in action, and being able to recognise some of these during the processions made the experience seem more intimate for us as we felt involved, not just spectators. The balance of carnival, island sightseeing and free time was very good.”

Mrs Fearey – Guest on her carnival experience

ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS A holiday on São Vicente would not be complete without a journey up Monte Verde, the island’s highest peak. Once you’ve reached the top (either on foot or by car), the 360-degree panoramas are simply breathtaking. Look over the entire city of Mindelo and out across the Atlantic – don’t forget your cameras!

One activity that we highly recommend when on the island is to take a day trip across to Santo Antão. It’s only a one-hour ferry journey (and the only way to get to the island), and you’ll get to experience fantastic green peaks and ample hiking and exploring opportunities. Find out more about Santo Antão on pg 42. ão

Santo Ant Mindelo,

te

São Vicen

The easiest way to see all the island’s highlights is to embark on a full-day island tour. Visit panoramic viewpoints, agricultural areas, an extinct volcano, Monte Verde, fishing villages and more.

Tours can be booked before you travel or with your rep when you arrive.

The islands of São Vicente, Santo Antão, Santiago, Fogo and São Nicolau are best experienced as part of a multi-centre island hopping holiday, and can be easily reached via short internal flights or ferry crossings.

Find out more about each of the islands we offer by visiting their individual guide pages: • Sal – Pg 16-17 • Santiago – Pg 43 • Boa Vista – Pg 18-19 • Fogo – Pg 44 • São Vicente – Pg 41 • São Nicolau – Pg 45 • Santo Antão – Pg 42

40 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk

= Hotels Santo Antão Baia das Gatas

1. Kira’s Hotel (Pg 50) 2. Oasis Porto Grande Hotel (Pg 51) 3. Foya Branca Hotel (Pg 52) 4. Don Paco Hotel (online)

4 2 1

MINDELO

3 CURRAL VELHO

CALHAU

MADEIRAL

0 5 km 0

5 miles

| 41

= Hotels

PONTA DO SOL 3 RIBEIRA DA CRUZ

RIBEIRA GRANDE 2 PAÚL

Guide to Santiago

1. Santantão Art Resort (Pg 54) 2. Pedracin Village (online) 3. Tiduca Hotel (Pg 53)

HISTORY | COLONIAL | DIVERSE LANDSCAPES PORTO NOVO

The largest island in the archipelago and home to Cape Verde’s capital, Praia, Santiago is an island rich in history, while also functioning as the main hub for inter-island transport across the country.

1 TARRAFAL

São Vicente

0 5 km 0

5 miles

Green valleys and plush plantations meet rugged mountains and bustling African towns, offering visitors yet another side to Cape Verde’s impressive diversity. The country’s old capital, Cidade Velha, was the first city to be built by Europeans in West Africa, and today is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site, having once acted as the main slave trading point between Africa, Europe and America. Visitors can explore the old town and gain an insight into where Cape Verde history began.

Guide to Santo Antão MOUNTAINS | HIKING | STUNNING VIEWS

An island where towering green peaks and fertile craters meet cliff-hanging towns, Santo Antão offers a new adventure at every twist and turn.

ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS We highly recommend a full-day tour when on the island of Santiago. Visit Praia, local markets, old settlements and Cidade Velha, the old capital. You’ll also visit the oldest fortress in Cape Verde, before heading back to Praia.

An island that seems worlds away from the golden sands of Sal or Boa Vista, Santo Antão offers holiday-makers the opportunity to embark on hiking and sightseeing explorations, in a place relatively untouched by tourism. Imagine breathtaking panoramas and deep ribeiras set against a bright blue sky – welcome to Santo Antão.

Hiking is a popular pastime in Santiago, as the changing landscapes are very impressive. Embarking on a guided hike is the best way to experience the highlights, with options to walk amongst dense mango and coconut trees, witness (and take a dip in) a spectacular waterfall and explore the craggy mountains of the island’s interior. You can also opt to hike to the largest and most spectacular tree in Cape Verde, thought to be around 800 years old.

ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS Embarking on a guided trek is our most recommended activity when on Santo Antão. Ranging from four hours upward, explore the rugged mountains, precarious cliff-hanging towns, rocky sculptures and more.

A fantastic way to see the best of Santo Antão is to book a full-day tour. With different themes to choose from, you can visit sugar cane plantations, caves, grogue distilleries and local villages, learning much about the island along the way.

If you’re an avid hiker or Nordic walker and feel confident in your abilities, you can simply set off and explore the landscapes. With much of the island offering a unique, Jurassic-like atmosphere, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into another world when you’re out exploring. We do, however, highly recommend for your safety that you do not go hiking alone.

42 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk

TARRAFAL

= Hotels CALHETA DE SÃO MIGUEL

RIBEIRA DA BARCA

PEDRA BEDEJO

1. Quinta da Montanha (Pg 56) 2. Hotel Perola (Pg 57) 3. Pestana Tropico Hotel (Pg 55) 4. Oasis Praiamar Hotel (online)

ASSOMADA SÃO DOMINGOS 1

0 5 km

PRAIA CIDADE VELHA (RIBEIRA GRANDE)

32 4

0

5 miles

| 43

Guide to Fogo

Guide to São Nicolau

VOLCANIC | WINE | OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Located in the south-west of the archipelago and famed for its dramatic and picturesque volcanic scenes, Fogo is a true highlight of any holiday to Cape Verde.

UNSPOILT | STUNNING SCENERY | MOUNTAIN WALKS

Thousands of years ago, Fogo rose from the sea in a volcanic eruption; a fitting introduction to an island that is renowned for its fiery activity, with its striking volcano, Pico do Fogo, standing at 2,829m and dominating the island’s landscape. Beyond the volcano, you’ll find plenty more to tempt a visit to Fogo, from its tasty local coffee and iconic wine, to its pretty Portuguese squares and fantastic trekking opportunities.

Miocene

ater limes

shallow-w

It’s this tranquil atmosphere and the splendour of the landscapes that draw holiday-makers to São Nicolau, offering an escape into a sedate environment, yet always promising adventure in the shape of mountain walks or horse riding trails. Beyond nature, the island’s capital, Ribeira Brava, is a colourful colonial town home to striking architecture and beautiful gardens.

ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS A trip to Fogo isn’t complete without a visit to the volcano. Whether you discover it on four wheels or two feet, it will provide an unforgettable sight. Trekking enthusiasts will have the opportunity to hike up the volcano, rewarded by an incredible view of the Chã das Caldeiras and the chance to say you’ve hiked to Cape Verde’s highest point.

ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS Experience the island’s most stunning valley, the Ribeira Prata. Whether you choose to take to this incredible landscape with a walking experience, or alternatively visit the valley by vehicle on an island tour, the lush green spaces and stunning cliffs will make for an unforgettable experience. A stop at Carbeirinho should also feature in your island tour, allowing you to witness an area where spectacular rock formations have been carved, creating a fascinating lunar landscape.

You can’t leave Fogo without sampling a glass or two of its local wine, available throughout the archipelago, but best sampled on the island from where it is produced. The vines make use of the extremely fertile volcanic soil that is found inside the crater – a precarious position – but worth it for the tasty results!

A tour around Salinas and the northern area of the island will allow you to encounter a natural lava harbour, a black sandy beach and a number of coffee plantations. You’ll also have the chance to stop off and discover the island’s oldest church, the São Lourenco Church, dating back to the 16th century.

utterstock

erland | Sh

rein, Switz

uido Am tones © G

An island in its infancy as far as tourism is concerned, and the latest addition to our Cape Verde programme, São Nicolau is a stunning, unspoilt island whose barren ranges boast some of the most spectacular scenery in the archipelago.

Walking in the natural park that surrounds the island’s highest point, Monte Gordo, is a real treat for trekking enthusiasts. Peaking at 1,312m and home to several endemic plants, you’ll enjoy some stunning views over the island as you explore the park’s many trails.

Volcano Pi

co do Fogo

, Fogo ©

Sabine H

ortebusch

Head to Fajã’s Valley in search of the island’s most famous tree. Here you’ll encounter an impressive cluster of the rare and ancient dragon trees, a natural inhabitant that is recognised as the main symbol of São Nicolau.

| Shutters

tock © Guido

Amrein, Sw

itzerland

| Shutters

tock

= Hotels MOSTEIROS PICO DE FOGO 2,829m

1

= Hotels

1. Colonial Guest House (Pg 58) 2. Hotel Xaguate (online)

Pensão Bela Sombra (Pg 59)

RIBEIRA BRAVA

2

TARRAFAL COVA FIGUERIA

SÃO FILIPE

44 |

0 5 km

0 5 km

0

0

5 miles

5 miles

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 45

HOW TO BOOK A TAILORMADE HOLIDAY

Tailormade island holidays Due to the variety of holidays on offer, we believe that one of the best ways to experience the archipelago is to do some exploring through island hopping. You can choose to keep things nice and simple with just a couple of islands, or add as many as seven to complete the ultimate island hopping experience.

To give you a flavour of the sorts of holidays you could enjoy, here’s some ideas to help inspire…

Find out more about tailormade holidays at capeverde.co.uk/tm or call our expert team on 01489 866 969 to discuss any of your personal holiday ideas.

A BEACH LOVER’S PARADISE

CHOOSE AN ISLAND HOPPING ITINERARY We’ve also designed a collection of pre-set holiday itineraries which you can choose between.

Barlavento Trio: A 7 night holiday experience, the musical scene on São Vicente, the rugged, green landscapes on Santo Antão and Sal’s beautiful golden coastline.

Sal and Boa Vista combined offer the ultimate beach escape.

With flexible day departures offering a variety of durations, you can tailor-make your experience on each of these top beach islands.

Island Duo: A twin-centre holiday for beach lovers, enabling you to discover Sal and Boa Vista over seven nights.

Mountains & Beaches: Over 14 nights explore the markets, music, nightlife and mountains on the islands of São Vicente and Santiago, followed by beach time on Sal. Island Discovery: 14-nights exploring the diversities of Santiago, São Vicente, Boa Vista and Sal.

MOUNTAIN RANGES AND LUNAR LANDSCAPES From the volcanic island of Fogo and the green peaks of Santo Antão, to the intriguing history of Santiago and the music and culture scene on São Vicente, plus a touch of Sal beach relaxation, these islands are popular choices with our customers. To make things easier, we’ve pre-packaged these islands for you in our Peaks of Cape Verde itinerary, which you can find online.

Santiago & the Island of Fire: During 7 nights, explore the markets, capital, and mountainous interior of Santiago, before heading to Fogo to discover the still-active volcano, along with homegrown wine and coffee. For extra value for money, this island hop includes a host of excursions too!

Mindelo Carnival: A bright, vibrant and exciting few days on São Vicente to complement a beach holiday.

See pg 14 for more details.

For more information or to book, visit Park Hyatt capeverde.co.uk/ih or call our experts.

BEYOND THE BEACH MIX IT UP! If you want to enjoy a little something of the very best the archipelago has to offer, you could start on the golden sands of Sal, followed by the history and city life of Santiago, topped with the mountains of São Nicolau, an island virtually untouched by tourism. A basic, raw and visually stunning tailormade escape, providing yet another angle on Cape Verde’s diversity.

© Chloe Lyttle @lyttlelens

46 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 47

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN ISLAND HOPPING IN CAPE VERDE? GOOD TO KNOW • Travelling across the archipelago gives you the chance to experience the diversity of the destination. Sal is the most developed island for tourism, and therefore the most popular.

• Adding additional islands to your holiday provides a more authentic experience.

Please be aware that service levels plus hotel facilities and opening times may vary to that on Sal, and to what you may be used to in Europe. Every island will provide you with a different, unique experience.

• The level of English across the archipelago also varies, with islands such as Santo Antão and São Nicolau being a bit more limited. This is because tourism is still very much in its infancy, but don’t let that influence your decision. These islands are stunning and are worth considering. Plus, our guides all speak English.

GETTING TO DIFFERENT ISLANDS DURING AN ISLAND HOPPING HOLIDAY Apart from one ferry between São Vicente and Santo Antão, all other transport we offer between the islands are via short flights. All inter-island flights are organised by operator, Binter, and along with good service levels, there’s also a very good choice available.

“This was a fantastic holiday; really well conceived and organised.

Our day-long excursion around the island of Santiago really was tailor-made: just the two of us, the taxi-driver (a gentle giant named James) and another wonderful guide (whose name most appropriately was Santiago!). Our two Fogo excursions were also wonderful! What an amazing place and a real privilege to visit! It was amazing how much our perspectives had changed just over the four days of visiting the other two islands. The only question is: when do we return to visit the other islands, and for how many days?”

Mrs Liming 7 nights on our Santiago & The Island of Fire island hopping itinerary

The operator flies daily and has a diverse schedule, often using Santiago as their main connection to all islands. The less touristic islands are not all flown to daily and on occasion, depending on the day of the week, flights can be indirect.

If you have any questions about inter-island flying, our team are here to help.

ISLAND HOPPING TIPS

48 |

We recommend stays of between two and four nights on all islands except Sal and Boa Vista. This is the optimum time to see all the highlights of your chosen island.

| 49

Oasis Porto Grande Hotel SÃO VICENTE NEWLY REFURBISHED | CENTRAL LOCATION | ISLAND HOPPING

SÃO VICENTE CENTRAL LOCATION | BOUTIQUE | CHARMING

A small and welcoming family-run hotel right in the heart of Mindelo, Kira’s is bursting with charm and character, providing a real home-from-home feel. Each of the property’s 11 guest rooms are named after the islands in the archipelago, and are individually decorated in a range of assorted colours, in keeping with the vibrancy that São Vicente is known for.

3 NIGHT ADD-ON FROM

£409 PER PERSON

PRICE INCLUDES INTERNAL FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS

PRICING & FLIGHT DETAILS – PAGES 61 & 66

FROM PRICES

Kira’s rooftop terrace is a real treat for holiday-makers, offering a superb sunbathing spot with views over Mindelo’s rooftops, plus there’s a gazebo for some shade when you need a break from the sun. You’ll also discover a wonderful hidden gem at this hotel – a small courtyard which is filled with plants and flowers, it’s a little tropical paradise – perfect for enjoying an al fresco breakfast, or delving into your favourite book.

When you’re ready to explore, a short stroll will take you to the shops, bars and restaurants of Mindelo, and you’ve also got the white sands and turquoise water of Laginha Beach just a 15-minute walk away.

50 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/kh

DISTANCE TO BEACH: 15 MINUTES’ WALK NUMBER OF ROOMS: 11 TRANSFERS: 20 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B

HOTEL FACILITIES • Breakfast room • Roof terrace with sunloungers • Courtyard and seating area • Wi-Fi

ROOM FACILITIES •T win or double beds • Air-conditioning • Ceiling fan • Mini-fridge • Safe

Kalimba Beach Club

3 NIGHT ADD-ON FROM

£409 PER PERSON

PRICE INCLUDES INTERNAL FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS

PRICING & FLIGHT DETAILS – PAGES 61 & 66

FROM PRICES

Kira’s Hotel

Junior Suite

A newly refurbished and fantastically located hotel right in the heart of Mindelo, São Vicente’s vibrant cultural capital, a stay at Oasis Porto Grande Hotel will provide holiday-makers with comfort and convenience. The hotel’s bedrooms, all of which are newly refurbished, are set across two floors and enjoy attractive views, while the public areas also benefit from the hotel’s recent upgrade, eagerly inviting guests to relax and indulge.

Evenings can be spent recharging in the lobby bar and listening to live music, enjoying a drink on the terrace overlooking the atmospheric square, or dining on traditional and international dishes at the hotel’s à la carte restaurant, all of which have been newly upgraded. During the day, why not make use of the revamped facilities, including the inviting swimming pool and the well-equipped fitness room? Or simply make use of the great location by heading out to explore the shops, markets, eateries and architecture of marvellous Mindelo.

DISTANCE TO BEACH: 15 MINUTES’ WALK NUMBER OF ROOMS: 50 TRANSFERS: 20 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B / HB / FB

HOTEL FACILITIES • Swimming pool and children’s pool • Restaurant • Wi-Fi • Fitness room

POPULAR ROOM CHOICES Square Facing – Situated at the front of the hotel, they offer elevated views over the main square of Mindelo, São Vicente’s capital – a perfect little spot to watch the island come to life.

WHAT WE LOVE • You couldn’t be any better located – situated in the central square of Mindelo.

• It’s a win-win whatever room choice you decide to go for. Rooms overlook the bustling square or alternatively face towards the pool. All you have to decide is which view is more suited to you.

GOOD TO KNOW • Kalimba Beach Club, located on Laginha Beach, is owned and operated by Porto Grande. Take a 15-minute stroll to the white sands and soak up the views – you can even see Santo Antão in the distance.

As a guest of Porto Grande, you can add purchases to your room bill.

WHAT WE LOVE • It’s so easy to fall in love with Kira’s – it’s charming, full of personal touches and has wonderful staff. Nothing is ever too much trouble.

• The rooftop terrace is a great place to relax with a book. A little suntrap, equipped with sunloungers and a gazebo, plus the added bonus of having a rooftop view over Mindelo.

GOOD TO KNOW • Although Kira’s doesn’t have a pool, guests are able to use the pool at a nearby hotel, adding a further plus to this already wonderful little find.

For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/opgh | 51

Foya Branca Hotel

DISTANCE TO BEACH: BEACHFRONT NUMBER OF ROOMS: 74 TRANSFERS: 5 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B / HB / FB PLUS

SÃO VICENTE PEACEFUL SETTING | BEACHFRONT | ON-SITE ACTIVITIES

Sea View Room

3 NIGHT ADD-ON FROM

£431 PER PERSON

PRICE INCLUDES INTERNAL FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS

PRICING & FLIGHT DETAILS – PAGES 61 & 66

FROM PRICES

Water sports can also be enjoyed from the beach, plus further activities including tennis, pétanque and giant chess, and horse riding can also be organised which makes for a great day out. Whilst the hotel offers a tasty buffet restaurant, if you’d rather head out for dinner, you’re only a 15-minute shuttle away from Mindelo, where a great selection of bars and restaurants can be found, along with plenty of live music to give you a true taste of Cape Verdean culture.

The comfortable guest rooms are simple in design but blessed by superb sea views, helping you make the most of your enviable position on São Vicente.

HOTEL FACILITIES • Two swimming pools • Children’s pool • Buffet restaurant • Two bars • Fitness room • Water sports centre • Complimentary shuttle to Mindelo • Wi-Fi

ROOM FACILITIES • Twin or double beds • Air-conditioning • Small fridge • Safe • Balcony or terrace

Tiduca Hotel SANTO ANTÃO

WHAT WE LOVE

AUTHENTIC SETTING | ISLAND HOPPING | WALKING & ADVENTURES

• The gardens are spread over a large area, providing a relaxing, peaceful feel throughout the resort.

A recently opened, modern hotel set between the sea and the mountains, Tiduca Hotel is ideally placed for guests to experience local Cape Verdean life. Located on the northernmost tip of Santo Antão in Ponto do Sol, a typical Cape Verdean fishing village, a lovely pastime is to watch the fishermen head in and out in their colourful boats and return at the end of the day with their catch.

• Sea View rooms are included as standard, offering outside space with wonderful views.

GOOD TO KNOW • The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to Mindelo, just a short drive away.

Master Suite

3 NIGHT ADD-ON FROM

£482 PER PERSON

PRICE INCLUDES INTERNAL FLIGHTS, FERRY, ARRIVAL PANORAMIC TRANSFER TOUR & RETURN STANDARD TRANSFER

PRICING & FLIGHT DETAILS – PAGES 61 & 66

52 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/fbh

The hotel itself opened in late 2017, and boasts a light, modern décor throughout. Its position right in front of Boca de Pistola harbour means that holiday-makers can make the most of the incredible surrounding ocean and mountain views from either your private balcony, or the hotel’s spacious rooftop terrace.

FROM PRICES

Plenty of activities to get involved in, large, well-kept grounds and just 15 minutes from an eclectic town, Foya Branca Hotel successfully caters to all kinds of holidaymaker. For those who want to simply relax, there’s a large pool which boasts fantastic sea views, and for beach lovers, São Pedro Beach offers a long, golden stretch of coastline just outside the property which is ideal for soaking up the sunshine.

Just a short walk from Tiduca will bring you to the small yet charming town of Ponto do Sol. Here you’ll find a handful of restaurants and shops, along with a cobbled square, decorated with palm trees. With the renowned green mountains so close, walking is also a popular pursuit, and heading off to explore the capital, Ribeira Grande, is a rewarding activity for those looking to discover the destination beyond the beaches.

DISTANCE TO BEACH: N/A NUMBER OF ROOMS: 82 TRANSFERS: 60 MINUTES FROM FERRY BOARD BASIS: B&B

HOTEL FACILITIES • Roof terrace • Two bars • Spa • Gym • Wi-Fi

WHAT WE LOVE • The most scenic backdrop of mountains towering over the village.

• Nature at your fingertips! Don your walking boots and explore the area. You can book guided walking and really explore the depths of this beautiful island.

GOOD TO KNOW • There are some very good local restaurants in Ponto do Sol. O Valeiro is less than 100m from the hotel, serving good value local dishes, although service can be slow.

Wherever you eat, make sure you adopt the ‘no stress’ Cabo Verde attitude.

• Ponto do Sol is a true Cape Verdean fishing village and is best suited for holiday-makers looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.

For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/th | 53

Pestana Tropico Hotel SANTIAGO WATERFRONT | ISLAND HOPPING | EXCELLENT RESTAURANT

Located on a promontory overlooking the blue of the Atlantic Ocean, Pestana Tropico is a comfortable hotel that is renowned for boasting one of the best restaurants anywhere in Cape Verde. The hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring the heart of the old city of the capital Praia, accessed via a short ride up the hill. Here you’ll encounter colourful colonial architecture and bustling squares, while back beside the hotel, you’ll discover the dark sands of Prainha Beach.

SANTO ANTÃO IDEAL FOR WALKERS | ISLAND HOPPING | MOUNTAIN AND SEA VIEWS

Situated on the coast in the small harbour town of Porto Novo, the main gateway to the gorgeous island of Santo Antão, Santantão Art Resort offers the perfect base for holidaymakers hoping to discover the must-see scenery of this breathtaking island.

3 NIGHT ADD-ON FROM

£499 PER PERSON

PRICE INCLUDES INTERNAL FLIGHTS, FERRY, ARRIVAL PANORAMIC TRANSFER TOUR & RETURN STANDARD TRANSFER

PRICING & FLIGHT DETAILS – PAGES 61 & 66

FROM PRICES

The spacious and well-kept grounds of the resort are an attractive place to unwind, decorated with pretty flowers and swaying palms, and also boasting an inviting swimming pool to soak in after a day’s hiking in the surrounding mountains. Your room will be both comfortably furnished and equipped with good facilities, while the hotel’s restaurant and bar serves up regional cuisine and refreshing drinks to ensure even more comfort throughout your stay.

If it’s relaxation you’re after, you’ll need little effort to achieve it. Simply through admiring the wonderful sea views and the distant mountainous vista of São Vicente, you will find yourself feeling a sense of serenity.

54 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/sar

DISTANCE TO BEACH: 5 MINUTES’ WALK NUMBER OF ROOMS: 73 TRANSFERS: 5 MINUTES FROM FERRY BOARD BASIS: B&B / HB

HOTEL FACILITIES • Swimming pool • Restaurant • Bar and terrace • Sauna • Aqua gym • Wi-Fi

POPULAR ROOM UPGRADE • Superior – These rooms will provide you with slightly more space and a great view of the sea.

3 NIGHT ADD-ON FROM

£458 PER PERSON

PRICE INCLUDES INTERNAL FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS

PRICING & FLIGHT DETAILS – PAGES 61 & 66

FROM PRICES

Santantão Art Resort

In the hotel itself, guests will find the rooms set over two floors, all of which enjoy sea or pool-facing views. The large pool and terrace area is the focal point of the hotel, providing a wonderful spot to soak up the sunshine and recharge your batteries after a busy day excursion. In addition to this, you’ll have some fantastic meals to look forward to courtesy of the excellent restaurant Alex, serving up sublime Cape Verdean, Portuguese and international dishes.

DISTANCE TO BEACH: 5 MINUTES’ WALK NUMBER OF ROOMS: 60 TRANSFERS: 15 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B / HB / FB

HOTEL FACILITIES • Swimming pool and children’s pool • Restaurant Alex • Two bars • Safe • Wi-Fi

ROOM FACILITIES • Twin beds (can be made up as double) • Air-conditioning

POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Executive with veranda – A slightly larger room with the added bonus of some outside space.

WHAT WE LOVE • An evening drink on the terrace area of Bar Ilheu provides you with a calming, relaxed atmosphere.

GOOD TO KNOW • The location of Pestana makes it really easy to explore the south of the island. Just a short ride away from Cidade Velha, you can experience the rich history of Santiago.

WHAT WE LOVE • The resort offers you sweeping views of the south side of the island. Peak after peak is on show, filling you with the wonder of what you can discover when you venture out the next day.

• The resort is just a 15-minute stroll to Porto Novo, where you can enjoy drinks and lunch at wonderful, simple Cape Verdean restaurants.

GOOD TO KNOW • Excursions for half or full-day tours can be booked locally, as well as walking tours.

Don’t miss out on what this stunning island has to offer.

For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/pth | 55

SANTIAGO PANORAMIC VIEWS | MOUNTAIN LOCATION | IDEAL FOR WALKERS

Standard Room

A small, simple, family-run hotel which is blessed by a collection of fantastic views, defined by the breathtaking surrounding scenery of mountains and verdant green landscapes; Quinta da Montanha promises a peaceful retreat. The hotel is also recognised as an excellent base for walkers, as well as a great addition to an island-hopping itinerary, while its restaurant serves delicious traditional dishes that source home-grown ingredients.

3 NIGHT ADD-ON FROM

£389 PER PERSON

PRICE INCLUDES INTERNAL FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS

PRICING & FLIGHT DETAILS – PAGES 61 & 66

FROM PRICES

Built on a hillside of inland Santiago, 24km from the capital Praia, this is a hotel that encapsulates tranquillity on one hand, and adventure on the other. Combine relaxing on the recently improved rooftop terrace and soaking up the vistas with getting out and about on the walking trails from the hotel.

There are many excellent walking tours you can enjoy from Quinta da Montanha, allowing you to soak up the stunning scenery that inland Santiago showcases.

Quinta’s location is quite remote, so we recommend maximum stays of three or four nights and to consider upgrading to half-board.

DISTANCE TO BEACH: 45 MINUTES’ DRIVE NUMBER OF ROOMS: 28 TRANSFERS: 45 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B / HB

Hotel Perola SANTIAGO ISLAND HOPPING | CENTRAL LOCATION | PANORAMIC VIEWS

With fantastic panoramas of the bay and an inviting rooftop pool, Hotel Perola not only offers a relaxing and contemporary holiday experience, but is also perfectly placed to explore the diverse and beautiful island of Santiago.

HOTEL FACILITIES • Panoramic restaurant • Bar • Rooftop terrace • Wi-Fi

ROOM FACILITIES • Double beds • Communal balconies

Presenting a modern theme throughout, if your ideal holiday comprises days by an exclusive pool soaking up the sunshine and evenings enjoying good cuisine at a panoramic restaurant, this hotel is for you. If, however, you prefer to explore and get out and about during your holiday, you’ll soon discover that Hotel Perola also boasts a particularly enviable location. Just a short stroll will take you into Praia, Santiago’s capital. Here you can peruse a variety of shops and make the most of the local cuisine at the many cafés and restaurants on offer.

WHAT WE LOVE • The owner, Lindorfo, and his staff are extremely friendly; it often feels like you’re visiting friends in a rural retreat.

• The views from the hotel are quite simply stunning. Lush green mountains, birds soaring, farming immersed into the hillsides and simple local life define the surroundings.

GOOD TO KNOW • It’s possible to walk directly from Quinta da Montanha to the top of Pico da Antónia, standing 1,394m high, via a hike of about six hours.

56 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/qdm

Presidential Suite

3 NIGHT ADD-ON FROM

£452 PER PERSON

PRICE INCLUDES INTERNAL FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS

PRICING & FLIGHT DETAILS – PAGES 61 & 66

FROM PRICES

Quinta da Montanha

The guest rooms at Hotel Perola are light and modern, using white, grey and neutral tones to create a fresh and comforting atmosphere, offering a rejuvenating night’s sleep.

DISTANCE TO BEACH: 5 MINUTES’ WALK NUMBER OF ROOMS: 73 TRANSFERS: 15 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B / HB

HOTEL FACILITIES • Rooftop swimming pool • Restaurant • Bar • Wi-Fi

ROOM FACILITIES • Double or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Minibar (payable locally) • Safe

WHAT WE LOVE • Just a 20-minute stroll into downtown Platô, Praia’s city centre, where you can experience the local vegetable market, plus there’s an array of shops, bars and restaurants.

GOOD TO KNOW • Just outside the hotel are two very good restaurants. Gamboa or Maracajua are just next door.

• Our prices include Duplo Sea View rooms as standard, which benefit from having balconies.

For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/hp | 57

Colonial Guest House

DISTANCE TO BEACH: 15 MINUTES’ WALK NUMBER OF ROOMS: 10 TRANSFERS: 10 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B / HB

FOGO TRADITIONAL | FAMILY RUN | ISLAND HOPPING

£459 PER PERSON

PRICE INCLUDES INTERNAL FLIGHTS, ARRIVAL PANORAMIC TRANSFER TOUR & RETURN STANDARD TRANSFER

PRICING & FLIGHT DETAILS – PAGES 61 & 66

You will, however, be forgiven for not wanting to leave the relaxing oasis of the guest house, with its small pool and shaded comfy seating area – perfect for enjoying Cape Verde’s superb climate. The Portuguese theme also extends throughout the property’s guest rooms, which have high ceilings, are wonderfully spacious and individually decorated.

HOTEL FACILITIES • Swimming pool •O utdoor restaurant •M assage suite (payable locally) •W i-Fi (payable locally)

ROOM FACILITIES •D ouble or twin beds •A ir-conditioning (on request) •B alcony or terrace

WHAT WE LOVE • The rich history of this house, dating back to 1883, shines through each and every room. Large airy rooms with high ceilings – it’s simply beautiful.

Pensão Bela Sombra SÃO NICOLAU SIMPLE | ISLAND HOPPING | IDEAL FOR WALKING

• The owners, Morten and Luisa, are real characters. They pride themselves on top-class service and have so much love for Fogo. Join them for a drink in the bar and enjoy tale after tale of their life on Fogo.

A strikingly bright property that perfectly encapsulates the vibrancy of Cape Verde, you’ll encounter Pensão Bela Sombra in the heart of Ribeira Brava, right in the centre of the island of São Nicolau. Such is the convenience of Bela Sombra’s location, guests will find themselves on the doorstep of both the island’s intriguing capital and the stunning mountainous landscapes that make São Nicolau so breathtakingly beautiful.

GOOD TO KNOW • Every room has its own private bathroom, however, some rooms have bathrooms located adjacent to the bedroom, rather than an en-suite.

3 NIGHT ADD-ON FROM

£422 PER PERSON

PRICE INCLUDES INTERNAL FLIGHTS, ARRIVAL PANORAMIC TRANSFER TOUR & RETURN STANDARD TRANSFER

PRICING & FLIGHT DETAILS – PAGES 61 & 66

58 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/cgh

FROM PRICES

3 NIGHT ADD-ON FROM

FROM PRICES

Evoking the design and feel of a typical Portuguese house, Colonial Guest House is a fantastic option for those embarking on an island hopping holiday. Located in São Filipe, Fogo’s capital, guests can easily explore the shops, bars and restaurants of the town, and for the extra adventurous, you can’t visit the island of Fogo and not pay a visit to the incredible volcano craters. Sample Fogo’s own wine, which is grown inside the crater, or try the home-grown coffee, which is produced on the outer, fertile land of the volcano.

The hotel’s simple rooms are comfortable and well presented, while the top floor balcony affords magnificent views of the verdant, green mountains that promise adventure and exploration to guests hoping to get active during their stay. With some great walking routes and guided walking tours on offer, you’ll find that Bela Sombra is ideal for doing just that. You can also eat in the hotel’s good restaurant, though many guests will be drawn to the superb Cape Verdean cuisine on offer when eating out in the small town.

DISTANCE TO BEACH: 30 MINUTES’ WALK NUMBER OF ROOMS: 18 TRANSFERS: 5 MINUTES BOARD BASIS: B&B

HOTEL FACILITIES • Restaurant • Bar • Wi-Fi

ROOM FACILITIES • Twin or double beds • Air-conditioning (on request) • Safe • Balcony

WHAT WE LOVE • You can explore São Nicolau from your doorstep, heading deep into the valley within a 15-minute walk.

GOOD TO KNOW • This is a good value, simple pension where English speaking may be limited as well as reception opening hours.

• São Nicolau’s landscape is very diverse, varying from one side of the island to the other. Make sure you don’t miss Carberinho, Monte Gordo and the Valley of Ribeira Prata.

For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk/pbs | 59

Don Paco Hotel, São Vicente

More Online capeverde.co.uk We’re unable to feature all of our hand-picked hotels within our printed brochure, which is why our website is invaluable.

At capeverde.co.uk, not only will you find our entire property collection, but also a plethora of other information about Cape Verde, including a comprehensive island guide and map, plus a variety of different holiday ideas. Beach-themed escapes and island-hopping itineraries through to holidays perfect for two or for families are all featured, plus much more.

Oasis Praiamar Hotel, Santiago

We pride ourselves on our honest and informative approach, so our website is updated on a regular basis to make sure you have the most up to date information possible. Should you find your perfect escape, you’re able to book your holiday online 24/7, choosing between the latest prices and savings. You can also read our customer reviews and speak to our expert team using our live chat feature (during working hours), and our Cape Verde Blog is the ideal place to go in search of some holiday inspiration.

Pedracin Village, Santo Antão

We’re always expanding our programme and looking for new and exciting ways that you can get the most out of your holiday with us, so we recommend signing up to our e-newsletter to make sure you’re among the first to know about anything new, or any fantastic savings on holidays.

If you have any specific questions or want to know more about a property in this brochure or online, just give our Reservations Team a call on 01489 866 969 and they’ll be more than happy to help.

G e t t i n g t o C a p e Ve r d e Cape Verde Experience offers the widest choice of flights for our holidays to the Cape Verde islands, based on direct UK departures to the islands of Sal or Boa Vista.

FLY DIRECT Winter 2018-19 – We are able to offer direct departures to Sal from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol, and to Boa Vista from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. All flights include 20kg luggage, in-flight meals and have access to a UK airport lounge. Flights from Gatwick and Manchester are available up to four times a week, making flexible durations possible.

FRONT ROW OR EXIT SEATS A limited number of front row or exit seats are available as a flight upgrade from £20pp each way.

Simply let us know your preferred departure point, duration and travel dates, and we’ll find the best flight option for you.

TAP AIR PORTUGAL TAP Air Portugal operates scheduled flights from the UK to the islands of Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente and Santiago, all via Lisbon.

We recommend TAP if you wish to commence your holiday on São Vicente or Santiago, or prefer Business Class upgrade options.

Please call our expert team to discuss scheduled flights.

If you’re booking a package (flights and accommodation), you’ll also benefit from our CAA ATOL protection.

Summer 2019 – May to October details will be available on our website.

SEATS TOGETHER We recommend pre-allocating your flight seats from £26pp return.

INTER-ISLAND FLIGHTS All internal flights are provided by Binter, operating seven days a week and offering an extensive timetable. These flights have a 20kg luggage allowance.

© Matej

utterstock

Sh Kastelic |

capeverde.co.uk | capeverde.co.uk/blog | capeverde.co.uk/enewsletter

Aparthotel Tropical, Sal

OUR HOTEL CLASSIFICATIONS In order to try and make the research process as easy and straightforward as possible, all our hotels are given a specific grading, by us, based upon several factors including their facilities, presentation and location. This grading is represented by a hibiscus flower . A half flower represents a midway grade. Our hotels range between 2.5 and 5 grade.

HOTEL AWARDS In 2017, we launched a new hotel awards programme, created to recognise the hard work and quality of our partner hotels located across the archipelago. Outstanding customer feedback and anniversary awards are just a couple of what we’ve chosen to congratulate hotels for, and you can find more information online at capeverde.co.uk/awards

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Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 61

© Chloe

ttlelens

Lyttle @ly

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OUR HOLIDAYS

Things to know before you go…

In order to help you plan your visit to Cape Verde, we’ve compiled a list of useful information about our holidays to the islands. You can find a wealth of further information relating to these and other subjects on our website: please visit capeverde.co.uk or call one of our experts on 01489 866 969.

USEFUL DESTINATION INFORMATION TIME DIFFERENCE Cape Verde is GMT -1 hour.

CURRENCY The local currency in Cape Verde is the Escudo, expressed as CV Esc or $ before the amount. It can only be obtained on the islands. We recommend that you take Euros or Sterling. If island hopping, it’s recommended to have Escudos to use on the smaller, less touristic islands.

MEDICATION No vaccinations are required for Cape Verde, however for young children, the elderly or those with any pre-existing conditions please discuss with your GP. There’s no malaria present in Cape Verde with the exception of the island of Santiago from September to November. If you’re visiting Santiago during this time please also check with your GP for the latest advice.

62 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk

PASSPORTS AND VISAS A full 10-year British passport is required for entry into Cape Verde. All British nationals require a visa to enter Cape Verde which is only issued at the point of entry. We include and organise your visas, providing we have received all passport details no later than seven days prior to your departure date and your passport has a validity of at least six months.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE Cape Verde Experience is a trade name of Serenity Holidays Limited. The air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 1866. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information. We are also members of ABTA, ABTOT and AITO. AITO is the Association for independent and specialist holiday companies.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN & INFANTS Information on family-friendly holidays, including child discounts, can be found at capeverde.co.uk/fh, or you can talk to one of our experts on 01489 866 969.

FLIGHT DELAYS Occasionally, despite the best efforts of all concerned, flights are delayed for reasons beyond our personal control. In the event

that such a delay occurs, we’ll always work with the airline to provide a snack or meal when appropriate. Should there be an extended delay to your homeward flight we will endeavour to delay your departure from your holiday accommodation, and in the case of an overnight delay, accommodation will be provided, although this may not be your original holiday accommodation.

FOREIGN OFFICE TRAVEL ADVICE We are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas.

Their website gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice is packed with essential tips, travel advice and up-to-date country specific information.

HOLIDAY QUESTIONNAIRES To help improve our service and ensure standards are maintained, we would be grateful if you would complete our online questionnaire.

INTER-ISLAND FLIGHTS Please be aware that schedules are known to change and flights are sometimes early, delayed or cancelled.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE Prices include a luggage allowance of 20kg per person in the hold and 5kg in the cabin.

Inter-island flights have a luggage allowance of 20kg. Infants under two years receive a 10kg allowance. Additional luggage can be added onto your booking for an extra charge, please note this is subject to availability. 

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MOBILITY ADVICE Cape Verde is not recommended for those with any walking difficulties due to the pathways in and around the resorts being cobbled or uneven, and walking aids or wheelchairs are not readily available. To discuss this further please call our expert team.

REQUESTS If you have any requests for your holiday accommodation or flights, please ensure they are mentioned at the time of booking. We shall pass on your requests to the airline or hotel however we cannot guarantee that they will be met.

ROOM CHECK-IN AND OUT TIMES Times do vary, however check-in is usually from 3pm, and checkout is by midday on the day of departure.

SAFETY STANDARDS All our properties have been carefully selected and visited by us. We ensure that they offer acceptable standards of safety and quality and that they conform to the local fire and safety laws and regulations, however these laws are not as stringent as in the UK. SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Tourism brings many benefits, but at the same time it can adversely affect destinations, both environmentally and socially. We work positively towards protecting the natural beauty, wildlife and culture of our destinations so that future generations can continue to enjoy them.

TICKETS & GUIDE These can be expected two weeks prior to your date of travel along with your accommodation voucher, luggage labels and our ‘Cape Verde Guide’. Your actual flight timings will be those shown on your tickets, please check them carefully as soon as you receive them. When booking close to your departure day, tickets will be arranged for collection at the airport. We reserve the right to charge for this.

TRANSFERS All our package holidays include private transfers to and from your arrival airport (where operationally possible) by private car, taxi or 4x4 depending on your itinerary.

For all stays on Santo Antão, Fogo or São Nicolau, we include, as standard, a Panoramic Transfer Tour (See pg 40 for more details), taking between 2 ½ -3 hours, showcasing some of the highlights of the islands.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR BOOKING PAYMENTS Once confirming your holiday, we require a deposit of 20%. The remaining balance must be paid at least 12 weeks prior to departure, either by bank transfer, online, debit card or credit card. You’ll receive a confirmation invoice by the following day, and it’s essential that you check the details are correct, advising us immediately if any amends are required. Changes at a later date may incur an amendment fee.

For bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. If we do not receive the appropriate payment, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and you’ll be liable for cancellation charges, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

CALL OR CHAT ONLINE WITH OUR EXPERT TEAM Our office opening hours are: 9am – 7pm Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 4pm Sunday The office may be closed during national and bank holidays.

Calls may be recorded for training purposes.

LOYALTY DISCOUNT Customers who have travelled with Cape Verde Experience or sister brands The Gambia Experience and Goa Experience in the last three years, will receive an extra discount of £50pp off their next package holiday. This discount must be mentioned at the time of booking, and cannot be used in conjunction with a group discount.

Visit our website for up to date pricing, to check availability and book your holiday 24 hours a day.

CALL CAPE VERDE EXPERIENCE ON

01489 866 969

HOLIDAY INSURANCE Travel insurance is a vital aspect to booking a holiday, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise spoil your holiday.

We have arranged a scheme with specialists Travel & General Insurance Services Limited, with an option to purchase a claim excess waiver. They are fully authorised and regulated by the FCA (firm reference number 304788), full details of which can be found on the FCA website: www.fca.org.uk.

Please call Travel & General on 020 3794 2954 for a quote or visit the holiday insurance section of our website.

64 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk

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Holiday prices All our holidays offer a great range of choice and flexibility, and you’ll find example prices on each hotel page for seven and 14-night package holidays or three-night add-on prices for our island hopping hotels. For the most up-to-date pricing information, including flight supplements, please call our expert team who can search for the best available flight options, and the correct holiday duration to suit you. Alternatively, visit our website capeverde.co.uk where you’ll find our latest prices along with special offers.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN OUR HOLIDAYS? The basic holiday price includes: 

Return flights from the UK including inflight meals.



Luggage allowance of 20kg per person.



Private transfers (where operationally possible).

UK airport lounge access.



 Accommodation and meal basis as detailed on your booking confirmation invoice.

Visa.

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 I nter-island flights, ferries and transfers as stated. Supplements apply for additional inter-island flights. 

Local representative/agent services.



Airport departure taxes (both directions).



UK Air Passenger Duty (APD).



CAA ATOL Protection Contribution.

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lease note, a tourist tax of €2 per person per night is required to be P paid locally up to a maximum of 10 nights at each hotel.

The Cape Verde Experience is operated by Serenity Holidays (Serenity Holidays Ltd). We are committed to a policy of fair trading and make every effort to ensure that you have an enjoyable holiday with us. Our terms of trade have been formulated as a result of our responsibilities under law and in no way affect your statutory rights as a consumer. Please read this carefully and keep with you on holiday as it sets out the basis of the contract between you and Serenity Holidays Ltd. We are a member of ABTA, membership number V5963. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of, or in connection with this contract.

Further information on the Code and arbitration can be found at http://www.abta.com GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR) At Serenity Holidays Ltd, we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. For more information on how your personal data is collected and stored, please refer to our ‘Privacy Policy’ shown on our website capeverde.co.uk We sell the following arrangements: Package Holiday A “package holiday” is a combination of at least two of the following services (a) transport, (b) accommodation or (c) other tourist services (not ancillary to any transport or accommodation and forming a significant part of the arrangements) where booked through us at an inclusive price.

Accommodation Only If you book accommodation only through us, we will accept responsibility for your booking in accordance with the terms set out in the relevant sections below. As this is a single component, the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 do not apply.

Excursions Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book with us, or pay for whilst you are on holiday, are not part of your package holiday provided by us. We act as a booking agent only for excursions that you book with us either in the UK or in resort. Your contract is with the provider of the excursions and not ourselves, and therefore we have no liability for the proper performance of that contract.

FINANCIAL SECURITY: If you book a package holiday through us the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 require us to provide security for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked from this brochure.

For packages that include flights we provide this security by way of an ATOL (number 1866) administered by the Civil Aviation Authority.

When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package, or flight only arrangements, you will receive a confirmation invoice from us (or via your travel agent through which you booked) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number [1866]. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. If we are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme.

You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk. The price of our air holiday packages includes the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices.

The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Serenity Holidays Ltd, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK; 2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; 3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland, which are sold to customers outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland; 4. accommodation only bookings; 1, 2, 3 and 4 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK and Republic of Ireland are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Serenity Holidays Ltd. Flight Only arrangements are protected by our ATOL (number 1866) as described above.

QUALITY CHARTER

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP

All members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism guidelines, which recognise the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating.

AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct.

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FINANCIAL SECURITY

An AITO member is required to arrange financial protection for all holidays and other arrangements (including accommodation only) booked by customers with the member under the AITO logo. This financial protection applies to customers who are resident in the UK at the time of booking and to most overseas customers who have booked directly with the member. In doing so, the member must comply with UK government regulations. Members are required to submit details of their financial protection arrangements to AITO on a regular basis ACCURATE BROCHURES & WEBSITES

All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS

All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards.

MONITORING STANDARDS

AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by the Association.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion.

Serenity Holidays is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators.

To contact the Association, visit www.aito.com or call 020 8744 9280.

ABTOT The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Serenity Holidays Ltd, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK; 2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; 3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland, which are sold to customers outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland; 4. accommodation only bookings; 1, 2, 3 and 4 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK and Republic of Ireland are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Serenity Holidays Ltd.

66 | For more information or to book online visit capeverde.co.uk

1. YOUR HOLIDAY BOOKING When making a booking you must be aged over 18 years and have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party our terms and conditions. All correspondence and documents are sent to the party leader who is responsible to us for all payments in respect of the booking. The contract is made on the terms of the information in this brochure, the details set out in the confirmation invoice. We agree that the courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction and English Law applies (unless you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, in which case you can bring proceedings in your local court under Scottish or Northern Irish law, as applicable). Our confirmation invoice is our acceptance of the booking (as detailed therein), and the contract is made on its issue. We ask you to check the details and any anomaly should be reported to us or your travel agent immediately otherwise the details shown on the confirmation will be presumed to be correct. Verbal quotations should not be considered binding until the first invoice confirmation is received. All holidays and offers published in this brochure are subject to availability at the time of booking.

2. PAYMENT If you wish to confirm a booking you must pay the deposit of 20% of the cost of your holiday. Your balance will be detailed on your invoice and must be paid in full no later than 12 weeks before your departure, or your booking may be deemed cancelled and your deposits retained. In the event, we need to book and pay for your flight at the time of booking, you will be quoted the cost of this before confirming your holiday and asked to pay for this sector in full, along with your deposit. It is at this time you will be advised whether the flight cost is non-refundable. If payment for your holiday is made by a commercial credit card a handling fee, currently 1.6% will be levied.

3. IF YOU WISH TO CANCEL YOUR BOOKING You will need to let us know as soon as possible either by telephone or in writing (or must ensure your travel agent does so on your behalf). Since we incur costs from the time we confirm your booking, the cancellation charges set out below will apply, calculated from the date on which we receive your notice of cancellation. You will then receive a cancellation invoice detailing any charges.

No of days before departure

Cancellation charge

More than 84 days 43 - 84 days 29 - 42 days 15 - 28 days Less than 15 days

Loss of deposit 40% 65% 90% 100%

6. IF YOU BOOK THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENT We will assume that in dealing with us the agent is acting on your behalf in respect of any changes or cancellation to your booking.

When you buy a flight-based holiday, all monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on behalf and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times. This is subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail. If we fail, any money held at that time by the agent, or subsequently accepted from you by him, is and continues to be held on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us. When you buy a holiday not including a flight, all monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on our behalf at all times.

7. IF WE CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY Although it is unlikely, we may occasionally have to change your holiday arrangements and we reserve the right to change or cancel your booking. Most changes are minor and we will always endeavour to advise you or your travel agent of any such changes at the earliest possible date.

Note: Any amendment or cancellation fees you incur in terms of other arrangements you have made with other providers under separate contracts are not claimable from us.

Package Holiday: A change of airline, aircraft type, overseas airport of destination, travel timings by 12 hours or less and accommodation of a similar or higher standard in the same resort or region are classed as minor changes which do not entitle you to cancel or change to another holiday / flight without paying our normal administration charges, and for which no compensation or refund is due.

The carrier may occasionally have to change the type of aircraft used on a particular flight without advance warning. In such circumstances where you have booked and paid an additional seat supplement and such seat cannot be provided, then you will receive only a refund of the supplement paid.

Occasionally, we have to make major changes to your travel arrangements or accommodation. A major change is a change made before departure, which, on the basis of the information given to us by you at the time of booking we can reasonably expect will have a major effect on your holiday. The following changes are examples of major changes: changing travel times by over 12 hours, your UK departure airport (excluding London airports), your holiday region, a change to a lower standard or type of accommodation or reducing the number of days’ holiday.

If we have to make a major change or cancel your holiday we will tell you as soon as possible. Where possible, we will offer the following options: you can either a) accept the changed arrangements b) purchase another holiday/flight from us at the advertised current selling price or c) cancel your booking upon which we will refund your monies in full and final settlement.

If you have booked a Package Holiday, subject to the note below, irrespective of whether you choose a), b) or c) we will pay compensation as follows: No of days before departure

Amount for each full fare paying adult

More than 56 days 29 - 55 days 15 - 28 days 8 - 14 days Less than 8 days

Nil £15 £25 £35 £50

Accommodation Only: If we make a change to your accommodation and you don’t want to accept it, you can take any alternative we are able to offer you (you will pay the increase in cost if the replacement is advertised at a higher price than your original booking, or receive a refund of the difference if it is less expensive) or a refund of the money you have paid to us. This does not apply where the change is not material. Examples of non-material changes include, but are not limited to, temporary withdrawal of facilities or seasonal unavailability of amenities. If we have to cancel your accommodation, again we may be able to offer you an alternative. If you accept it, you would pay the difference if it was advertised at a higher price than your original accommodation, or receive a refund of the difference if it was advertised at a lower price.

Or we will refund the monies you have paid us for your accommodation. We will not be responsible to pay any compensation following a change or a cancellation by us.

Applicable to Package Holiday, Accommodation Only or Excursion bookings: Note: If a change or cancellation occurs because of circumstances beyond our control, for example war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, actual or threatened terrorist activity and its consequences, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disasters, fire, health risks, adverse weather conditions, hurricanes, floods, unavoidable technical problems with transport, closure or congestion of airports or ports, epidemic or pandemic illness and all similar situations we will have no liability to you. No compensation payments, expenses or any other sums, including the cost of securing alternative accommodation will be paid by us.

8. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT In the unlikely event you have cause for complaint during your holiday, please inform the hotel or site management and our local representative. It is unreasonable for you to take little or no action and wait until you return to complain and you must take reasonable steps to minimise the consequences of the problem. If you fail to follow this simple procedure we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst you were in resort and this may affect your rights under this contract.

If a problem cannot be resolved locally please follow this up in writing to our Customer Relations Department at our UK office, with any supporting evidence, within 28 days of your return from holiday.

If your complaint cannot be settled amicably between us, you may if you wish refer the matter to arbitration under ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is registered with the Government’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (please go to www.abta.com). Alternatively, AITO’s Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and amicable solution, but please be aware this scheme is not registered by the ADR. 9. OUR RESPONSIBILITY Package Holiday: If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed by us or our suppliers we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements. However, we will not be liable where any failure in the performance of the contract is due to: you; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements and where the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall.

Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of [3] times the cost of your travel arrangements. Our liability will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to: (a) The contractual terms of the companies that provide the transportation for your travel arrangements. These terms are incorporated into this contract; and

The charges above apply to your total holiday price excluding any insurance premiums, amendment charges or charges for goods sold and dispatched. The conditions of your travel insurance policy may allow a refund claim.

Please note: if any members of your party cancel, but the others still wish to travel, it may be necessary to re-calculate the cost per person based on the new party size as the accommodation may now be under-occupied. This may result in an increased amount per person payable to secure the original booking.

4. CHARGES FOR NON-INCLUSIVE HOTEL ITEMS AND DAMAGES You enter into a separate contract with the hotel or residence for these items (e.g. parking, bar bills etc.), and agree to pay locally for any charges for items or services used by your party and not included in your holiday price. The accommodation we arrange for you can only be used by those people named on your Invoice. You are not allowed to share the accommodation with anyone else or let others stay there.

5. IF YOU REQUEST A CHANGE TO YOUR BOOKING All amendments to your booking, e.g. name changes, dates of travel or accommodation, will incur a charge, the amount of which will depend on the nature of the change and the time before the date of travel. Any changes made within 8 weeks of departure may be treated as cancellations and re-bookings. The lead name on a booking cannot be changed under any circumstances and this would also be classed as a cancellation and re-booking.

(b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions.

You can ask for copies of the transport companies’ contractual terms, or the international conventions, from our offices: Serenity Holidays Ltd, Atlantic House, 3600 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire PO15 7AN We do not accept liability for happenings or actions outside our control, e.g. delays to travel services, the temporary invasion of pests, the presence of indigenous animals or insects, government action, industrial disputes, damage or inconvenience resulting from the weather (e.g. drought conditions) or from acts of God, or your party’s negligence resulting in loss or accident.

If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed as a result of failures attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services, or as a result of failures due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall, and you suffer an injury or other material loss, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is reasonable in the circumstances. If you have taken our recommended insurance cover, you

TERMS AND CONDITIONS must make an insurance claim in respect of any legal fees incurred abroad for that purpose, and if you have taken alternative insurance, you must do likewise under any Legal Expenses cover provided by it. You must also provide us with the confirmation from the insurance company of receipt of your notification to them of your claim.

Excursions: Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book, which you pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us and your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour nor for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.

Accommodation Only: We have a duty to select the accommodation providers with reasonable skill and care. We have no liability to you for the actual provision of the accommodation, except in cases where it is proved that we have breached that duty and damage to you has been caused. Therefore, providing we have selected the provider with reasonable care and skill, we will have no liability to you for anything that happens at the accommodation or any acts or omissions of the provider or others. We also have no liability in the following situations: i. where the accommodation cannot be provided as booked due to circumstances beyond our control (see the Note in clause 7) ii. where you incur any loss or damage that could not have been foreseen at the time of your booking, based on the information provided by you. iii. where you incur any loss or damage that relates to any business activity. iv. where any loss or damage relates to any services which do not form part of our contract with you.

If we are found liable to you on any basis, we limit the amount we have to pay you to a maximum of three times the cost of your accommodation. This limit does not apply to cases involving death or injury.

10. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY You undertake to exercise due and reasonable care in respect of your holiday accommodation and its contents, to leave it in a clean and complete condition, to respect local and on-site regulations and bye-laws, to limit party numbers to those on your confirmation, to remit payments as invoiced on or before the due dates, to indemnify us against all loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any act, default or omission of your party, and not to exceed the published occupation capacity of the accommodation. Any serious abuse of a property or its contents may render you liable to eviction without compensation 11. PRICES AND SURCHARGES The price of your holiday was calculated using the exchange rate of £1 = €1.12 (7 March 2018) We reserve the right to increase or reduce prices, and the current price of your holiday will be advised to you at the time of booking.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all the information and prices provided to you, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. In the event that an incorrect price has been given in error, any booking made based on this price, will not be valid. You will be advised of the mistake at the earliest opportunity and you will then have the option either to pay the correct price for the travel arrangements or to cancel and receive a full refund of any monies you may already have paid. Once you have booked your holiday we reserve the right to surcharge for cost increases due to government action such as changes in VAT or any other government imposed charges, transportation costs (including the cost of fuel), taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes, embarkation or disembarkation fees at airports, and exchange rates.

Package Holidays There will be no charge within 30 days of your departure. We will absorb such increases up to 2% of your basic holiday price (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges). If the surcharge is greater than 10% of your holiday price you have the option of changing to another holiday that we offer (if we are able to offer an alternative you will not have to pay more, but if it is of a lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price) or you have the right to cancel (within 14 days of receiving surcharge notification), in which case we will refund in full all monies paid to us except insurance premiums and any amendment charges. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes will have no impact on the price of your holiday due to contractual and other protection in place.

Accommodation Only We reserve the right to pass on all increases. If we ask you to pay us any increases in taxes, similarly, if any taxes you have paid to us are reduced or abolished, you will be entitled to claim a refund. Such right shall not apply in respect of any surcharge paid in respect of aviation fuel costs.

12. TRAVEL SERVICES When you travel by air the relevant carrier’s ‘Conditions of Carriage’ will apply to your journey, some of which may limit liability or exclude liability in accordance with the relevant international conventions. Copies of the conditions are available for inspection at any ABTA travel agent or from us. Information given by us about such services is for guidance only and the carriers concerned accept no responsibility for our brochures. It is your responsibility to report promptly at the check-in times given by the carriers and with the appropriate valid travel documents (e.g. passports), and we cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred by you if you fail to do so. Occasionally there are times beyond our control when a flight is delayed. We will work closely with the airline and our resort office to make sure any delay is as short as possible and that your overseas transfer and accommodation arrangements are changed if necessary. Our aim is to minimise the inconvenience of delays as far as possible.

Under EU law you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delays to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines.

Please note that reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/ or compensation from us is set out in clause 7 ‘if we change your holiday’. If your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the Passengers Advice and Complaints team at the CAA (email: passengercomplaints@caa.co.uk website www.caa.co.uk).

13. TRAVEL INSURANCE It is a condition of booking that you must have travel insurance.

If you require a quote, you may wish to contact travel specialists Travel & General on 020 3794 2954 or visit their link on the insurance page of our website.

14. SWIMMING POOLS AND OTHER FACILITIES Where a swimming pool or other facility is referred to as being available for use, such availability is at the hotelier’s discretion and is understood to be conditional upon temporary or unavoidable closure necessitated by: the hotels essential maintenance programme, accident, damage or malfunction of equipment, and in the case of swimming pools: compliance with any water conservation regulations imposed in times of drought, damage or malfunction of the mains water supply. The above are understood to be a result of force majeure and not to reflect on our failure to deliver an advertised facility.

15. PASSPORT/VISA It is the responsibility of all customers to ensure they have a valid passport and to check entry requirements such as passport validity and any required visa.

In addition, you must consult your GP for advice regarding recommended medication and anti-malarial drugs before you book. For further information on passport and visa requirements, please contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk 16. HOLIDAY PARTICIPATION Should anyone be refused admission to the flight or to the destination country by the airline or government authority due to the correct documentation not being in order then we are powerless to assist and cannot be held responsible. Any passengers considered being unacceptably under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be denied boarding to the aircraft or entry into the country. In these circumstances we shall consider the customer as having given notice of cancellation and be under no liability for any costs or charges incurred as a result of our doing so.

Contact your local travel agent or call our experts on 01489 866 969 | 67

We are an independent company where emphasis is very much on quality and service.

We offer specialist holidays to other destinations and all provide excellent value and choice.

The Gambia Experience 01489 866 939 gambia.co.uk

Goa Experience 01489 866 986 goaexperience.co.uk

Great Escapes 01489 866 932 greatescapes.co.uk

Corsican Places 01489 866 931 corsica.co.uk

Sardinian Places 01489 866 959 sardinianplaces.co.uk

Sicilian Places 01489 866 994 sicilianplaces.co.uk

capeverde.co.uk

01489 866 969 01489 866 970 (administration) holidays@capeverde.co.uk

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