SEE THE BEST SIDE OF CAPE VERDE AT A MELIA OR SOL HOTEL

Every day can be a beach day at Melia Tortuga. This hotel is fronted by a broad band of cloud-soft sand topped with thatched parasols and loungers. Of course, there’s lots to lure you away from the beach here, too. Such as two roomy pools – including one with a swim-up bar – and a YHI Spa Centre, with its aroma showers, footbaths and long treatment list. Then there’s the food. One of the highlights at this hotel is dining in sight of the sea, as the sun sets, at the grill restaurant. Finally, when it comes to beauty sleep, you’ll lay your head in either a suite or a family-sized villa when you stay here.

Melia Dunas is an all-frills hotel. It’s located on the edge of a long leash of bullion-coloured sand that’s topped with loungers and curtain-sided cabanas made for two. The high life is yours for the living when you stay here. Unwind in the main pool with its Bellagio-style water feature, do the rounds of five restaurants, from the Italian à la carte to the Indian, and sip fizz like it’s going out of fashion in the Champagne Bar. For something even more special, you can upgrade to a room in the adults-only Level area, which gives you access to the exclusive Level Lounge as well as breakfast in the Rancho restaurant.

When it comes to holidays for two, Melia Llana is the Cape Vere’s golden child hotel. Everything about this beachside place was designed with adults-only holidays in mind, from the al fresco sea-view dining areas of restaurants like the Mosaico to the YHI Spa, where you’ll find two treatment cabins just for couples. To make your stay here even more memorable, you can upgrade to The Level, which gives you access to an exclusive pool and private beach view bar. Plus, you’ll be given a few perks like a free water ritual in the spa.

Sol Dunas is a touch-of-luxe hotel. It’s built around three wide pools that come with in-water fountains, plenty of sunbathing space, and a pool bar. There’s also a 1,600 square metre spa in the grounds that has a hydrotherapy area, whirlpool and experience showers. Then there’s a rollcall of restaurants, from the Grille with its al fresco eating area to Il Terraso with its Italian menu. Even the children’s facilities are that little more luxurious here than at other hotels. Such as the kids’ pool with its pirate ship play area and the mini splash park with its chutes and flumes.

The waves sink into the honeysuckle sands of Algodoeiro Beach, just a few footsteps from the front door of TUI Blue Cabo Verde. Once part of the Sensimar collection, this hotel is an indulgent adults-only place with two pools surrounded by loungers and Bali beds, a plush spa, and a line-up of eateries that includes a teppanyaki place and a buffet with an al fresco dining terrace that looks out over the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. To make a stay here even more unforgettable, you can upgrade to a swim-up room or an oceanfront double with its own Jacuzzi® on the terrace.