So Far…Yet So Near
December 7, 2010 Destination inspiration
We zoom in on the hot island destination that’s less than six hours away from home…
The Cape Verde Islands have been quietly making a name for themselves as a holiday hotspot for a few years now. Located in the Atlantic Ocean between Africa and South America, these ten islands in the sun are a great destination for total relaxation. With flying times from the UK just under six hours, the Cape Verde Islands are a closer alternative to the Caribbean.
The Atlantic is far more ferocious than the Caribbean; in fact, Cape Verde is a mecca for kite surfing and windsurfing fanatics, so don’t expect calm seas. That said, good hotels have plenty of pool space to cool off in. And there are good hotels, springing up very quickly. There’s a preference for all-inclusive complexes here, similar to the kind of properties that line the Caribbean coast and those that appeared rapidly along the edges of Egypt’s Red Sea. Cape Verde has been attracting international tourists for a few years, but it’s still relatively unspoilt. The landscapes are rugged, the people friendly, the music lively and the culture unique. Cape Verde holidays can be about island-hopping adventures, dare devil sports or all-out relaxation.
Cape Verde is a former Portuguese colony and takes influences from Portugual, Africa and South America. Local food is often centred around fish, which the island fishermen catch daily in colourful boats. Inland, you’ll find rainbow-coloured villages alive with the sound of Morna, the local music of which the nation is so proud. Landscapes vary from island-to-island and include arrid plains, an active volcano and lush landscapes blooming with banana and papaya trees. Cape Verde weather is generally warm, with year-round highs in the mid to late twenties, making it a clever choice for winter sun holidays.
We’ve found a great deal on a seven night holiday at the 4* Royal Decameron Boa Vista hotel on the island of Boa Vista, Cape Verde. Located right on the stunning beach and with two outdoor swimming pools, this resort-style hotel is perfect for a relaxing break. On site, there’s a spa, steam room and massage. Children are well catered for, with their own section of the main pool and kids’ club. There are no tower blocks here and the low-rise rooms, all ith balcony or terrace, are dotted around the pretty gardens. There are two large buffet restaurants on site, with a wide selection of international cuisine. There’s also an a la carte restaurant with waiter service. As with most all-inclusive holidays, the Royal Decameron Boa Vista adds up to great value for money, with meals, selected alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, entertainment, some activities and snacks all included in the cost of your holiday.
Cape Verde is a far away destination that isn’t actually all that far away. Here, you can experience exotic culture, great weather and sun drenched beaches without having to travel too far. It won’t be long before people begin to relaise and start flocking there in their thousands. We say go there now and enjoy a slice of island life while it’s still untouched.
Reader Deal
Hays Travel have seven nights all inclusive at the Royal Decameron Boa Vista from £539 per person, based on two sharing and including in flight meals, transfers and 20kg luggage allowance. Based on Manchester flights on 7th January 2011. Hays Travel have a good selection of holidays in Cape Verde and Cape Verde late deals and other departure dates, airports and durations are available. Click here or call 0800 408 4130.
Prices correct at the time of publication, but subject to availability and change.
The Royal Decameron Boa Vista
