Why Cape Verde is fast gaining the reputation as the African Caribbean

Mike Cheetham | 5th November 2019

Nestled off the West coast of Africa is the archipelago that is Cape Verde (Capo Verde).

 

It is made up of 10 different islands that have long been drawing in tourists thanks to enjoy the laid-back charm, superb weather and short flight time from the UK.

 

There’s year-round sunshine to experience on the cluster of islands with average temperatures hovering around mid-twenties, so perfect for sun worshippers.

 

With blue skies, turquoise-coloured waters and palm trees dotted along beautiful beaches, and with golden sands on a spectacular coastline, you could imagine this was the Caribbean, but Cape Verde has a charm of its own.

 

Why Cape Verde is fast gaining the reputation as the African Caribbean

 

So picturesque are the islands that they are attracting all kinds of new hotel accommodation and upmarket resorts to appeal to those that want to experience the vibe of the Caribbean, but at half the cost, and half the distance to travel to when flying from the UK.

 

We stayed at the gorgeous Melia Lana Beach Resort & Spa, a five-star, all-inclusive resort for adults only on Algodeorio Beach. It boasts four restaurants, four bars and three outdoor pools so there’s plenty of choice.

 

It’s where Celebs Go-Dating is filmed which is why you often see celebs from Essex and influencers flooding their Insta feeds with idyllic snaps photos from their holidays. Even Michelle Obama was a guest here, apparently.

 

Why Cape Verde is fast gaining the reputation as the African Caribbean

 

Upgrade to The LEVEL for added value for your holiday. This is an adult-only exclusive members area, which gives guests access to a gorgeous pool club with a private bar and stunning beach view.

 

There’s a private breakfast area and premium branded drinks are included. You also get discounted rates in its Italian and Asian restaurants if you don’t fancy something from the extensive buffet, which is available on an all-inclusive basis.

 

The resort is an unusual design to make the most of the space and views. It is formed of two hotels, with one half is owned by Spanish company Melia and the other is a Sensimar hotel, owned by Tui.

 

Why Cape Verde is fast gaining the reputation as the African Caribbean

 

They share resources and The Asian restaurant located in the Sensimar next door was excellent, with a three-course meal a steal at only £48 euros for two, including drinks.

 

Our room was a junior duplex suite was very classy indeed, with a living area and bathroom downstairs and the bedroom upstairs.

 

On entering the junior suite the first thing you see is the towering twenty foot floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto a balcony that come with pool, garden or sea views. Very impressive and a wonderful backdrop to your holiday.

 

Cape Verde itself feels unspoilt and is great value for money. The LEVEL upgrade at the Melia Llana gives you a touch of luxury. There’s a Caribbean feel what with its sense of style and beautiful landscape surrounding the resort. And what with traveling time to get there, it’s just a hop, skip and jump for a great short-break escape.

 

Why Cape Verde is fast gaining the reputation as the African Caribbean

 

Packages are available for as little as £650 per person for five nights on an all-inclusive basis. TUI now fly a Dreamliner service from Manchester to Sal Cape Verde in just over 5 hours.

 

You can also book direct with Melia and fly with an alternative airline. Rooms start from £100 per night on an all-inclusive basis.

 

 

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