Picolo recommends · Hotel in Santa Maria, Cape Verde
Riu Funana
Two pools for the grown-ups, a shallow one for the children and the beach just past the bar, on grounds shared with Riu Garopa.
Breakfast, then the beach, then a choice of two outdoor pools and a separate one for the children, with a pool bar in between. Riu Funana stands on the sand to the west of Santa Maria, and everything, from the four restaurants to the drinks, comes with the room.
The hotel shares its grounds with Riu Garopa, its sister property, so the resort feels like a small neighbourhood of its own. There is a spa for quieter hours, and plenty of space for families who want to settle in for a week.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Riu Funana
We included it as the easy option for a first trip to Cape Verde. Children have a pool of their own, parents have a spa and a bar, and nobody has to plan dinner. The beach is right outside, which keeps the logistics simple.
It is large, and during school holidays the pools and restaurants get busy. Santa Maria itself is a taxi ride or a long walk on the sand away, so if you want to wander into town for dinner each night, stay closer to the centre.
What you get
- Children's pool
- Two outdoor pools and a pool bar
- Four restaurants, all included
- Spa
- Beach right outside
A day at Riu Funana
- Morning
- The children's pool before it gets crowded.
- Midday
- Lunch at one of the four restaurants, with no bill to sign.
- Afternoon
- The spa for the adults while the children nap.
- Evening
- A taxi into Santa Maria for an evening stroll by the pier.
Location
Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde
Open in MapsQuestions about Riu Funana
Is Riu Funana good for families?
Yes. There is a children's pool, plenty of space and everything included, which makes a week with kids straightforward. Expect more people around the pools during school holidays.
How far is Riu Funana from Santa Maria?
The resort is on the beach west of town. Getting to the centre means a taxi or a long walk along the sand, so plan evenings in Santa Maria rather than popping in on a whim.
Does Riu Funana have a spa?
Yes, there is a spa on site, which gives adults a quieter corner of a resort otherwise geared towards pools, the beach and family life.
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Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
How Picolo chooses
Our editors pick every hotel themselves, and most of them we have stayed at. No hotel can pay to be included or ranked higher. When you book through our links, Hotels.com pays Picolo a small commission. It never changes the price you pay, and it never decides what we write.
