Picolo recommends · Hotel in Santa Maria, Cape Verde
Riu Palace Santa Maria
Wide pool terraces, the sand beyond them and everything paid for in advance, with Santa Maria a long beach walk to the east.
Here the day is already sorted when you arrive: meals, drinks and sunloungers are all part of the deal. Riu Palace Santa Maria stands on the sand to the west of town, a large resort built around generous pools, with modern rooms and plenty of space to spread out.
When you want a change of scene, the path along the shore leads into Santa Maria in about half an hour on foot. It makes a good morning walk, and a reason to have lunch in town before heading back to the pool.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Riu Palace Santa Maria
We chose it for travellers who want the simplicity of all-inclusive without feeling cramped. There is room at the pools, the beach is right there, and couples and families alike get enough choice to keep a week interesting.
It is a big hotel with a lot of guests, and it feels like it. If you want a small place where the staff know your name, Morabeza in town suits you better. Eating out in Santa Maria also means paying twice.
What you get
- Large pools
- Beach in front of the hotel
- Meals and drinks included
- Modern rooms
- Shore path into Santa Maria
A day at Riu Palace Santa Maria
- Morning
- An early walk along the shore before the sunloungers fill.
- Midday
- Lunch in Santa Maria, then a taxi or the beach path home.
- Afternoon
- Pool time with a drink that is already paid for.
- Evening
- Dinner at the resort as the light turns gold over the sea.
Location
Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde
Open in MapsQuestions about Riu Palace Santa Maria
Is Riu Palace Santa Maria all-inclusive?
Yes. Meals and drinks are included in the rate, so you can spend the whole stay at the resort without opening your wallet, unless you choose to eat in town.
How far is Riu Palace Santa Maria from the town?
The hotel is on the beach west of Santa Maria. Walking along the shore takes around half an hour, and a taxi is the easy option in the evening.
Is Riu Palace Santa Maria good for couples?
It works for couples who like space and convenience. If you want a quieter, adults-only setting, Robinson Cabo Verde does not take children and may suit you better.
Other hotels nearby
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.
