Years ago, when I worked as a holiday rep in Portugal, there was constant chatter about a new Portuguese-speaking paradise said to rival the Caribbean. That destination was Cape Verde (or Cabo Verde) — a volcanic archipelago floating off the West African coast. With ten main islands, dramatic landscapes and a laid-back culture, Cape Verde quickly climbed the travel hotlists, and today tour operator TUI makes it easier than ever to visit, especially the islands of Sal and Boa Vista.

Flying Into Boa Vista – Where TUI Reigns Supreme

Landing at Boa Vista’s compact Rabil Airport, it’s immediately clear that TUI dominates the arrivals board. Because of weekly flight patterns, we opted for a July trip and booked the Riu Karamboa, one of the island’s three large Riu resorts.

Boa Vista is famous for its endless beaches, warm turquoise waters and year-round sunshine. Beyond the coastline, the island reveals rugged mountains, rippling desert dunes and volcanic craters — all accessible through local island tours.

A Taste of Cape Verdean Culture

Cape Verde is a blend of African, Brazilian and Portuguese influences, visible in its music, dance and food. Seafood, corn and beans appear across traditional dishes, often lifted with local herbs and spices. While Portuguese is the official language, English is widely spoken, making everything incredibly easy for travellers.

Riu Karamboa Resort Review – All-Inclusive Luxury by the Beach

Located just minutes from the airport (literally a 10-minute walk — I did it myself!), Riu Karamboa promises relaxation from the moment you arrive. The irony? TUI tried to charge £172 for an upgraded taxi transfer, which is laughable considering you could walk it quicker. (More on that in my article about rip-off transfers!)

Design & Rooms – African-Inspired Architecture Meets Modern Comfort

The resort stands like a sandcastle rising from the desert. Inspired by African design, the property features grand domes, striking interiors and huge, perfectly maintained grounds. Rooms are spacious, newly refurbished and come with either garden or wide ocean views. We upgraded to a sea-view room, and the panorama of rolling sand and crashing waves was worth every penny — ideal for unwinding after a day in the sun.

Pools, Bars & Entertainment

The hotel is enormous, and you’re never far from a bar — whether it’s a swim-up pool bar, a chilled lounge or the 24-hour sports bar. Self-serve beer and soft-drink stations keep things easy.

Despite some reviewers claiming the pools are cold, with daily temperatures of 26–29°C, I found them refreshing, especially with Boa Vista’s constant trade winds (which also make it dangerously easy to underestimate the sun — bring high-factor sunscreen!).

The resort also offers windsurfing, kayaking, snorkelling, a fitness centre, morning stretching/yoga classes and a great spa. I indulged in a massage more than once.

Dining at Riu Karamboa – Buffets, Seafood & A Surprise Yorkshire Pudding

If there’s one thing Riu does well, it’s catering to the masses. The main buffet serves a huge variety — everything from freshly grilled seafood to Cape Verdean stews, along with the predictable pizza, pasta and burgers that British guests naturally flock to. My personal favourites? The daily prawns and local stew selections, which were always the quietest stations.

There are several themed restaurants, though most are smaller buffets rather than true à la cartes. The only genuine à la carte is the Gourmet Restaurant, with two evening sittings that fill up fast. With the quality of the main buffet, I was more than happy sticking to the variety there.

Dessert lovers won’t be disappointed either — think fresh fruit, mini pastries, cakes and plenty of ice cream.

Boa Vista’s Beaches – Miles of Golden Sand & Crystal Waters

One of the biggest draws of Riu Karamboa is its direct access to Praia de Chaves, a spectacular beach stretching for miles. From here you can walk along the shoreline all the way to Sal Rei, Boa Vista’s colourful fishing town and relaxed capital.

Along the walk you’ll see donkeys, occasional wild horses and dunes that look like they’ve been lifted from the Sahara. A few beach bars offer welcome pit stops if you need them.

Exploring Sal Rei – Authentic Cape Verdean Life

Sal Rei is everything I love about slow, authentic travel: cobbled streets, pastel-coloured buildings, local markets and friendly residents. The vibe reminded me of small towns in Northeast Brazil — real, laid-back and full of charm.

There’s also the option to walk to Rabil, the island’s old capital near the airport. It’s a short 35-minute stroll, though quieter and less atmospheric than Sal Rei.

Evenings at the Resort

Nightlife includes shows, singers and the occasional karaoke session. We didn’t stay up much — early mornings by the pool (and the odd beach run!) had me ready for bed sooner than expected.

Final Thoughts – Is Riu Karamboa Worth It?

Absolutely. Whether you’re after sun, sea, value, or complete relaxation, Riu Karamboa delivers. The resort offers everything you need, and Boa Vista provides the perfect blend of serene beaches and authentic Cape Verdean charm. It’s a destination that feels both exotic and surprisingly easy to navigate — ideal for a summer escape.