Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
ATOL Protected| March 2026 | £784 | |
| April 2026 | £697 | |
| May 2026 | £977 | |
| June 2026 | £1,016 | |
| July 2026 | £1,062 | |
| August 2026 | £1,210 | |
| September 2026 | £1,126 | |
| October 2026 | £1,247 | |
| November 2026 | £1,287 | |
| December 2026 | £1,237 | |
| January 2027 | £1,362 | |
| February 2027 | £1,397 | |
| March 2027 | £1,449 |
Tropical Tranquility: 5* Cape Verde Escape w/ 24hr All-Inclusive! Save up to 49%
An unforgettable stay awaits at the stunning 5* Riu Palace Santa Marina with a 24hr all-inclusive concept bringing you gourmet dining with live cooking stations, exciting entertainment and a world of relaxation.
About
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria has been open since February 2021 and has been offering a five-star, all-inclusive, blissful escape to everyone who walks through its doors. Luxury holidays here will see a ribbon of sunlit sand stretched before Riu Palace Santa Maria, Cape Verde, where the morning light spills across turquoise waters and soft waves hum a welcome.
As you step out of the resort and onto the beach, the Atlantic greets you on the shore, inviting you to wade, swim or drift along the coastline.
Your Private Sanctuary by the Shore
Inside this retreat, one of the top Cape Verde five-star hotels, there are 540 cool, airy rooms, with garden-view spaces opening onto balconies framed by bougainvillea, and ocean-view rooms revealing endless blue waters. The family rooms are ideal for family holidays and cradle laughter around bunk beds and spacious living corners. The suites offer extra room to stretch out, a lounge area for quiet moments and a minibar replenished every day with favourite treats. Every room includes satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and a personal safe for peace of mind.
A Voyage of Flavours
Gastronomy is a highlight at this beachfront hotel in Sal, across various themed venues that'll pique your interest. At Mi Santa Maria, the morning brings fragrant coffee, fresh fruit and local pastries alongside a continental breakfast or buffet. During lunchtime, you can head on down to the buffet restaurant or Pepe's Food Grill for some delicious local delicacies, like Mediterranean splendours with hand-picked herbs, heirloom tomatoes and fish caught that very morning. In the evening, there's a choice of buffets, live cooking stations and assorted desserts at one of the many restaurants, including fusion, Japanese, Italian and a steakhouse. Waterside cocktails and mocktails flow at the swim-up bar, where you can order from your lounger without lifting a towel.
Moments of Renewal and Play
The spa offers a sanctuary for your body and mind. Island-harvested salt scrubs and aloe vera wraps will leave your skin luminous. The room fills with steam before you step into the sauna’s warm embrace as the smell of aromatherapy oils wafts around the venue. There are six sparkling pools, including an adults-only infinity pool that seems to spill into the ocean, a children’s splash zone with slides, a heated indoor pool and two secluded whirlpools to splash around in.
Island Rhythms and Hidden Paths
Beyond the resort, Sal's coastline poetry awaits. Salt flats trace along lines where 19th-century pans once harvested crystals. Santa Maria town is a stone's throw from this beachfront Sal hotel, curving beside the sea with its low white houses punctuated by cafes and craft stalls. Kitesurfers fly above Ponta Preta reef while fishing boats return at dawn. From January to June, loggerhead turtles find nesting beaches, their tracks drawing arcs in the sand. The Pedra de Lume salt crater is also a short trip down the way.
Key Points to Consider
A few highlights will have you tripping over yourself to book your seaside escape, including:
- A beachfront setting on the shores of Santa Maria Beach.
- A choice of six pools that includes adult- and children-only pools.
- Splash Water World on-site for the little ones, and you if you're keen.
- Easy access to Santa Maria Town.
- RiuLand kids’ club and full entertainment is at your doorstep.
- Amílcar Cabral International Airport, where you'll arrive, is merely ten minutes away from the resort by car.
All the Thoughtful Touches
Blue Bay Travel holds ATOL and ABTA licences, offering UK-based support that answers questions before your journey and if you need help mid-stay. We also offer a book now, pay later option. The all-inclusive Cape Verde holidays option covers three daily meals, snacks, drinks and 24-hour room service for midnight cravings. Free Wi-Fi stretches from the lobby to the pool. There are also laundry and ironing services, and accessible rooms with ramp access.
Seasons of Sunlight and Warm Breezes
This island is the ideal escape for holidays to Sal, Cape Verde, basking year-round in warm, dry air, with daytime temperatures hovering between 24°C and 30°C. From October to May, trade winds blow gently, perfect for sailing and kite surfing. June to September brings stronger breezes for the adventure seekers.
Your Story Begins Here
At Riu Cape Verde, each moment threads into an unfolding tale of discovery. Whether you rise with the sun for yoga on the shore, share laughter in the waterpark with little ones or toast the twilight with rum-spiced cocktails, you carry memories shaped by ocean light and island spirit. Pack curiosity, leave your routine behind and let Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria compose your next great escape.
- Modern five-star resort located on the beautiful beachfront of Sal, Cape Verde
- Benefit from 24-hour all-inclusive offering at a choice of 10 restaurants & bars
- Let the kids loose in 6 pools or the RiuLand Kids Club, adults can kick back in the spa
Overview
At a glance
Awards
2024
- Travelers Choice Best of the Best - AllInclusive
- Travelers Choice
2023
- Travelers Choice 2023
- Travelers Choice
2022
- Travelers Choice 2022
Accommodation
Beautiful modern rooms await at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria. With incredible amenities, your room has everything readily available for you, including your very own in-room drinks optic! Have your favourite drinks on tap. You will also find the following in your room:
Room Amenities at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
- Balcony or terrace
- Electronic in-room safe
- Satellite TV (flat screen)
- Electric kettle for coffee and tea
- Liquor dispenser
- Minibar
- Ceiling fan
- Central air conditioning
- Free WiFi
- Telephone
- Hairdryer
- Special make-up mirror
- Double wash basin
Room Categories at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
Choose from the following room types:
- Double Standard
- Double Standard with Sea View
- Grande Double Room
- Double with private pool (Adults-Only)
- Family Room
Double Standard
Equipped with a double bed or twin beds, these comfortable rooms are the perfect space to retreat back to after a long day of lounging by the pool. Spend time unwinding in your sitting area before heading out to grab a bite to eat.
- Size: 29sqm
- 2 Beds (110 x 200cm)
- Sitting Area with Sofa
Double Standard with Sea View
The same popular Double Standard room, however, this time you can enjoy stunning sea views from your private balcony or terrace.
- Size: 29sqm
- 2 Beds (110 x 200cm)
- Sitting Area with Sofa
- Balcony or Terrace
Grande Double Room
Prepare for even more space with the Grande Double room. Don’t worry about where your bags, clothes and toiletries will end up, the spacious rooms provide an open area for you to get ready in every day.
- Size: 32sqm
- 2 110 x 200cm beds or one 180 x 200 cm bed
- Sitting Area with Sofa Bed
- Balcony or Terrace
Double with private pool (Adults-Only)
Picture this, you wake up to the sun creeping through your terrace doors, how would you want to start you day? How about with a refreshing dip in your own private pool on your terrace? If that sounds good, this room is perfect for you.
- Size: 30sqm
- 1 180 x 200 cm bed
- Sitting Area with Sofa
- Private Pool with Sun Loungers
Family Room
If you are on a family getaway, this is the ideal choice of room. With plenty of space for the whole family, everyone will have an amazing time.
- Size: 40sqm
- 2 110 x 200 cm beds or 1 180 x 200 cm bed
- Sitting Area with Sofa Bed
- Balcony or Terrace
Dining
When hunger strikes, the choice of restaurants at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria will have you well covered. Choose from a number of different cuisines, vibes, and environments to suit your mood.
Breakfast
- Buffet restaurant: Continental breakfast
- Capuchino Patisserie
Lunch
- Buffet restaurant
- Pepe's Food Grill
Dinner
When evening falls on your magical all-inclusive Cape Verde holiday, you'll be faced with a plethora of dining options. From brilliant buffets with live cooking stations and assorted desserts to special evenings twice a week and a la carte eateries offering delights from Japan, Italy and more.
- Krystal Fusion restaurant
- Japanese restaurant
- Italian restaurant
- Steakhouse
Bars
- 2 swim-up bars
- Cimboa lounge bar
- Daiquiri lobby bar with terrace
- Sports bar
All-inclusive
All-Inclusive at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
Breakfast:
- Varied buffet and live cooking stations
- Continental breakfast
Lunch:
- Buffet with live cooking stations and assorted desserts
- Grill in the pool area
Dinner:
- Buffet with live cooking stations and assorted desserts
- Special evenings: two times a week
- Optional dining, à la carte (reservations required in advance):
- 'Krystal' Fusion restaurant
- Japanese restaurant
- Italian restaurant
- Steakhouse
- Gentlemen are recommended to wear long trousers for dinner.
- Snacks (outside mealtimes)
Beverages:
- Domestic and imported beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) 24 hours a day
- Regularly restocked minibar and liquor dispenser
- In-room safe
Sports and activities:
- Gym, beach volleyball court
- Group fitness activities in the RiuFit area (6 times a week)
- Steam bath
- Kayaking, body boards, snorkelling equipment and pedaloes
- Water park 'Splash Water World', open 6 times a week
- Water sports are only available when weather conditions allow
Entertainment:
- Daytime entertainment programme for children ages 4 to 7 and ages 8 to 12 at 'RiuLand' (daily)
- Daytime entertainment programme for adults (daily)
- Live music, shows or Riu evening programme (daily)
All hotel guests are required to wear an 'All Inclusive' wristband for identification purposes
Facilities
- Gift Shop open 10:00 - 22:00
- 24-hour reception
- Baby facilities
- Cots are available and all rooms have cot space.
- Porter
- Safety deposit box
- Luggage store
- Laundry service (£)
- Complimentary WiFi
- Currency exchange
Leisure
If you, or someone you're travelling with, have a hard time staying reclined on the sunbed while on holiday then the range of things to do at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria will have you well entertained.
Choose from thrilling water sports to live entertainment and super fun water parks. There's something for everyone to enjoy at every hour of the day or evening. All you need to do is plot a way to try and do it all on your family holiday to Sal, Cape Verde.
Sport & Activities
- Beach volleyball court
- RiuFit area
- Kayaking
- Pedalos
- Body boards
- Snorkelling equipment
- Golf course nearby (£)
- Splash World Water Park
Entertainment
- Nightclub
- Live sport screenings
- Bingo
- Karaoke
- Disco
- RiuArt atelier (several times a week)
Kid's Facilities
- RiuLand Kid's Club
- Mini-disco
- Babysitting (£)
- Children's pool
Spa & Wellness
Revona Spa
As with other Riu Resorts in Cape Verde, when you stay at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria you also have the opportunity to relax in the Revona Spa area.
This secluded haven of tranquillity offers a space dedicated to pampering, relaxation and rejuvenation. Take some time to yourself and feel your stress melt away with the help of trained spa therapists and a host of treatments from massages to body wraps and more.
If you don't fancy indulging in a treatment, you can still feel those soothing tones with a visit to the sauna or steam room.
Spa Facilities and Services (£)
- Sauna
- Body wraps
- Facials
- Waxing
- Manicure
- Pedicure
- Aromatherapy
- Hairdressing
- Jacuzzi
- Messages
- Beauty Salon
Faqs
Resort FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hotel Riu Pala Santa Maria.
How much does it cost to stay at Hotel Riu Pala Santa Maria?
The cost of your stay at Hotel Riu Pala Santa Maria will depend on a number of factors including when you go and which room type you book. However, you're guaranteed to see the best prices anywhere by signing up to access our Subscriber Exclusive offers.
What are the check-in/out times at Hotel Riu Pala Santa Maria?
Check-in at Hotel Riu Pala Santa Maria is from 15:00. Check-out is until 12:00.
How many pools does Hotel Riu Pala Santa Maria have?
Hotel Riu Pala Santa Maria boasts a whopping 6 pools for you to make a splash in, including a children's pool, two with swim up bars and a fun water park.
How far is Hotel Riu Pala Santa Maria to the airport?
Hotel Riu Pala Santa Maria is just over 16km from the airport. While transfer times can vary, the standard journey time is around 30 minutes.
Riu Resorts
Riu Hotels make 5-star holidays accessible to everyone, with over 100 hotels worldwide in beautiful destinations that include the Mexican-Caribbean and Cape Verde. Attentive service, excellent facilities and an extensive all-inclusive programme make Riu Resorts a great choice for holidaymakers looking to try a destination for the first time.
