Say the Verde
Simon Duke says why aye to new TUI flights direct from Newcastle to the fabulous Cape
FOR top quality winter sun, all-inclusive indulgence, cocktail hour all day long and a ‘hidden gem’ of a holiday destination you need look no further than fabulous Cape Verde.
And if you’re from the North East this paradise group of 10 islands off the west coast of Africa is now even more accessible thanks to TUI launching direct flights from Newcastle to complement its other UK routes.
While an average flight time of around six hours might not be as swift as a hop to Spain, the few extra hours in the sky are far from taxing – and what awaits you at the other end is worth the wait.
My trip as a passenger on the inaugural TUI flight from the capital of Geordieland took me to Sal island – only about 18 miles in length but with plenty to offer.
As well as boasting 350 days of sunshine a year, it is also home to some stunning hotels owned by the renowned RIU group, which has properties worldwide.
About a 15-20 minute drive from Sal airport, there are three lying very close to each other – the family friendly RIU Funana, adults only option RIU Cabo Verde and – the jewel in the crown – the five-star RIU Palace Santa Maria.
This huge hotel – with more than 700 staff and hosting around 2,000 guests – opened in 2021 and still has that very new and fresh feel to it.
RIU Palace’s stunning reception sets the tone for the rest of this resort.
It’s home to two good size buffet style restaurants, one right next to the pool if you need to refuel during stints of sunbathing or swimming. And there are also four themed restaurants serving up steaks, Italian dishes, Asian cuisine and fusion food. Of course, no holiday in the sun would be complete without a few tipples and some entertainment and the RIU Palace firmly ticks the box for both of those.
As well as having a Sports Bar open 24 hours, the hotel has a sumptuous piano bar, show bar and two swim-up ones, meaning you can have have your thirst quenched right round the clock.
You can also wind down in the hotel’s own spa, complete with a gorgeous indoor pool or work up even more of a sweat in the gym. When it comes to entertainment, the option for things to do around the hotel starts way before the sun goes down, not least the water park, that has slides to catch the eyes of both the young and the young at heart.
There are live singers, bands and tributes to music legends to get your feet tapping – and every Friday guests from all three RIU hotels have the option to head to either a Neon or White Party at the RIU Funana. Think Ibiza, without the pricey drinks and with added face paint and balloons.
While Sal does have that ‘resort’ feel to it, with so much at your disposal that you may not feel the need to venture outside of your hotel, a trip to see the parts of the island not occupied by hotels is a great shout.
The TUI Experiences’ Postcards of Sal tour lasts around eight hours and we travelled by coach to visit the likes of Kite Beach, Murdeira Bay, Buracona lagoon,
Pedra de Lume salt flats and the towns of Palmeira and island capital Espargos.
And your reward for seeing the sights? A chilled cocktail at the popular Ponta Preta beach club. Getting to be a sightseer for the day, discovering more of the island and sipping on a cocktail - what more could you want from an excursion?
Another TUI trip that should be at the top of any Sal ‘to do’ list is the catamaran cruise. Sipping all-inclusive drinks, you sail leisurely through the azure seas, and enjoy a stop for swimming too.
There’s also food and entertainment on offer from the crew. And for anyone who thinks they’ve got some moves to show off, you’ll get your chance to shine as audience participation is most definitely encouraged.
If a night outside your hotel appeals, the centre of Santa Maria is home to a few nightspots worth checking out, including a reggae haunt and Irish bar The Dubliner which has cemented itself as a firm favourite for UK football fans with multiple screens showing different matches.
A wander round Santa Maria in daytime is worth it too, if only to see it’s fascinating street art and murals
Sal is the perfect encapsulation of what you can get from a Cape Verde holiday – sun, all-inclusive hotels that take away any hard work other than deciding which lounger to park yourself on, what to order from the bar or what song to sing on the karaoke. Oh, and the most friendly staff to ensure you have a truly relaxing break.
If you’ve never considered Cape Verde as a holiday destination before, my advice would be to give it a try, because you won’t regret it. And if you want to travel from Newcastle airport, it’s now even easier.
‘‘ Sal island is only about 18 miles in length but with plenty to offer