Hotel Morabeza

"For most, Morabeza is one of those hotels that’s easy to appreciate. For me, though...not quite my vibe. The location is the winner here. Just steps from the beach, they have their own beach club, and it’s an easy walk to restaurants, shopping, and everything else in Santa Maria. There’s also a cash machine on the property and another across the street, which came in handy. The hotel was clean, my room was comfortable, and the staff was somewhat kind, but I found the hospitality a little reserved overall. A few lovely employees stood out, but I felt more welcome and warmth from the locals I met around town. Breakfast was okay. Nothing exciting, but it got the job done. After several breakfasts and a disappointing meal at the beach club, I found myself exploring Santa Maria for sustenance. Not exactly a culinary thrill either, but I enjoyed the food there more than at the hotel. And one suggestion for the hotel...unless that oversized room key has some deep historical significance, please upgrade it to a key card or something lighter. That thing must weigh about 2-3 lbs; carrying it around was cumbersome. I hope to return to Sal in a few years, but I’ll explore other hotel options."

"I am reviewing the Beach Bar only… The staff are friendly, the interior is nicely decorated and the seating is comfy. The mango caipirinha was to die for and the view across the beach and water stunning. Drinks slightly more expensive than elsewhere nearby but the views and great beach vibes were worth it!"

"We have just returned from an incredible stay at Hotel Morabeza on Sal Island, and honestly, we couldn’t fault it. From the moment we arrived, the experience was fantastic. Check-in was quick and easy, and we were even given a complimentary tote bag, which was a lovely touch. The receptionist, Emma, deserves a special mention – she was incredibly polite, welcoming and made us feel at home straight away. We were then shown to our room while our luggage was carried for us, which immediately gave the hotel that extra touch of luxury. Our room was excellent – very spacious with a huge, comfortable bed. Everything was spotlessly clean, and the air conditioning worked perfectly, which is essential in the Cape Verde heat. The terrace/balcony was a lovely place to sit and relax, and the fridge was a good size for keeping drinks and snacks cold. We also appreciated the complimentary bottle of water waiting for us on arrival. The hotel grounds are beautifully maintained and clearly very well looked after. There’s plenty to do too, with a great games room and a surprisingly good mini golf course. The hotel has three large swimming pools, all with different depths to suit everyone. We visited in June, and the pools were wonderfully quiet – no early morning rush for sunbeds and plenty of space to relax. The sunbeds themselves are extremely comfortable thanks to the thick cushions provided. Guests also receive two complimentary beach towels, which can be exchanged at any time through guest services. The beach area is equally impressive, with lots of comfortable sunbeds available on both the sand and the decking. Food throughout the hotel was excellent with plenty of choice during the day. The breakfast buffet had everything you could want, including hot food, pastries, cheeses, breads, cold meats and much more. I would definitely recommend trying the national dish at breakfast – it’s delicious and a great way to experience local cuisine. It’s also worth mentioning that alternative and lactose-free milk options are readily available. (We didn’t do all inclusive - just breakfast) We enjoyed the few lunches we had at the beach bar. The setting is beautiful, the staff are friendly, and the food is very reasonably priced. The Caesar salad is an absolute must-try. The La Tortue Bar quickly became our favourite spot. Happy hour offers six drink options, all at around £2.50 each, which is excellent value. The regular drinks menu is extensive, and every cocktail we tried was fantastic. I highly recommend the Tortue Special and the Creola Sabe. A special thank you to Abdow and Marco, who worked behind the bar – they were so friendly and welcoming, and we looked forward to chatting with them every day. For dinner we ate out mostly as we were not all inclusive and wanted to explore, but , we attended the Cape Verdean Night on both Saturdays, and it was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip. The selection of food was incredible, and every dish we tried was delicious. The slow-cooked pork and banana mousse were particular standouts. The traditional music and dancing created an amazing atmosphere and made for a truly memorable evening. As with everywhere else in the hotel, the staff and waiters were exceptionally polite and attentive. Top Tips for Future Guests: • Don’t forget to budget for the tourism tax of €2.50 per person, per day. • If you’re eating breakfast, make sure keep an eye on your food as well as drinks as the birds are very keen to help themselves! • If you’re planning on doing a buggy tour, bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty – you’ll be covered in dust but it’s absolutely worth it. Overall, Hotel Morabeza exceeded our expectations in every way. The staff, facilities, food and relaxed atmosphere made for a perfect holiday, and we would happily return in the future. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Sal Island!"