Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann
The Cap Verde are exotic. In addition to glorious white sandy beaches, volcanic landscapes, they offer 10 islands.
The islands are a popular destination for (Surf & Kite) travellers. More and more guests come to the archipelago, which lies five hundred kilometers away from Senegal, in the solitude of the Atlantic Ocean.
Ten islands all of them are volcanic origin, belong to the archipelago, but only nine of them are inhabited.
Thats why there are 10 dolphins in the Hilton hotel lobby.
Until their discovery by the Portuguese in 1456, the islands were uninhabited, later on they became a strategic location in Portugal’s colonial empire.
They created a funky mix of Creole culture that still shapes the island inhabitants today. In contrast to the West African neighboring countries, it is very peaceful place, probably because there are neither oil, gold nor diamonds on Cape Verde.
Since 1975 Cape Verde has been an independent island nation. Portuguese is the official language, but the population speaks Creole.
Today, more Cape Verdians live abroad than on the islands themselves. The island Sal is pure relaxation, true to the Cape Verdean motto “No stress”.
Furthermore the house beach of the brand new Hilton resort offers one of the twenty best beaches world wide. A paradise for kite surfers and for all those in search of peace is Sal, the “island of salt”, because of its great saltmine.
350 days of sunshine a year, windy climate and average temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius.
Much has been happening on the island, there are several new constructions, the reason for my visit was the auguration of the new Hilton Cabo Verde, the first Hilton on all Cape Verde Islands!
It adapts pleasantly to the landscape, a modern resort, in warm and bright tones.
The rooms and suites are spread over several buildings, nestled in a verdant landscape of lawns, palm trees, bushes and flowers.
The main building houses the main entrance, access to the pool and elegant lobby.
All rooms are modern, in bright colors with discreet color accents, especially the beautiful bathrooms are to be highlighted – spacious rain showers, a wide double sink and separate toilets provide a feel-good atmosphere in the bathroom.
All rooms have air conditioning, a flat screen TV and a nice balcony.
The hotel has a large outdoor pool and a lovely pool bar. Try one of the cocktails, just amazing.
For sporty guests, there is a kite surfing school and dive center on the beach.
Another must do: Try the spa. A wonderful retreat for guests who like massages and spa treatments. Later on take the sauna or if you fancy sport you will find a gym with the latest equipment, running bands, bicycles, crosstrainer.
Eat and drink:
The gastronomic offer in the four hotel restaurants are varied, nice breakfast buffet, various types of bread, a huge selection of different types of cheese and sausages, freshly cut fruit, all sorts of juices, yoghurts and mueslis, all egg dishes are made to order.
My favourite restaurant is the beach restaurant “Bounty”.
It serves à la carte meals. From lovely starters with seafood to main courses with fish or meat, all the finest. I highly recommended the fantastic fish dishes.
The results are simply sensational and are accompanied by excellent Portugese wines.
Alvarinho, Vinho verde, Touriga National delicious wines and great pairings. We have seldom eaten so well and enjoyed the Grand Opening.
Life can be so easy and so beautiful, but always a bit to short.
We have to go back, the transfer to Amílcar Cabral Airport Aeroporto Internacional takes only 15 minutes.
Total: The Cabo Verde Hilton belongs on every bucket list.
Good bye Cabo Verde. Stay easy, no stress…
Information and booking:
Photos: Hilton Cabo Verde, Daniel Ford & Jens Hoffmann
