Back to Sal: 12 Days in My Second Home

I was there for 12 days, although this definitely wasn't your typical holiday. I spent plenty of time relaxing, catching up with friends and revisiting some of my favourite places, but I was also working while I was there and taking the opportunity to meet with some of the hotels on the island.

So, let's start right at the beginning...

First impressions – even the airport has changed!

It had been two years since I had last been to Sal, and one of the first things I noticed was just how much development there had been.

And it started as soon as I landed. Amílcar Cabral International Airport has had some real improvements, and for me, they are all for the better.

It's a relatively small airport, and previously it could become quite crowded at busy times. There have now been changes to the layout, improvements to the duty-free area and changes designed to make the whole arrival and departure experience smoother.

So, development number one? A success!

And it was only the beginning of the changes I noticed during my time back on the island.

Meeting the hotels – and seeing what's changed

One of the things I really wanted to do while I was back was meet with some of the hoteliers on the island.

Some were people I already knew from my time living and working in Sal, while others were people I was meeting for the first time.

It's something I really value because there's a big difference between simply looking at a hotel online and actually walking through it, meeting the team and seeing it for yourself.

Meliá Dunas / Sol Dunas.

The Meliá Dunas & Sol Dunas has had some changes since my last visit, so I spent some time with the guest relations team, had a hotel tour and got to see the changes for myself.

One thing that could sometimes be confusing for guests previously was the relationship between Meliá Dunas and Sol Dunas.

They could feel like one large resort, when actually they are two separate hotels. Now, the distinction is much clearer, with separate reception areas, buffet areas and facilities.

For me, that's a positive change because it makes the experience much clearer for guests staying at each property.

And then there was the walk down to the beach... Even on a cloudy day, the views were incredible.

And don't let those clouds fool you! You're still going to need the SPF. 

Royal Horizon – finally seeing it for myself.

It was one of those hotels that was still being built the last time I was on the island, so being able to finally see it properly — and meet the team — was really nice.

And honestly? I was surprised, and for all the right reasons.

I've seen the pictures online advertising the hotel, but I don't think they do it justice.

It's a big resort, but interestingly, it doesn't feel like everything is miles away from everything else. The facilities feel quite compact and easy to get around, while the rooms are positioned further out, meaning you can have a little more peace and quiet when you want it.

One of the pools even has a sand bottom, which I thought was really cool. I've never seen that before!

There are also lots of speciality restaurants, a hardworking animation team and then one of my favourite parts... The snack bar right on the beachfront. 

And when I say the views... WOW. 

Beach. Ocean. Food. Drinks. What's not to like?

Catching up with friends & revisiting old favourites.

Of course, not all of my time in Sal was spent working. A lot of it was simply spent doing what I love about the island most — catching up with friends and visiting places that hold so many memories for me. 

One of those places is Angulo's Beach Bar. It's such a lovely beachfront spot and somewhere you can enjoy at different times of the day.

During the day, you can grab a lounger on the beach, enjoy lunch, have a drink and just soak up that Sal atmosphere.

Then in the evening, it changes.

There is live music, and on Sundays the Senegalese performers put on an incredible performance with their drums, followed by the bonfire. It is one of those experiences that feels incredibly nostalgic for me.

And being back there after two years? It was pretty special.

Sunset at The Beach House

Another place I was really happy to revisit was The Beach House, which some people may remember as Papaya back in the day.

It's located right on the beach in front of Porto Antigo in Santa Maria, and if you're looking for somewhere to watch the sunset... This is the place, especially on a clear evening. 

The drinks and cocktails were great, the staff were brilliant and the charcuterie boards were amazing.

I didn't get to properly explore the food menu this time, so that's definitely something I'll be rectifying on my next visit! Because yes... I'll definitely be back.

& Yes, it does rain in Cape Verde!

September is part of the rainy season in Cape Verde, so we did have one evening where the heavens opened.  

And when it rains.. It RAINSSSS. 😂

But actually, I really wasn't mad about it. It was incredibly hot and humid while I was there, so the rain was almost welcome. 

And the good thing is that those heavy showers generally don't last forever, meaning it isn't necessarily going to ruin your holiday. It's also a reminder that Cape Verde isn't just permanently blue skies and sunshine — and that's okay! 

And then there were the turtles...

One of the most memorable moments of my trip happened completely by chance.

After a lovely catch-up with a friend, I was walking along the beach when they spotted a turtle that had come out of the sea.

She was digging to lay her eggs, so we quietly sat nearby and watched. And honestly, how often can you say you've experienced something like that just while walking home? 

It's moments like this that remind me why I love Cape Verde so much.

Sadly, I didn't get a clear photograph. But that's okay. You can't shine lights on the turtles, and protecting them has to come first. 

Some memories don't need a photograph anyway.

Why Sal will always pull me back..

Maybe it's because I lived there.

Maybe it's the people I met.

Maybe it's the memories.

Maybe it's the feeling I get every time I arrive.

Probably all of it.

This 12-day trip reminded me just how much I love the island, and seeing the development over the last two years has been fantastic.

If you've never been to Cape Verde, I'd really encourage you to look beyond simply thinking of it as a winter-sun destination. There is so much more to experience.

And if you're considering Sal, Cape Verde, and want to know what it's really like, where to stay, what areas I recommend or what you can do while you're there... Please get in touch.

I'd absolutely love to help you discover a place that means so much to me.

Sal, I'll be back soon.

- I have popped some videos on my webpage of these hotels, so check them out to see more of what I am talking about!