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Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria

5.0 star property
Luxury hotel on the beach, with 5 outdoor pools

Photo gallery for Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria

Indoor pool, 5 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
On the beach, sun-loungers, beach umbrellas, windsurfing
Kayaking
5 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Fusion cuisine
Lobby

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • Pool
  • All-inclusive
  • Gym
  • Spa
The current price is AU$596
includes taxes & fees
21 Feb - 22 Feb

Explore the area

Map
Cabocan Lote E2, Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde, 32
  • Nazarene Church
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Santa Maria Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Santa Maria Pier
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Sal Island (SID-Amilcar Cabral Intl.)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Double Room, Balcony, Sea View

View from room

Double Room, Balcony, Sea View

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Minibar (some free items)
Ceiling fan
Hairdryer
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
  • 29 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Minibar (some free items)
Sofa bed
Ceiling fan
Hairdryer
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • 40 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds and 1 Single Sofa Bed

View all photos for Double Room (Swim-up - Adults Only)

Double Room (Swim-up - Adults Only)

Double Room (Swim-up - Adults Only)

Highlights

Balcony
Private pool
Air conditioning
Minibar (some free items)
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Double Room (Large)

Double Room (Large)

Double Room (Large)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Minibar (some free items)
Sofa bed
Ceiling fan
Hairdryer
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds and 1 Single Sofa Bed

View all photos for Double Room

View from room

Double Room

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Minibar (some free items)
Ceiling fan
Hairdryer
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
  • 29 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

Similar properties

Exterior

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

Pool
Breakfast included
Spa
Kids pool
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, (272)
The price is AU$789
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
18 Feb - 19 Feb
Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

About the area

Sal

A luxury stay in Sal awaits you at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria. You'll be 2.7 km (1.7 mi) from Santa Maria Pier and 2.7 km (1.7 mi) from Santa Maria Beach. Highlights at this all-inclusive hotel include 5 restaurants, 5 outdoor swimming pools and a full-service spa. .A day of pampering at Renova Spa can include massages along with access to the steam room. The buffet restaurant, Palmeira, is open for breakfast and dinner. With 2 poolside bars and 5 lounge bars to choose from, you can enjoy a drink at the hotel. Spend the day at the beach where you'll find sunloungers, and enjoy the on-site free water park and indoor swimming pool. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a gym and a free children's club. Free buffet breakfast is available daily between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM. .With a stay at this 5-property class Sal hotel, you'll be 2.9 km (1.8 mi) from Nazarene Church and 2.9 km (1.8 mi) from Santa Maria Town Square.

What's nearby

  • Nazarene Church - 6 min drive
  • Santa Maria Town Square - 8 min drive
  • Santa Maria Beach - 8 min drive
  • Santa Maria Pier - 8 min drive
  • Ponta Preta - 9 min drive

Getting around

  • Sal Island (SID-Amilcar Cabral Intl.) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪restaurante Américo's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Bar de Praia - Oasis Atlantico - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Restaurant Cabo Verde Riu Funana - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Espargos - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Calema - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria

Luxury hotel on the beach, with 5 outdoor pools
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria is an all-inclusive hotel. Room rates include meals and beverages at on-site restaurants and bars. Other items and amenities, including taxes and gratuities, and access to recreational activities and entertainment may also be included. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

Spend the day at the beach and work on your tan with sunloungers (chaise longues) or relax in the shade with umbrellas. At Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria, you can cool off in one of the 5 outdoor swimming pools and indulge in a pampering afternoon at the full-service spa.

Free breakfast is served daily. There are 5 restaurants on site, along with a coffee shop/cafΘ. For a drink, you can stop by one of the on-site bars, including 2 swim-up bars and 5 bars/lounges. WiFi is free in public spaces. This all-inclusive hotel also offers a complimentary water park, a complimentary children's club and a children's pool.

This 5-star Sal hotel is smoke free.

  • 1001 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 7 buildings
  • 5 dining venues
  • 2 bars by the pool
  • 2 swim-up bars
  • 5 bars or lounges
  • Built in 2020
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Kid's club (free)
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Beauty salon
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
  • Coffee shop
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria offers 1001 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars (stocked with some free items) and a safe. Rooms open to balconies. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include a shower and hairdryers. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa, Renova Spa. Services include massages. The spa is equipped with a steam room.

The spa is open daily. Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property
This property participates in Travelife – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and the local economy.

Languages

English, Portuguese, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • 2 poolside bars
  • 2 swim-up bars
  • 5 bars/lounges
  • 5 restaurants
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Restaurants on site

  • Dorayaki
  • Krystal
  • La Pappardella
  • Palmeira
  • Praia

Things to do

  • 5 outdoor pools
  • Beach volleyball
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Bicycle storage
  • Children's pool
  • Concerts/live shows
  • Evening entertainment
  • Fitness classes
  • Free children's club
  • Free water park
  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Indoor pool
  • Kayaking
  • Playground
  • Surfing/bodyboarding
  • Water sports equipment
  • Waterslide
  • Windsurfing

Family friendly

  • 5 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Free children's club
  • Free water park access
  • Indoor pool
  • Playground
  • Waterslide

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Hair salon
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of towels on request
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • On the waterfront
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Massage
  • Spa open daily
  • Steam room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free minibar (limited items)

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Ceiling fan
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
This property does not permit name changes on reservations. The name on the booking must match the name of the guest who is checking in and staying at the property; photo ID is required.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: CVE 276.00 per person, per night. This tax does not apply to children under 17 years of age.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
This property uses a grey water recycling system
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Covid-19 Health Protocol (RIU)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. No on-site parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Union Pay, debit cards and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival. This property uses a grey water recycling system. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Covid-19 Health Protocol (RIU) guidelines.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Riu Palace Santa Maria Sal
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria Sal
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel Sal
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria All Inclusive

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria?

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria?

As of 4 Feb 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria on 21 Feb 2025 start from AU$587.62, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Are there any beaches close to Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria?

The closest beach to Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria is Santa Maria Beach (0.5 km).

Is there a spa on site at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria?

Yep, Renova Spa is available for guests. You'll enjoy services like massages.

Does Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria have a pool?

Take your pick from 5 outdoor swimming pools, an indoor pool and a kids' pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella and with a drink from one of the bars.

Does Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria have a waterslide?

Yep, this property has a waterslide!

What luxury perks are available at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria?

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria features 2 poolside bars, 5 outdoor pools and a full-service spa.

What makes Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria a romantic place to stay?

Al fresco dining, plus private balconies in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria.

Is Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a free children's club, a children's pool and a playground, it's no surprise that Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria is a hit with families.

Does Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria serve breakfast?

Yeah, complimentary buffet brekkie is on offer daily from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria?

No, Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria?

Relax with a coldie at the 2 poolside bars or 5 lounge bars, and grab a meal at the onsite restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Are pets allowed at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 62 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 62 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 62 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 62 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 62 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Luciano

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Suit ruined in laundry service
A disaster the serice. You ruined me a suit that I gave for laundry with a “Delicate” message. You washed it by hand. An Hugo Boss suit. I complaint at receñtion and after 2 days I was comoletely left alone, with manager not facing the situation and the front office manager asking me to ask my personal insurance. I demand compensation I put a complaint at front desk
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa, Brooklyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I initially booked a week in an oceanfront room but decided to extend my stay in Sal after my flight to Praia was canceled. No other resort can compete with the RIU Santa Maria. There are at least three pools, five to six restaurants, 24 hour service. Hotel staff like Nilton at reception and the ladies at the coffee bar made my solo visit to the island much more enjoyable. The resort sent a bottle of brut to my room in recognition of my birthday (they must have noticed the date on my passport). Book room 6238 in block 6 for beautiful sea views and its proximity to the beach and pools! Also take advantage of the resort spa. Pro tip: download the RIU app to book dinners at the specialty restaurants. Food in the primary dining room is exquisite. Everything is perfect and stunningly clean. I am looking forward to a return visit one day!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Tasnia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Claydir

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Our room has no ac and took two days for them to come and check. They wanted to downgrade our room to another room that had ac which wasn’t as good either
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny, Kentwood

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josephine

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kina

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

2/10 Terrible

Josiana

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joao Carlos

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Danielle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Olamide

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great experience, looks just like pictures, worthwhile resort…although pricy

8/10 Good

Peridice, Brockton

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful Property but doesn't have any of the local architecture or culture in the design or esthetics of the property.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Xaverie

Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was very clean and big. You can be sure to walk off all the food from the all inclusive. The staff are very welcoming. Special mention to reception staff Lewis and Leno Reis who were patient with our requirements and also made recommendation on must visit local places. They were always on hand with any queries we had. Also a special mention to bar member Giovanni who went out of his way to ensure he assisted me as i was carrying a baby and another child on hand. The entertainment was also great. My 4 year old loved the kids' club and the staff really do have patience with the kids! There are enough pools to choose from and further entertainment in the pool giving it the Cape Verdian atmosphere. The weather is the beautiful African heat even when they say clouds are grey; the wind you get on that siade of the coast is actually welcomed. I will most certainly visit again.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Maureen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

4/10 Poor

Peter

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My wife and I are very happy positive polite people, our glass is always half full as oppose to half empty, we rarely leave feedback but on this occasion I must. My wife and I visited the Rui Palace Hotel from the 10/03/22 to 20/03/22, We were so excited having had friends that stayed there over Christmas They so enthusiastic with the array of fresh seafood that was on offer, Tuna and Grouper etc on a daily basis, and to celebrate my wife's Birthday (my wife is a vegetarian with the addition of fish in her diet,So 5 star luxury with fresh sea food, delicious fruit would be perfect However our experience was not a pleasant one, Quantity is not better than Quality, the food was very bland and invariably cold or lukewarm, the salad and fruit had no taste, the only fresh looking fish that was on offer once, was a whole trout obviously cooked from frozen, plenty of frozen hake fillets was cooked daily tasted of nothing The fish I caught from the beach in the early mornings, that was graciously cooked by the lovely lady's at the swim up bar was the only fresh fish I ate, my wife was ill room bound for three days (tummy bug) I was the same a few days later. (no food eaten off the complex) I emailed the manager with our experience and had no response VERY DISSAPOINTED The entertainment staff were fantastic
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Fraser

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Etti

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jackson Flomo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice, very nice!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Manuel

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kerry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

6/10 Okay

Ellie

Pros: plenty of food and drinks to go around. You'll rarely, if ever, go hungry or thirsty. Some lovely staff in some of the restaurants. Plenty of loungers. Lovely white sand beach. Cons: food quality very varied depending on where you go. Rooms are not fitting for a 5* property. Our room had lots of ants and mosquitoes, the motion sensor bathroom light shines straight through the frosted glass into the bedroom when you're trying to sleep, and the doors are useless at soundproofing so you can hear everything happening in the echo-y hallways. The people trying to sell excursions on the beach are really aggressive so you feel like you can never relax on the beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Claudia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2021