Hotel Parques Das Dunas Reviews

Flight- Direct to Sal, Cape Verde Islands then internal flight to Boa Vista. Sal airport poorly organised eg no departure board beyond customs. No staff to advise. Internal flight v. easy to miss. Weight of passengers and baggage checked as small plane. Outgoing baggage allowance 20kg. Return 15kg! Returned to Sal early am last day and deposited at hotel till later flight. Wasted day.

Hotel- right on 15k of sandy beach. Only 1 other hotel complex on beach. Windy ++ so not safe to swim throughout stay. Rocky outcrops. Not suitable kids. Pool OK- cleaned and maintained. Free loungers/shades/towels. Reception friendly and helpful but prone to answer ";yes"; to all questions! Bills payable by Visa. Dining room staff pleasant; food ";samey"; and limited;Virtually all guests had D+V during week we stayed. All of our party unwell. Early bkfast provided on last day. Packed lunch- poor content and expensive- but little access to other options. Try Italian hotel complex along beach- report to reception- flat fee access to excellent buffet inclusive wine/beer/soft drinks. Hotel rooms adequate. Clean towels and linen daily. Good shower. Our party had a fully fitted kitchen without any crockery/cutlery/kettle. All rooms had fans/netting to windows/patios with furniture. Safe at Reception- but didnt hear of any probs.during stay. Maids efficient but dont tolerate guests in rooms (even if they are ill!)
V.relaxing but little to do onsite for younger guests.

Outings- Coach from hotel into Sal Rei x2/day. Free/runs on time. Sal Rei has little appeal, though some guests ate out in evenings and recommend local fish. No toilets. Minimal shops eg pharmacy. Veg Market was interesting but flies ++.Food available v.limited.
Went riding- arranged via rep. Guide spoke no English/fell off/rode off. 2 out of 5 horses severely underweight and grabbed all available shrubs. Tack didnt fit.... Dont do unless you are competent or have competent companions. That said, good way to see desert and beach was spectacular.
Went fishing- given name of fisherman and bar he hangs out in! People in Sal rei v. helpful to locate our charter. Small open boat. Crew wonderful. Equipment provided.Dont go if cant swim- choppy seas;well offshore; no life-jackets. Sunscreen and long trousers!! Caught beautiful fish.Saw whales and albatross. Crew informative and great day.

Round Island driven tour with guide- Taxi= flat back truck with 2 benches. 2 interior seats for less mobile. Outside gives wonderful views but take towel to sit on and be prepared to be dusty ++. Guide gave excellent talks on flora/fauna/lifestyles.... Excellent value and insightful.Bought fresh coco-nut; but need lunch and fluid. Would we go back- probably not. Building +++ commencing and Sal was described by one of our fellow travellers as ";like Skegness, but withought the sophistication";. The 4 star hotel we were deposited at on last day was directly oposite an enormous building site and had filthy facilities. Its a shame such beautiful islands are being developed in such an uncaring way.Am glad we saw Boa Vista in 2007.