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Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive

5.0 star property
All-inclusive hotel with 5 restaurants and 5 outdoor pools

Photo gallery for Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive

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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • All-inclusive
  • Gym
  • Spa
The current price is NZ$619
includes taxes & fees
2 Oct - 3 Oct

Explore the area

View map
Cabocan Lote E2, Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde, 32
  • Place, Santa Maria Beach
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Santa Maria Pier
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Kite Beach
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Airport, Sal Island (SID-Amilcar Cabral Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Double Room

View from room

Double Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(16 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Double Room (Large)

Double Room (Large)

Double Room (Large)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Minibar (some free items)
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Eco-friendly toiletries
Electric kettle
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Large Twin Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed OR 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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

Double Room (Swim-up - Adults Only)

Double Room (Swim-up - Adults Only)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Minibar (some free items)
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 40 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Large Twin Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed OR 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Eco-friendly toiletries
Electric kettle
  • 29 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

About the area

Sal

A luxury stay in Sal awaits you at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive. 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

  • Santa Maria Town Square - 5 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Santa Maria Beach - 6 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Santa Maria Pier - 6 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Shark Bay Beach - 13 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Kite Beach - 15 min drive - 5.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurant Praia - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Daiquiri - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪RIU Cabo Verde Restaurant Promenade - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Magellan Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪La Pappardella - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive

All-inclusive hotel with 5 restaurants and 5 outdoor pools
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive 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 - All Inclusive, 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 - All Inclusive 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.

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Exterior detail

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  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • All-inclusive
  • Spa
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 81 reviews
The price is NZ$561
includes taxes & fees
25 Oct - 26 Oct
Hotel Riu Cabo Verde - Adults Only - All Inclusive

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

More

  • 3 floors
  • 7 buildings
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Built in 2020
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

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 - All Inclusive

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra 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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. 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

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

Frequently asked questions

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

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive 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 - All Inclusive?

As of 1 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive on 2 Oct 2025 start from NZ$609.22, 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 - All Inclusive?

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

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

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

Does Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive 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 - All Inclusive have a waterslide?

Yep, this property has a waterslide!

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

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

What makes Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive 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 - All Inclusive.

Is Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive 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 - All Inclusive is a hit with families.

Does Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive 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 - All Inclusive?

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

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

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 - All Inclusive?

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

Are pets allowed at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Reviews

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 73 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nikeda

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful area and lovely staff
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luca Ugo

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcine

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were very nice. We enjoyed lots of options for the meals and several locations to choose from. Gym and spa were great. Loved the pools and activities!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Dwight

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Claudine

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice hotel with access to a wonderful beach. Because it was winter, we were not able to do watersports because of the sea condition but it was still fun and kids enjoyed the park and the waterslides. Excellent destination for family.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reiner Jürgen

Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Inacio

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Restaurante servers were amazing.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa, Brooklyn

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful hotel with plenty of pool options and very close to town.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

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