Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa

The column-flanked entryway of this all-inclusive resort is capped by a streamlined pediment that gives classic design a modern twist. Inside, the look—which extends right through to the guest rooms—is more strictly contemporary, but it still avoids beach-decor clichés with nary a seashell or driftwood sculpture in sight. Opening directly onto the pools and plaza, the triple-height lobby is bright and airy overall. The actual reception area, on the other hand is comparatively small and prone to crowding—especially when guests check in en masse, many of them European tourists who’ve booked through big-name tour packagers like TUI Holidays.

Situated about 220 miles off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde is a West African nation known for its year-round sunshine, and Sal—one of the archipelago’s beach-blessed islands—lets you take full advantage of it. Overlooking a particularly fine stretch of soft white sand, the resort itself sits in the Hotel Zone on Sal’s southern end, not far from lively Santa Maria (the island’s primary tourist town). Ponta Preta, a renowned kite- and wind-surfing spot is a very short drive away, as is Bikini Beach, a fashionable Ibiza-esque club. Many guests, however, are content to stick to Melia Dunas Beach’s village-like property, enjoying its recreational facilities and using it as a base for watersports (like world-class diving) or sightseeing excursions. Free shuttle buggies (aka golf carts) connect far-flung parts of the sprawling resort, though you may have to wait a while for one. Airport transfers can also be arranged on-site.           

• One-minute drive to Ponta Preta
• Four-minute drive to Bikini Beach
• Seven-minute drive to Santa Maria
• 14-minute drive to Amilcar Cabral International Airport
• 18-minute drive to Espargos (Sal’s capital)
• 20-minute drive to Palmeira (the main port)

The standard, contemporary-style accommodations here cover a broad spectrum—from 430-square foot Double Rooms to 970-square foot Family Suites with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and separate living areas. All, however, boast a terrace or balcony and are spacious enough to accommodate a sizable desk and seating area. All share a common look, too. Picture an appropriately sandy palette with handsome wood accents lending a touch of gravitas. Matching bathrooms have dual pedestal sinks, walk-in showers and, in some cases, contoured tubs. Individually controlled air-conditioning, empty mini-fridges (as opposed to stocked minibars), digital safes, flat-screen satellite TVs, and efficient free Wi-Fi are also included across the board. The Level (an executive section) has a similar selection of lodgings in terms of sizes but adds personalized services and extra perks; the most notable being adult-only access to a private pool and exclusive lounge. Three or five bedrooms villas kitted out with kitchens and small garden pools are available as well.

As you would expect in an all-inclusive of this caliber, an enviable variety of restaurants is included in your rate—from international buffets to an a la carte Argentinean-inspired steakhouse—though surcharges do apply in some cases. Ditto for the bevy of bars: most, like the poolside and piano ones are free, but you will pay extra at the opulent RJ's Champagne Bar. Treatments, salon services, and hydrotherapy facilities in the chic 17,225-square foot YHI Spa also come at a cost; however access to its fully-outfitted fitness center (featuring cardio and strength training machines) is free to everyone aged 18 or over. Tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts—together with Aquafit classes and yoga sessions on the beach—provide alternate means of exercise outdoors.

The resort has seven well-proportioned pools, too. Among them, a serene one reserved exclusively for The Level guests and another waterpark-style version complete with pirate-themed waterslides for youngsters. Children from 5 to 7 years of age further benefit from free day-and-evening kids clubs that offer engaging age-appropriate activities overseen by qualified staffers. Daytime programs for adults (think dance classes or water polo competitions) are organized as well, while nighttime brings DJ music and local acts to the bars plus themed parties and live shows to the 800-seat amphitheater.

For guests combining work with leisure, the resort provides a business center along with flexible conference space; up-to-date A/V equipment, tech support and in-house catering are added bonuses. Other on-site features include a round-the-clock reception desk with concierge capabilities; boutiques in the Boulevard; a medical center; a little library and guest computer corner; dry-cleaning/laundry, and on-request babysitting services; and free property-wide Wi-Fi.