ROBINSON CABO VERDE - Adults only -All inclusive

The room was lovely, with a king-sized bed, seating area, balcony with a table and two chairs, and a large bathroom. They cleaned it every day and left six 1.5-litre bottles of water daily. It’s only 15 minutes from the airport, and we were greeted with a cold drink and a refreshing cold towel. The staff couldn’t have been friendlier. We stayed B&B, and breakfast had the range I’d expect from a Hilton, with cooked and continental food, cereal, fruit, Buck’s Fizz, an egg station and a pancake station. Cize Bar was a nice place for evening drinks and live music. We only ate the delicious French apple cake there, but the poolside bar food was very good too, including pizza, burgers and club sandwiches. The gardens are great for sunbathing, with beach towels provided each day, and the beach is just a couple of minutes away. Great place to stay.

Tonight I watched people spill into the street and start dancing outside a fish restaurant because they liked the music. Kids, parents, young and old, French, Italian, English, German, Portuguese, Cabo Verdeans and people from all sorts of backgrounds were singing, talking, eating and drinking together. It was one of the best nights I’ve had, a real life moment. That’s Cape Verde for me. It’s where you’re planning to go, but 20 years younger. Naive, a bit tatty and very windy, and the midday sun will peel you like a lemon. Still, it’s simply fabulous. Today I paddled with lemon sharks, floated in a mineral mine and watched waves hit volcanic rocks. The beaches are sandy and the roads rough. Locals take no for an answer and don’t rip you off. There’s no apparent drug scene, strip clubs blasting music, designer shopping or Michelin stars, but there are family restaurants and funky bars. It feels safe and easy, isn’t expensive, and it’s lovely seeing people having fun. My wonderful wife and I are staying at the Hilton on Sal. I didn’t need a holiday and wasn’t expecting much, which may sound arrogant or dismissive, but I urge you to come here soon. The hotel is clean, new, well kept and good value. The pool, beach and grounds are great, the bars and restaurants are lovely, and breakfast is a huge bonus. We’re having a blast. The staff are great, and prices are really reasonable for the service and quality. It’s just right. I’m happy here, with a safe, pleasant beach walk for before dinner or after a night out. There are closer places that aren’t as nice, and others farther away. Get here before the world ruins it. You’ll thank me, or tell me you missed out.

The gardens around the fresh-water pool were fantastic, and that pool was a particular highlight for us. We ate very well at the restaurant, and the staff were among the friendliest we’ve experienced. I was ill for part of the stay, but recovered after a couple of days and it didn’t spoil the trip. The Hilton is also in a great spot for water sports.

We had a really pleasant stay in suite 1050, right by the beach, with a lovely garden. The bed was very comfortable, the grounds beautifully kept and the pool lovely, with a magnificent green palm garden. There’s a nice beachside restaurant, and Santa Maria town is within walking distance. WiFi was strong even at the beach. The atmosphere was pleasant and the staff consistently friendly. Special thanks to Adelio and his excellent team.