Robinson Cabo Verde

I found the resort boring and short on choice. There are only two pools despite all the open space, and the bar selection was poor. Entertainment was okay. The paid restaurants, Wine & Dine and Tapas, were oddly placed: Tapas was tucked behind reception and the laundry, while Wine & Dine was away from the beach and its view. Both felt like a rip-off when the all-inclusive food was so good. The all-inclusive drinks weren't great either, and the beach bar didn't serve the full range, which I don't understand. The hotel itself was beautifully maintained, including the rooms and gardens, and the food was exceptional. It's in a great spot on the beach. If all you want is the beach and great food, and you don't mind limited evening options, pools or places to eat, this could suit you.

We found plenty of quiet corners on the long sandy beach and by the pools, and even with sports and activities on offer the atmosphere stayed peaceful. The waves and gentle trade winds made it easy to relax. Wi-Fi was strong across the property, even by the beach, so we could stay lightly connected without chasing a signal. Rooms, shared spaces, pools and beach facilities were all spotless. The beach bar was a favorite, especially the bean bags. It was lovely to sit there with a drink, toes in the sand and the ocean breeze, whether reading, chatting or just looking out. The self-serve water station there was another clever, simple touch in the Cape Verde heat. Food and drink were standouts, with impressive variety and quality for an all-inclusive, fresh dishes for different tastes, well-made cocktails, and a beach bar suited to relaxed lunches or sunset drinks. The dining felt more elevated than typical all-inclusive fare. My wife and I recently stayed at ROBINSON Cabo Verde on Sal, and it exceeded every expectation. It's an adults-only resort with a beautiful beachfront setting, a great choice for couples wanting to relax, eat well and get good service. Staff were friendly, attentive and professional without hovering. For my wife's birthday, the hotel sent a lovely bottle of champagne and a personalized card to our room. We really appreciated the gesture. From arrival, we felt well cared for. It has a lovely balance of comfort, quality and laid-back luxury. We'd definitely return, whether as a couple or with friends. If you're considering Sal, book with confidence.

After two weeks, the standout positives were the clean, comfortable, well-equipped rooms and the spacious, well-kept grounds, with plenty of sunbeds and no sense of crowding. The buffet had enough variety that we never tired of it. There were lots of daytime activities with energetic, fun Robins, plus a beach bar and a no stress bar. Santa Maria is an easy walk away if you want a different atmosphere. A few things could be better: room towels were thin and small, evening entertainment began later than we'd like at 21.45, and the music was much the same across the themed nights. Reception staff, except the Germans, and most bar staff were unfriendly, with a real couldn't-care-less attitude. For breakfast or lunch, bring a rechargeable fly fan. It kept the little sparrows off our table and was the envy of other guests.

The staff were friendly and helpful, but food poisoning left me without two days of the holiday. I reported it to the rep and had to rearrange a booked trip. For the rest of the stay, I was very wary about eating there. Birds were flying in and out of the restaurant. I saw sparrows, pigeons and doves sitting on and eating from the serving areas, and never saw staff try to move them. I watched a cook put doughnuts on the counter, then stand there while three sparrows ate the sugar and pecked at the food without doing anything. Tables weren't wiped down while I was there, and I didn't see antibacterial spray used. Staff shook placemats onto the floor before resetting tables. Cleanliness was poor, and I wouldn't be surprised if salmonella or E. coli turned up. This spoiled my week, and I wouldn't recommend the hotel again. In response to the hotel's reply: I'm well travelled and take three or four holidays a year, including river and ocean cruises and trips around Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, the Far East and the Americas. This wasn't about being somewhere unfamiliar, or about different food, weather or water. It was down to very poor hygiene practices.