What's Included in a Cape Verde All-Inclusive?
What's Included in a Cape Verde All-Inclusive (and What's Not)
Cape Verde has rapidly become one of the most desirable destinations for sun-seekers looking for pristine beaches and year-round warm weather. With the vast majority of holidaymakers heading to the spectacular islands of Sal and Boa Vista, resort life dominates the tourism scene. But before you hit the "book" button, you probably want to know exactly what you are paying for.
Understanding the all inclusive meaning Cape Verde style is essential for planning your budget. While these packages offer incredible value and allow you to leave your wallet in the safe, the exact inclusions can vary between hotel chains. If you are wondering what is included all inclusive Cape Verde, from the buffets to the bar menus, this comprehensive guide will break down exactly what to expect on your island getaway.
What "all-inclusive" usually means here
In Cape Verde, the standard all-inclusive package is designed to provide a completely stress-free holiday. Once you strap on your resort wristband, the core elements of your vacation are fully covered. But what does all inclusive include in practice?
At a baseline, you can expect your room, three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), unlimited snacks, a wide range of beverages, daily entertainment, kids' clubs, and access to pools and fitness facilities.
However, it is important to note the difference between a standard all-inclusive and a "24-hour all-inclusive." Resorts like the Hotel Riu Palace Boavista and Hotel Riu Funana operate on a 24-hour basis, meaning that snacks and drinks are genuinely available around the clock,. Other resorts may limit their all-inclusive food and drink service to specific hours, typically shutting down the free bars around midnight.
Food — what's included
Food is a massive part of the resort experience, and you will certainly never go hungry.
The Main Buffet: The heart of the dining experience in any Cape Verde resort is the main buffet restaurant. Here, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served with a massive variety of international dishes. You will find live show-cooking stations where chefs prepare pasta, grilled meats, and eggs to order,,. To keep things interesting, resorts regularly host themed buffet nights, alternating between Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, and traditional Cape Verdean spreads where you can try local dishes like the hearty Cachupa stew,.
Snack Bars: During the day, poolside snack bars serve up casual bites like burgers, hot dogs, fries, fresh fruit, and salads,.
A La Carte Restaurants: Most 4-star and 5-star resorts feature specialty à la carte restaurants, such as steakhouses, Asian fusion venues, or Italian trattorias,,. Generally, your all-inclusive package allows you to dine at these specialty restaurants once or twice a week, but reservations are strictly required and they book up fast,. Note that while the meal is included, specific luxury items on these menus (like a fresh lobster dinner) might require an additional local supplement,.
Drinks — local vs branded, bar hours
One of the most common questions travelers ask is: are drinks included all inclusive Cape Verde? Yes, absolutely. However, the types of drinks you get depend on your hotel.
Local vs Branded: If you are wondering is there local and branded alcohol, the general rule is that standard packages cover all local and domestic alcoholic beverages, house wines, draft beers, and soft drinks,,. This includes the local Cape Verdean beer, Strela, and the national sugarcane spirit, Grogue, which is definitely worth a try,,. The bartenders will mix up all your favorite tropical cocktails, from Piña Coladas to Mojitos.
However, premium imported spirits (like specific top-shelf gins or aged whiskeys) and specialty bottled wines usually come with an extra charge unless you are staying in a premium luxury tier,,.
Bar Hours and Minibars: As mentioned, some resorts offer 24-hour drink service. At others, the all-inclusive drinks may stop at a certain hour, and late-night nightclub drinks might cost extra. Many resorts also provide in-room minibars that are regularly restocked with water and soft drinks, and some RIU properties even feature in-room liquor dispensers as part of the package.
Activities & entertainment included
Your package is not just about food and drink; it is also about keeping you entertained.
Daytime Activities: The animation teams at these resorts work hard to provide a full schedule of optional activities. You can join in on aqua aerobics (RiuFit), beach volleyball, water polo, dance classes, yoga, and stretching sessions,,.
Water Sports: Non-motorized water sports are generally included. This means you can borrow kayaks, bodyboards, stand-up paddleboards, and basic snorkeling equipment for free,. Some resorts also offer a free introductory scuba diving trial in the swimming pool.
Kids' Clubs: If you are traveling with family, you will be happy to know that supervised kids' clubs (like the RiuLand club) are fully included. These clubs organize arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and mini-discos for children ranging from toddlers to teens,,. Some resorts even include free access to on-site waterparks with thrilling slides.
Evening Entertainment: After dinner, the resorts come alive. Your package includes access to nightly entertainment, which ranges from live bands and Cape Verdean folklore dancing to interactive games, karaoke, and stage shows,. Entry to the resort's nightclub (like the Pacha discotheque at RIU resorts) is also included.
What's usually NOT included (extras to budget for)
To avoid surprises, it is crucial to know what is not included all inclusive Cape Verde. Even in the most luxurious resorts, certain premium services will cost you extra:
- Spa and Wellness Treatments: While access to the gym is free, any massages, facials, beauty treatments, or specific hydrotherapy sessions at the resort spa (like the Renova Spa or YHI Spa) are payable locally,.
- Motorized Water Sports: Activities like jet skiing or deep-sea fishing trips are not included.
- Professional Wind and Kite Surfing Lessons: Cape Verde is famous for its trade winds, making it a surfer's paradise. While basic equipment might be free, professional lessons and premium board rentals from independent beach schools are an extra cost,.
- The Tourist Tax (TSA): The mandatory Airport Security Tax (TSA) and local city tourist taxes are generally paid separately from your hotel package, though some major tour operators include the flight TSA in their initial booking.
Are excursions included in all inclusive? No. If you want to leave the resort to explore the island—such as booking a 4x4 quad bike tour of the Viana Desert, taking a boat trip to see whales, or floating in the Pedra de Lume salt crater—you will need to book and pay for these excursions separately through the hotel tour desk or local operators,. (Explore the best local trips on our [excursions page]!)
Premium / "platinum" upgrade tiers explained
If you want the ultimate VIP experience, many resorts offer premium upgrade tiers that unlock a whole new level of "all-inclusive."
For example, Meliá resorts offer "The Level". Upgrading to this tier gives you access to an exclusive private lounge, private check-in, priority reservations at à la carte restaurants, and a private pool area,. Inside your room, The Level includes premium brand minibars, Nespresso coffee machines, robes, slippers, and upgraded bathroom amenities.
Similarly, RIU resorts feature exclusive "Adults-Only" sections within their family hotels, or entirely adult-only resorts (like Riu Karamboa). Guests in these premium sections often get access to exclusive gourmet restaurants (like the Kulinarium), private swim-up pools, and enhanced in-room liquor options,.
FAQs
Is wifi included?
Yes, in almost all major 4-star and 5-star resorts in Cape Verde, Wi-Fi is included for free. It is typically available in the lobby, communal areas, and inside the guest rooms,,,.
Do I need to tip at an all-inclusive in Cape Verde?
Tipping is not officially included in your package, and it is not strictly mandatory. However, tipping culture has grown with the tourism boom. Leaving a small tip for exceptional service from bartenders, waitstaff, or the housekeeping team is highly appreciated by the local staff,. (Read more on our [tipping & money] guide).
Should I choose an all-inclusive or self-catering?
If your primary goal is to relax by the pool, enjoy endless entertainment, and stick to a strict budget, an all-inclusive is unbeatable. If you prefer to explore local towns, try authentic independent restaurants every night, and mingle with locals, a bed-and-breakfast or self-catering option might suit you better. (See our deep dive: [is-it-worth-it]).
cape-verde-all-inclusive-whats-included
Enter your text here...