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Cape Verde
Nestled 450km off the coast of West Africa, the archipelago of Cape Verde is an unspoiled, largely undiscovered beach paradise, boasting miles of idyllic coastlines, heavenly white sands and crystal-clear waters that remain blissfully warm all year round.
Commonly referred to as the 'European Caribbean' for its gorgeous tropical setting yet short flight from Europe (just 5½ hours from London), Cape Verde shares the same latitude as Barbados, making it a sun-soaked utopia at all times of the year.
With temperatures approaching 30° celsius during the day and in the low 20s at night, and seas that are always comfortably warm enough for swimming, Cape Verde boasts a continual and temperate holiday climate. This means there's no low season, leading to high occupancy rates and exceptionally strong yields scarcely available anywhere else in the world.
Boa Vista
The most easterly of the Cape Verde islands, Boa Vista (Portuguese for 'good view'), is characterised by its 55km of sensational white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, vast dunes, volcanic stone and green oases. In fact, Boa Vista is hailed by the Daily Telegraph as being home to some of the world's best beaches and Santa Mónica, they say, 'is probably the best of the lot'. A tiny piece of paradise, Boa Vista remains quiet and peaceful despite its increasing appeal to an ever more curious world. This divine island is warmed by both the tropical sun and the world's friendliest people.
A variety of tours are available on the island taking in the beached shipwreck 'Santa Maria', Sal Rei (Boa Vista's largest town), the lighthouse at Ponta do Sol, the old town of Provoacao Velha and the island's salt pans. Sea excursions make the most of Boa Vista's excellent conditions for fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling, whilst hiring a jeep, quad bike or sand buggy allows visitors to capitalise on the dazzling Sahara-like dunes of the island's interior.
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The Atlantic's Gem
When Portuguese mariners first settled on the Cape Verde islands in the 15th century, they became the founders of a vibrant and diverse culture that persists to this day. A colourful blend of European, African and Latin American influences, Cape Verdeans remain very proud of their heritage and it shows in their passion for music, dance and island cuisine (try the cachupa rica - a hearty slow-cooked stew, the amazing fresh carpacio of tuna and swordfish or the huge lobster, all caught locally that day).
Until recently, Cape Verde's unrivalled beauty has remained largely unknown to the outside world. But with the charm of its colonial towns and spectacular natural landscapes, the islands couldn't stay a secret for ever. A rapidly growing number of tourists and investors are heading to the islands to make the most of Cape Verde's promise.
For those who come to Boa Vista, the island is renowned for having the best beaches in the region, with Santa Mónica ranked among the best in the world. A well-known location for scientific study, Boa Vista is an important habitat for nesting turtles, breeding humpback whales and migrating bird species. Much of the island is set aside as a protected nature reserve guaranteeing over development will never occur in this paradise.
Northeasterly trade winds attract championship kite and windsurfers, as well as traditional board surfers. Scuba divers can discover a kaleidoscope world of marine life and ancient shipwrecks. There's also sailing and big game sea fishing, hiking and horse riding. While at Santa Mónica Beach Resort & Spa, the temptation will also be great simply to stay and enjoy the five-star resort facilities and beautiful beach.
