Hotel Barceló a Praia

Of the four hotels I stayed at during my time in Cape Verde, this is the closest to offering a 4-star experience, and providing everything advertised on this platform. The staff is courteous, friendly, and always on hand to offer a relaxing experience. Due to the convex shape of the structure, the rooms come in a variety of configurations, offering some variety even with repeat stays like mine. The breakfast buffet is pretty decent, with a good offering of options from cold to warm, sweet to savory. Every window offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic and the rest of the island, and its well-maintained outdoor pool offers a welcome tease if you don't feel ready to brave the beach just yet. That said, there are a few limitations: while the varying layouts offer good variety for multiple stays, you may find yourself feeling shortchanged if you pay the same amount for a smaller room than the traveler a couple doors down. Also, the massage treatment I wanted wasn't available as the specialized therapist was only onsite certain days of the week. Luxury or not, Barcelo wasn't immune to the nationwide fly problem, meaning the luxury escape of a breakfast on their stunning restaurant terrace could easily get interrupted by the buzzing of insects trying to share your meal. The gym, though the best-equipped of the four hotels I stayed at in CV, is a bit under-equipped for a property with four-star aspirations. Also, it criminally underuses the property's prime location by shoving the gym into a small, windowless box. All in all, a relaxing stay. Would absolutely recommend and rebook.