A few years ago, I visited a group of beautiful islands on a photographic assignment for the Cape Verde Experience and had a fantastic time discovering this archipelago hidden in the Atlantic Ocean. I photographed numerous hotels but one, in particular, caught my eye, the lovely family-run Odjo d’Agua in Santa Maria on the island of Sal, Cape Verde.

Odjo d’Agua hotel review

It wasn’t long before I returned to the island of Sal in Cape Verde, this time on holiday, staying at the hotel Odjo d’Agua. Our room was small but comfortable with a small terrace with a hammock. The staff were extremely helpful. And as for Cape Verde, the sea was as blue as I remembered, the locals as friendly and the weather was just right for relaxing in the sun on the hotel’s private beach but what made this hotel so special for me was the location. It feels tucked away and private, but it is just a short stroll into town or to the main beach. And whether having breakfast on the wooden terrace, lunch by the beach or an evening meal in the restaurant O Farolin (which is perched overlooking the sea on a small stone peninsula) the views across the water are wonderful especially at sunset with the sound of the waves gently lapping the rocks below. Since I visited a stunning infinity swimming pool has been added on the beachfront.

We also tried a number of the other nearby restaurants which were excellent, although the service was very slow at times.

It was great to be able to explore Santa Maria at a leisurely pace. I loved the craft shops, and I also bought quite a few things from a man making jewellery from the shells he collected on the beach. He was homeless and dreamed of going back to his native island of Santiago. He set up shop each day by the side of the hotel (with their permission) and made the guests necklaces and bracelets to order.

There isn’t a great deal to do here during the day, but if you are looking to spend the week on the beach either horizontal with a book or for the more energetic, trying your hand at one of the many watersports on offer, this is the place for you. If it’s watersports you are after, the Cape Verde Islands offer everything from scuba diving to body boarding, surfing and windsurfing. With excellent equipment and instruction readily available, it’s excellent for beginners and the more experienced alike.

Personally, there wasn’t quite enough for me to do or places to visit (or maybe I didn’t look hard enough) but I still had a wonderful time relaxing and swimming. Santa Maria’s bars in the evening were great fun, and we met some lovely people, both locals and fellow tourists.

Book a holiday at Odjo D’Agua from the UK.

Check hotel only prices and availability, Odjo d’Agua.