Nestled among the rolling, white sand dunes of Boa Vista, an abandoned hamlet, once home to farmers and fishermen, has been renovated with loving care and transformed into a peaceful oasis in the heart of the desert of the Norte National Park. Welcome to Spinguera Ecolodge, Boa Vista, Cape Verde.
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Natural materials such as driftwood, stones and shells plus yards of white linen drapes have been used to decorate these stylish stone cottages, all with sea views. The Italian owners, speak English and will welcome you with open arms to their secret haven.
A 10-minute stroll across the dunes will bring you to the turquoise water of the ocean where you’ll find hammocks and sun loungers in the shade of rustic cabanas. The sea here can be rough but are perfect for cooling off in the shallows. For swimming, a sheltered cove a further 20 minutes away is safer. There is no swimming pool, part of the sustainable ethos of this charming lodge.
The on-site restaurant serves a fusion of Cape Verdean and Italian cuisine, and due to the seclusion of the lodge, an upgrade to half board or full board is recommended. Alternatively, some of the cottages have their own kitchens.
“We pick up our guests at the airport and after 30 minutes off-road we are in the middle of nowhere. For those who like nature, this is the best place in Cabo Verde!” Larissa Lazzari, owner & manager Spinguera Ecolodge
The owners have worked closely with the nearby community of Bofareira which has just 90 inhabitants, 20 of whom are employed by the hotel. 100% of the hotel’s electricity is generated by wind and solar power. You’ll not find air-conditioning, hairdryers, TVs nor mobile phones here (although there is free Wi-Fi available in the reception area).
We believe that this is the perfect retreat for the responsible traveller. At night the view of the stars is spectacular as there are no artificial lights for many miles. In the day the only sound is that of the wind and the waves with the occasional turning of the pages of a good book!
Check out what people are saying about Spinguera Ecolodge on TripAdvisor
Spinguera Ecolodge Fact File
- Location: 21 km by car 10 km on foot) (from Sal Rei on the north coast of the island of Boa Vista, Cape Verde
- Airport: Rabil International (approximately 30 minutes drive)
- Ideal for: Couples
- Standard: Comfortable (stylish and unique rather than luxurious)
- Facilities include: small boutique, jeep rental, Wi-Fi (free), Ca’Cabra restaurant and bar, mosquito nets
- Number of rooms: 12
- Website: Spinguera Ecolodge
- Spinguera Ecolodge on TripAdvisor
- Package holidays from the UK are available from The Cape Verde Experience.
Things to do at Spinguera Ecolodge
At the lodge: Lie in a hammock, relax and unwind
On the island: Whale watching, birdwatching and snorkelling plus at certain times of the year loggerhead turtles can also be observed nesting, however, the strictest of guidelines must be followed. Visit Naturalia for more information. Plus there are various watersports available including kitesurfing and scuba diving, as well as quad biking.
Photography courtesy of Spinguera Ecolodge. Video by Eliza Capai.
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Cape Verde: sun, sea and lots and lots of sand by Tracey MacCleod, The Independent
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How lovely does that look! Blissful.
You don’t know how excited this makes me – the islands are full of big and brash places akin to the Canaries, this is what I need