Melia Dunas Resort

on last day of a very relaxing weeks break. we could not fault the service and friendliness of all the staff, nothing was too much of a problem. special mention to Dalva and Christian in the snack bar where we ate breakfast every day (much quieter than the main restaurant) you could not fault the the buffet all very tasty. the italian restaurant was 'ok' slightly strange tuscan salad and under seasoned potato with my fish - suggest chefs taste food now and again. asian restaurant was very high quality- went twice, well worth the extra cost (photo is of tuna starter). hotel itself was spotless and well maintained- well worth the extra for the swim up pool rooms. to upgrade to the 'level' seems not good value at €100 per day we were quoted at reception. all in all excellent break and we will come back for some winter sun

First thing to say is that this isn't 5 star Caribbean, but holds its own with Spanish islands, Cyprus etc. Room was nice, on the quiet boulevard, although the towels could have been fresher and toiletries not great. Looked at upgrading to The Level, but too expensive for what you get. The Mosaica buffet restaurant was okay, but lacked variety day to day. A bit too like a canteen, but tables outside were away from this. The breakfast at Aqua was a nice change of pace. Liked the fact that the 4 restaurants could be booked free of supplement as many times as you like..providing you get in early to queue, although you can book 4 days ahead. All restaurants were good, although not keen on the food at the Sahel. Quality and presentation of the food in the a la cartes was exceptional with only a couple of courses not coming up to 5 star standard, not a bad hit rate when there were 6 of us dining for 11 days. Beach is beautiful- no seaweed and well maintained. Beach bar is superb for a chill out in the evenings as well as in the day. Pool area generally fine, only occasionally did the music get loud and they really could make the beach towel process a little more user-friendly. Drinks were of a good quality- none of the pre-mixed cocktails- and the bar staff were able to mix to order.The staff and service across our stay was really excellent. Loved the check-out arrangements at the hotel- made the airport so much easier to navigate. All in all our first visit to Cape Verde was a great experience and for winter sun, lack of time difference, shortish flight etc a very good bet. We will return.

Cannot fault this trip for a all inclusive bit of winter sun. Airport transfer very quick and efficient. We were upgraded to a suite in the main building which was perfect. Lots of space and spotless. The reception staff on arrival were very welcoming, friendly and efficient. The standard of the food in the restaurants were all very good. Not loads of options in the bookable restaurants but everything we had was of a high quality. The staff in Aqua were a stand out. We ate breakfast in here as well as the buffet and I would definitely recommend this for a more relaxing start to your day. Sundowner drinks at Gabi beach bar were a highlight. A couple of small areas for improvement. Booking for the restaurants is a drawn out process of queuing at 11am at Manhattan bar. The lady taking the bookings was not at all efficient, speedy and lacking a smile. The music at the pool bar could at times be really loud and clash with music at the piano bar, which just equalled a noise. Loved being able to check our bags in at the hotel rather than the airport BUT TUI did not have a rep outside overseeing this and it was a bit of a bun fight with no orderly queuing system. Our main suitcases were also checked on a table. I appreciate the need for security but was very un private, with everyone in the line being able to see security pulling through your dirty washing etc. Overall a fantastic stay and great value for money. Would definitely recommend