The apartment was spacious, clean and had all the equipment needed for a self catering holiday. The owner responded within 10 minutes by email when we requested a second key card. It arrived at our apartment within the hour. We were extremely pleased with the level of service we received from the owner. I would definitely recommend this property.

Just spent the week in Roy's apartment in the complex of Melia dunas/ sol dunas. First of all the hotel is amazing, lots of pools and easy to get sun loungers, fab entertainment, helpful staff who go above and beyond for you. Secondly , the apartment is lovely with a fab roof top Terrace and balcony. It was squeaky clean and can not complain about the cleanliness. However I only give 4 stars as I really think essentials such as washing up liquid, bin bags and toilet roll should be included in the price of the apartment. Also I found it strange how we had to pay extra money for a maid to clean the room midweek - this should also be included in the price. Also there was lots of meat knives but no bread knife? Little extras like this would be ideal. And we had to find the manual for the oven and hob as we found it confusing - I think these manuals should be left out in future Roy. Another thing is the all inclusive / putting things on your account fiasco. It is really confusing and we did not bother doing this -- none of the staff seemed to know how much things cost and it was too expensive to go For separate meals (breakfast was €22 per person, lunch was €42 per person and dinner was €48 per person). You could go all inclusive for the day at €65 but we ate in town mainly. Also getting drinks in the hotel was hard work as nobody knew how to charge to our room so We ended up paying in euros - but the bars never had change! The town is a 5 minute drive away in a taxi at €3 day/€4 night. We also caught the free shuttle bus some mornings. The cazu supermarket was good and reasonably cheap - however the goods are limited so don't think you will find everything. The town is nice but Cape Verde is still developing - there is a lot of construction going on. The bars and restaurants were relatively cheap . Some people are lovely some people are just plain rude depending on where you go. And be prepared to be blagged to buy rubbish souviners. Never the less the beaches are lovely, and the hotel is spectacular. Would probably return to the same hotel all inclusive next time as it seemed to be easier. PS make sure you go to the lion king show... it was amazing!

Just spent the week in Roys apartment in the complex of Melia dunas/ sol dunas. First of all the hotel is amazing, lots of pools and easy to get sun loungers, fab entertainment, helpful staff who go above and beyond for you. Secondly , the apartment is lovely with a fab roof top Terrace and balcony. It was squeaky clean and can not complain about the cleanliness. However I only give 4 stars as I really think essentials such as washing up liquid, bin bags and toilet roll should be included in the price of the apartment. Also I found it strange how we had to pay extra money for a maid to clean the room midweek - this should also be included in the price. Also there was lots of meat knives but no bread knife? Little extras like this would be ideal. And we had to find the manual for the oven and hob as we found it confusing - I think these manuals should be left out in future Roy.Another thing is the all inclusive / putting things on your account fiasco. It is really confusing and we did not bother doing this -- none of the staff seemed to know how much things cost and it was too expensive to go For separate meals (breakfast was €22 per person, lunch was €42 per person and dinner was €48 per person). You could go all inclusive for the day at €65 but we ate in town mainly. Also getting drinks in the hotel was hard work as nobody knew how to charge to our room so We ended up paying in euros - but the bars never had change! The town is a 5 minute drive away in a taxi at €3 day/€4 night. We also caught the free shuttle bus some mornings. The cazu supermarket was good and reasonably cheap - however the goods are limited so dont think you will find everything. The town is nice but Cape Verde is still developing - there is a lot of construction going on. The bars and restaurants were relatively cheap . Some people are lovely some people are just plain rude depending on where you go. And be prepared to be blagged to buy rubbish souviners. Never the less the beaches are lovely, and the hotel is spectacular. Would probably return to the same hotel all inclusive next time as it seemed to be easier.PS make sure you go to the lion king show... it was amazing!

We stayed for 2 weeks in April, family of 4, with 2 daughters aged 4 and 7. Roy was very helpful prior to our trip, providing contacts for airport transfers and car hire, and information about the island (shops, restaurants etc). The hotel is really good - our kids loved the waterslides, pools and the playground, and also had fun at the kids club. Pools are good with plenty of sunbeds - although towels were a little scarce! We had a lovely day on a "Bali Bed" on the beach - with fruit and prosecco included for €25. The vast majority of guests at the hotel are all-inclusive but we didn't find it particularly difficult getting meals / drinks etc. Breakfast at the main buffet was €24 per adult and the kids were free - dinner was €50 per adult and again kids were free. We also ate in one of the other restaurants a couple of times - each restaurant has both a small buffet / walk up station (eg pasta bar) and a la carte - there is a price for the buffet and a priced a la carte menu if you ask - we ended up just having the buffet and it was €25 per adult - again kids were free. Drinks at the bars during the day were €2 for a bottle of water or a glass of coke. We decided not to bother with any days all-inclusive - the price would have been €65 per adult and €33 per child per day. Santa Maria is a lovely town, either €3 taxi ride (€4 at night) or about 30 minute walk. There are lots of good restaurants and we ended up eating in town most nights - we didn't have a bad meal at all. We tested the tuna tartar in most restaurants and decided the best was in Angela's, a restaurant on the front, just along from the pier! There is only one supermarket in town - we didn't actually cook in the apartment, and only ever ate breakfast there (cereal and toast) so can't really comment on how easy self-catering would be - but there did seem to be a selection of basics. Amy at "Surf Hub" was really helpful with car hire and other outings - we had a car for a day and did a tour of the island - salt mines were great viewed from the top of the hill (we didn't go in), the blue eye was good - best bit was the natural pool. We also did a half day sailing trip with some snorkeling, the kids had a body board for a few days and my husband had kite surfing lessons which he loved - all arranged for us by Amy. In summary - a fantastic 2 week break, perfect apartment and hotel, and I would definitely recommend exploring the town and island.

We stayed for 2 weeks in April, family of 4, with 2 daughters aged 4 and 7. Roy was very helpful prior to our trip, providing contacts for airport transfers and car hire, and information about the island (shops, restaurants etc).The hotel is really good - our kids loved the waterslides, pools and the playground, and also had fun at the kids club. Pools are good with plenty of sunbeds - although towels were a little scarce! We had a lovely day on a Bali Bed on the beach - with fruit and prosecco included for €25.The vast majority of guests at the hotel are all-inclusive but we didnt find it particularly difficult getting meals / drinks etc. Breakfast at the main buffet was €24 per adult and the kids were free - dinner was €50 per adult and again kids were free. We also ate in one of the other restaurants a couple of times - each restaurant has both a small buffet / walk up station (eg pasta bar) and a la carte - there is a price for the buffet and a priced a la carte menu if you ask - we ended up just having the buffet and it was €25 per adult - again kids were free. Drinks at the bars during the day were €2 for a bottle of water or a glass of coke. We decided not to bother with any days all-inclusive - the price would have been €65 per adult and €33 per child per day.Santa Maria is a lovely town, either €3 taxi ride (€4 at night) or about 30 minute walk. There are lots of good restaurants and we ended up eating in town most nights - we didnt have a bad meal at all. We tested the tuna tartar in most restaurants and decided the best was in Angelas, a restaurant on the front, just along from the pier!There is only one supermarket in town - we didnt actually cook in the apartment, and only ever ate breakfast there (cereal and toast) so cant really comment on how easy self-catering would be - but there did seem to be a selection of basics. Amy at Surf Hub was really helpful with car hire and other outings - we had a car for a day and did a tour of the island - salt mines were great viewed from the top of the hill (we didnt go in), the blue eye was good - best bit was the natural pool. We also did a half day sailing trip with some snorkeling, the kids had a body board for a few days and my husband had kite surfing lessons which he loved - all arranged for us by Amy.In summary - a fantastic 2 week break, perfect apartment and hotel, and I would definitely recommend exploring the town and island.

Good resort for a relaxing break with all facilities on the doorstep. It is possible to upgrade to all-inclusive for a few, which may be advisable. However, the apartment wasn't great for a self catering holiday. Simple things like a tea towel, washing up liquid, salt, pepper etc would have made the stay a lot easier to do self catering. Otherwise a great apartment- clean, tidy, comfortable and a lovely roof terrace and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

I stayed at Sol Dunas resort for a week in mid March with my husband and 9 year old son. The apartment was a good size, comfortable, very clean and in a perfect location overlooking one of the pools. It was fairly central on the resort but far enough away from the main area that we had a peaceful sleep every night. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating and there were plenty of choice with regards to onsite restaurants, pool bars, pools etc. For my son the added bonus was a small water park and only a short walk to the beach where there was a beach bar selling drinks only. My only criticism was that the all inclusive, which we paid for one day mid way through our holiday was expensive at 162.50€ for 2 adults and 1 child but if you eat and drink a lot then maybe it would be worth doing and is good to have the option. Also, the supermarkets are very limited so if you visit Sal make sure you don't forget any toiletries. Roy was extremely helpful and responded to our emails almost immediately. All in all we had a lovely relaxing holiday and will definitely return.

stunning apartment . easily accesible to facilities. comfy beds. very new. would stay again and reccommend

I choose this apartment after reviewing the hotel and the other review for this particular apartment. My family and I like 5 star hotels but don't like to pay full price. We also are not big fans of "all-inclusive" places because it seems to encourage us to eat/drink more than we should and the quality is never the best. This apartment allowed us to enjoy the amenities of a 5 star hotel, while not paying the all-inclusive price. This was our first experience with VRBO and it could not have been any better. Roy, the owner, was quick to get back with me on the MANY questions I had. I asked about not only the apartment, but the hotel, the town and pick at the Airport. He never seemed too busy to answer and explain. Roy fixed us up with an airport pick by Ildo who was fabulous - he took us shopping, helped us pick-out fish at the fish market, and drove us into town when needed. He did go on vacation to his home island while we we're there, but set us up with another driver, Marlino, who was also great. The apartment was perfect for a family of four. The location was great, the kitchen was well equipped and two bedrooms, bathrooms and televisions allowed everyone in our family to enjoy time together and apart, when needed. (Note: Other VRBO Dunas rentals are smaller)We loved the terrace above the apartment, but would have liked two lounge chairs instead of regular chairs.(Just an idea to make a super place, even better) As the other reviewer stated, most of the other rooms had stairs to access the roof terrace, but had signs that they were not allowed to. My husband and I love to cook, so an apartment with a kitchen was perfect. Although I did not find the supermarket as expensive as the other reviewer, be prepared to pay more food than you would at home. (Thanks to the other reviewer, we did make a point of loading a suitcase with food staples, which helped save money.) Fresh fish on the pier, though, was really cheap and made the experience of buy/cooking locally a wonderful addition to our trip. Eating out was also great. You can spend a lot - €165 one night, but we had wine, lobster, a raw fish plate and deserts or cheap - one afternoon, near the pier, we had thick, fresh tuna cooked on the grill and beer for less than €30. The hotel was great. We enjoyed the size, the pools, the nightly entertainment and the beach. I could go on and on. Thank you Roy, Ildo, Marlino and VRBO for a get two weeks. We hope to be back the year after next.

I'll break the review down into 3 areas - the 2nd and 3rd area is important in the overall experience as you will see, but please bear in mind that my review on the resort and facilities will very quickly become outdated Apartment Roy's apartment is very clean, spacious and has everything that you'll need. In fact, I think it is one of the best in the resort because it also has a private accessible roof terrace-most other apartments which have a roof terrace, cannot access them as the stairs are blocked off. Great for us as we weren't overlooked by anyone so could so a bit of all over tanning! 2 air con units were great (master bedroom and living space). Washing machine invaluable. Roy himself was extremely helpful and answered all of our questions pre-departure. Resort This is where things get tricky. The resort is predominantly an all-inclusive hotel resort but have a small amount of privately bought apartments, such as Roy's. Because it is a new resort and because so few units are privately owned, staff really struggled with how to deal with us. There are no tills at the restaurants and bars so we had to open "an account" with our credit card at reception and then meals/drinks would be charged to our account for us to settle at the end. As it's mainly all-inclusive, there were no prices on the menus so it was very hard for us to keep a handle on how much we were spending....staff couldn't even tell us how much a beer was, and despite our "account", many of the staff still struggled with how to charge us, so every time we went to get a drink or have a meal, it was a painful and delayed process, to the point of dread, plus we were constantly worried about how much we were spending. Reception couldn't deal with problems that we had, such as faulty door card or patio door-we had to ring someone who wasn't on site that dealt with estate issues. Island This is where it gets really tricky. Despite Roy's apartment having everything we needed to self-cater, we struggled to self-cater because as everything is imported onto Sal, we found the choice of food in the supermarket extremely limited and in some cases extortionate e.g. a box of granola was about 14 euros! Santa Maria is rapidly developing so I think in time, a bigger and better stocked supermarket will be built and therefore our concerns can be disregarded, but in the meantime, do bear this in mind! "The Villa" restaurant - sublime Tours - DO book in town. Pete's shack has the best deals.

Very nice apartment located in to a great resort!