“Where are you staying?” asked my transfer driver as he loaded my luggage onto the vehicle. “Odjo d’Agua”, I replied. “great choice,” he said. Not only was it a great choice but an excellent one.
I chose this hotel because it’s locally owned, has a standout infinity pool, a reputable restaurant, and is in an ideal location to get a genuine feel of the area.
Everyone locally said what a great choice it was, with someone going so far as saying that it’s the best hotel in Santa Maria.
I loved staying here and highly recommend it for an authentic stay instead of the huge soulless commercial chain resorts that overrun a large stretch of the island.
Set the scene
Odjo d’agua, Sal boasts an authentic Cape Verdean feel, a simple but attractive interior and a homely atmosphere, reinforced through engaging personal touches, such as antiques and photographs depicting the owners’ history throughout, including in the recently built new block.
This relaxed, locally owned 4* rated Portuguese colonial-style hotel sits on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean. Clientele can enjoy a scenic view of Santa Maria Bay, with boats dotted on the azure ocean from the hotel’s restaurant. Picture having breakfast with a mimosa while listening to the crashing waves or a delectable dinner such as grilled octopus at sunset.
Location
Odjo d’agua’s beachfront location is right in the heart of Santa Maria. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, delicious dining and friendly personnel.
Its location on the edge of Santa Maria means many bars and restaurants are just a couple of minutes’ walk away. Furthermore, Santa Maria pier is a short stroll from the hotel along the beach and a must-visit in this fishing town for the best way to get a proper feel of local living.
Sal International airport is 20 minutes away by car.
What can we expect from the bedrooms?
The hotel has 113 rooms ranging from twins with a garden or sea view. For added space and luxury, there’s also the choice of junior suites with an extra room and sofa beds and master suites with two king-sized beds and a lounge. All rooms and suites have mini-fridge, furnished balconies or terraces with hammocks.
My well-sized double room with a garden view was modern, classic and traditionally decorated. It featured an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, air conditioning, LCD TV, telephone, safe, hairdryer, tea-making facilities, mini-fridge and a private terrace. You can pay extra for a room with an ocean view.
My room was a twin but could be made into a double. There was no iron in the room as the hotel has a laundry service and charge per item.
In line with its sustainability ethos, the hotel has ditched mini toiletries in favour of bulk dispensers.
Facilities etc.
The hotel has two swimming pools that overlook the ocean. One is smaller, surrounded by loungers, parasols and beautiful gardens. At this pool, the sunloungers are free of charge. But the showstopper is the infinity pool which feels like you’re in the ocean and has views of the beach area.
The infinity pool, beach area and beach bar have sunloungers and parasols charged at €4 per day. I took no issue with this, bearing in mind that this is a locally owned establishment competing with the finances of endless huge chain resorts such as RIU etc. and it avoids people rushing out early to put towels on loungers.
Additionally, if you want to chill on the beach, cocktail in hand, the beach bar offers a superb straight-to-sun lounger drinks service.
The hotel continues its sustainability ethos by encouraging guests to reuse beach towels which can be changed twice a week.
For further relaxation and rejuvenation, pay a visit to the Alma Spa, which offers a range of deluxe treatments such as massages and aromatherapy experiences.
The on-site water sports centre can arrange a variety of activities, including diving, paddle boarding, kite surfing, and catamaran and island tours. I did two island tours during my stay in Sal. One I arranged before arriving, and the other was organised by the water sports centre, with the latter being the best.
Other facilities:
- Wi-Fi is free and fast.
- Two bars
- TV room
- Library
- Laundry service
- Lift in the new block
- ATM
- Parking
- Currency exchange
- Conference hall
- Luggage room
How about the food and drink?
My stay was on a bed & breakfast basis. Breakfast is served in the restaurant and offers a varied selection of local fruits, distinctive juices such as Boabab and Tamarind, bread, cheeses, scrambled eggs and other Cape Verdean delights, including a selection of bolo (cake). Any extras made to order, such as omelettes, have to be paid for.
Note that there’s a lot of meat at breakfast, so if you’re vegetarian or pescetarian, you have more limited options but still a decent selection.
The restaurant at Odjo d’agua juts out over the sea and dishes up fresh fish, seafood and traditional specialities. The restaurant is popular and requires a reservation. The food is appetizing, well-presented and of a good standard.
The restaurant has an indoor and outdoor section, and by night, the hotel showcases traditional Cape Verdean entertainment, with musical performances accompanying dinner. On specific days they also have BBQs in the evening at the beach bar for an extra cost.
Snacks, sandwiches, refreshments and cocktails are available at the beach bar. I didn’t eat from the beach bar, but the caipirinhas were delicious and punchy.
What about the service?
From the moment I stepped onto the premises to the moment I left, service was warm and welcoming. The whole team are fantastic, from the security to reception, cleaners, restaurant staff and water sports centre. All were professional but personable and contributed to an excellent stay. This is especially important when travelling as a solo female.
What type of person stays here?
The type of person that doesn’t want to stay in a clinical chain resort. People that want to give back to the island by holidaying in a locally owned establishment. The type of person that likes authenticity, character and charm.
Odjo d’agua is ideal for all. Be it families, couples, friends and solo travellers. The location makes it especially ideal for the solo traveller on foot who wants to get out there and have an immersive experience.
Is it worth it?
A worthy choice. This hotel made all the difference to my stay in Sal. It’s the best option for a relaxing break full of Cape Verdean tradition and personal charm. So much so that people came from their huge chain resorts to dine here, soak in the authentic atmosphere and admire the fantastic infinity pool.
Many were disappointed that they hadn’t discovered Odjo d’agua sooner and felt they had made the wrong choice in their current accommodation. I agree they did, but I was glad as it left more room in the pool for me.
Address: Zona do Farolinho, CP 71, Ilha do Sal, Santa Maria, República de Cabo Verde
Telephone: +238 242 14 14 / 977 73 76
Wi-Fi: Free and fast
Price: My stay was as a package so I can’t give you a breakdown. Prices may vary depending on the season.
