Set on a beautiful, long sandy beach bordering turquoise waters, Clubhotel Riu Karamboa has the feel of an oceanfront castle. Brick pathways lined with palm trees and shrubbery wind around the pale cream-colored building, and lend a romantic, secluded vibe. Inside, pretty, tiled hallways are dotted with African artwork, and the spacious lobby offers woven chairs below a colorful glass ceiling. Mere yards from the beach is a massive pool surrounded by palm trees, with a swim-up bar where guests can enjoy a cocktail. For the children, and there can be a lot of them -- up to 500 around the holidays -- there are a small outdoor playground in the sand and two small pools. With stone walls, a thatched roof, and a waterfall, the spa looks like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. There’s a disco where guests can dance, but there isn't much of a young party scene at the hotel.

Just a 10-minute drive from Rabil Airport, the hotel is set in a picturesque, quiet location on a long stretch of sandy beach. There’s no shuttle at the hotel, but there’s a taxi queue at the hotel's entrance. The village of Sal Rei, Boa Vista’s residential center, can be reached in under 15 minutes by cab. In Sal Rei there are a few local restaurants, shops, and nightlife, as well as a port providing inter-island ferry service.

With brown wicker furnishings, curtains with tribal-inspired patterns, and colorful paintings, the guest rooms have a homey feel indicative of their island setting. All rooms have tile balconies or patios with white plastic furniture, and some have ocean views. Suites have double sinks and shower/tub combinations, but standard rooms have smallish showers with brown, African-patterned tiling. All rooms are air-conditioned and have safes, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Wi-Fi is available for a fee.

Clubhotel Riu Karamboa offers a lot of family-friendly amenities. The beachfront hotel has kayaks and snorkeling equipment for guests to use for free, and windsurfing equipment can be rented nearby. There are also a beach volleyball court, shuffleboard, and two floodlit tennis courts. The hotel has a bright, modern fitness center and a spa offering beauty and massage treatments. The outdoor pool is huge with built-in loungers and a swim-up bar, and two small pools are located in the kids' club area.  An animation team organizes activities for the kids, and programs with live music or shows for all ages are offered in the evenings. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets are available daily, and guests can book reservations at one of three specialty restaurants, serving Asian, Cape Verdian, or African cuisine. The hotel has a sports bar and a disco. An Internet room is available for a fee, and there’s a gift shop selling colorful clothing, sandals, and souvenirs.