In this interview at Hotel Odjo d’Água, we speak with the hotel owner and the Health & Safety Manager about food hygiene and Health & Safety in Tourism Sal
The discussion focuses on food-borne illnesses such as Shigellosis and Salmonellosis, which can affect restaurants and hotels worldwide if strict hygiene standards are not maintained.
They explain:
The impact food safety concerns can have on tourism
The importance of strict hygiene protocols in hotels
How staff are trained to maintain high food safety standards
The procedures used to keep kitchens, restaurants, and guest areas clean and safe
Located in Santa Maria, Hotel Odjo d’Água shares insight into how hotels protect guests and maintain high international standards of health and hygiene.
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Join us for a romantic late Valentine’s night out in beautiful Santa Maria, Sal Island, Cape Verde. We’re dining at the stunning Atlantic Piano Bar & Grill in Santa Maria, where we enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, live music, and cocktails in the perfect date-night setting.
On the menu: 🥩 Beef carpaccio 🥩 Steak cooked to perfection 🐙 Octopus 🍸 Delicious drinks 🎹 Live piano music creating the perfect romantic atmosphere During dinner, we also share the story of how we first met and what happened on our very first date ❤️
If you’re visiting Santa Maria and looking for a romantic restaurant with great food and live entertainment, Atlantic Piano Bar & Grill is definitely one to add to your list!
Is it safe to travel to Sal Island, Cape Verde right now?” — you’re not alone. Lately, social media and the news have been full of stories about stomach bugs, illness, and people getting sick on holiday in Cape Verde, especially in Sal and Boa Vista. So… what’s actually true?
In this video, I share an honest, on-the-ground update from someone who lives here. We walk around town, talk to locals, and speak to tourists staying at RIU to get real opinions about what it’s like right now. No scare tactics, no sugar-coating — just context.
There have been reported cases of gastrointestinal illnesses (including Shigella and Salmonella) in some travellers returning from Cape Verde, and health authorities in the UK and Europe have issued advice for travellers. At the same time, Cape Verde’s government and tourism authorities say some media coverage has been exaggerated and that hygiene standards in resorts are monitored.
So where does the truth sit? Somewhere in the middle — and that’s what we talk about here.
This video is not medical advice — it’s my personal opinion based on research from official public health sources (linked below) and my experience living in Cape Verde for almost 20 years. I’ll always encourage you to do your own research and make the decision that feels right for you.
Cape Verde is still Cape Verde: warm people, beautiful beaches, and incredible food. If you’re travelling, travel informed, take sensible precautions, and hopefully the only thing you bring home is a tan (and maybe an unhealthy love for cachupa).
Watch the video below to find out if Is it safe to travel to Sal
Sources & official information I used (for your own research):
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) – Shigella outbreak info
ECDC risk assessment report
UK Health Security Agency travel health guidance
Government travel health advice (UK)
Relevant public health updates (linked in comments)
If you’ve travelled recently or you’re here right now, drop your experience in the comments — it really helps others make informed decisions.
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We took on The Gauntlet — hitting EVERY happy hour in Santa Maria, Sal in one epic night. 🍹🔥 That’s 13 bars, 13 happy hours, and 13 drinks in a single run. No shortcuts. No quitting.
If you’re planning nightlife in Santa Maria, Sal (Cape Verde) or looking for the best happy hour deals, this is your ultimate guide to where to drink, when to go, and what to order. From beach bars to late-night party spots, we tested them all so you don’t have to.
👉 Watch till the end to see:
Which bar had the BEST happy hour
Where the strongest drinks were
Which stop nearly ended the challenge
And if we actually survived The Gauntlet 😵
Whether you’re visiting Sal, Cape Verde, living in Santa Maria, or just love wild bar challenges, this video is for you.
🍻 Bars featured: The Gauntlet – Santa Maria Happy Hour Crawl (13 Bars)
📍 Location: Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde 📆 Filmed during real happy hours:
Seafood corner – 12:00 – 6:00 Africa – 12:00 – 6:30 Britannia – 4:00 – 6:00 Kyles -4:00 – 6:00 Josy’s – 4:00 – 6:00 Colonial – 4:00 – 6:00 Picador – 5:00 – 6:00 Relax – 5:00 – 7:00 ( was closed while we filmed) Calema – 4:00 – 7:00 The garden – 6:00 – 7:30 Hotel Morabeza – 6:30 – 7:30 Calema – 7:00 – 8:00
👍 Like, Subscribe & Share if you enjoy travel challenges, bar crawls, and real nightlife adventures!
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After a powerful storm in October 2024 damaged the Santa Maria Pier, the area entered a new phase of transformation. The pier is now being rebuilt, and right behind it, a new beachfront hotel by the Spanish company Barceló is taking shape.
Right now, it’s busy and a little chaotic — but this is progress.
This video is part of a monthly update series documenting how the Santa Maria beachfront is evolving and what it could look like in the future.
📍 Santa Maria Beach 🏗️ Pier reconstruction 🏨 New Barceló hotel
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An intimate live concert at Palha Verde, Sal Island — our first time here. A quiet night turned into a shared musical moment, discovering a new place through live sound and atmosphere.
Featuring live performances by Toy Cabecina, Ally Garrido (2nd place winner of The Voice Portugal), and Clovis Davero — an evening shaped by voice, presence, and connection.
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We spent New Year’s Eve in Santa Maria, Cape Verde, exploring the town, hopping between bars and restaurants, and experiencing the island’s incredible nightlife. From live music and DJs to an unforgettable fireworks display over the beach, Santa Maria knows how to celebrate the New Year in style.
The night ended with an amazing luau party, bringing together music, dancing, and island vibes right by the ocean. If you’re planning a trip to Sal Island or wondering what New Year’s Eve in Cape Verde is really like, this video shows it all.
What you’ll see in this video:
Exploring Santa Maria town at night
Bars, restaurants & nightlife
Live music and DJs
Fireworks over the beach
Luau party to end the night
If you enjoy travel vlogs, nightlife, beach destinations, and New Year celebrations, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment!
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oin us on an epic budget travel adventure to Santa Maria on Sal Island, Cape Verde, where we set ourselves a bold challenge: can we survive an entire day with only 25€? 💸 This fun and realistic travel challenge puts budget travel in Cape Verde to the test, showing exactly how far your money can go on this stunning island.
Sal Island is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and relaxed island vibe—but is it possible to enjoy everything Santa Maria has to offer without spending a fortune? From local food spots and affordable meals to free and low-cost activities, we push our budget to the limit while still making the most of our day in paradise. 🌴🌞
In this video, you’ll follow us as we explore Santa Maria on a tight budget, searching for the best cheap eats, discovering local Cape Verdean food, and finding fun things to do on Sal Island that won’t break the bank. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, unexpected moments, and honest insights into what budget travel in Cape Verde is really like.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Sal Island, traveling on a budget, or just love travel challenges, this video is packed with practical tips and real experiences. It’s perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, and anyone curious about affordable travel in Cape Verde.
💬 Let us know in the comments if you think we succeeded—and if you’ve ever visited Sal Island on a budget, we’d love to hear your tips!
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Celebrate the festive season in Santa Maria, Sal Island, Cape Verde, one of the most popular winter sun destinations in the Atlantic. In this guide, we explore the best things to do during Christmas and New Year in Santa Maria, from beach celebrations and live music to fireworks, restaurants, nightlife, and local traditions.
Whether you’re visiting Sal Island for the holidays, planning a winter escape to Cape Verde, or already on the island, this guide will help you make the most of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year celebrations in Santa Maria.
What to Expect During Christmas & New Year in Santa Maria
Santa Maria combines tropical weather, vibrant culture, and festive energy, making it an ideal place to celebrate the end of the year. Expect sunny beach days, lively evenings, and unforgettable celebrations across the town.
🎉 In This Guide, You’ll Discover:
Christmas traditions in Santa Maria, Sal
The best beaches to visit during the holidays
New Year’s Eve parties and fireworks
Where to eat and drink during Christmas and New Year
Nightlife and live music hotspots
Useful tips for tourists visiting Cape Verde in December
Best Places to Eat, Drink & Celebrate
If you’re looking to book restaurants, bars, or New Year’s events featured in the video, here are the details:
These venues are popular during the festive season, so advance booking is highly recommended, especially for New Year’s Eve.
Christmas Church Services in Santa Maria
Unfortunately, I was unable to confirm specific Christmas church service times in Santa Maria. For up-to-date information, it’s best to check locally once you arrive or ask at nearby churches or hotels.
Why Santa Maria Is a Top Holiday Destination in Cape Verde
Santa Maria is one of the top holiday destinations in Cape Verde, offering the perfect mix of:
Warm weather in December
Beautiful beaches
Local food and culture
Live music and nightlife
Unique Christmas and New Year celebrations
It’s an ideal destination for couples, solo travelers, families, and anyone looking to swap winter cold for island sunshine.
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