The Resort Group Plc Continues Major Investment Across Sal Resorts
The Resort Group Plc is continuing a major programme of investment across its resorts on the island of Sal, as Cape Verde’s growing popularity as a year-round holiday destination drives strong demand.
Rob Jarrett, Honorary Chairman of The Resort Group Plc, said the continued strength of tourism on Sal was encouraging the Group to invest further in its properties, facilities and workforce.
“I am extremely encouraged that our resorts in Sal are in high demand due to the ever-increasing popularity of Cape Verde as a year-round destination,” said Jarrett.
“This is great news for Cape Verde and holidaymakers alike, many of whom continue to return to our resorts year after year.
“As a result, we have invested significant sums into the resorts to ensure that guest satisfaction, service and quality remain of paramount importance. This is something we take extremely seriously.
“We are continuing our investment into each of our resorts, upgrading facilities for our guests to enjoy while also providing continued professional development to our loyal employees to ensure continuity and quality of service.”
Major investment at Dunas Beach Resort
A series of improvements and new openings have already taken place at Dunas Beach Resort, including the arrival of new food, drink and entertainment venues.
Jarrett said: “Over the last few months we have made substantial investments at Dunas Beach Resort. These have included the opening of Linekers, our new sports bar, in December 2024, as well as the opening of Signora Sassi, which we believe is one of Sal’s best Italian restaurants.
“We have also introduced a brand-new al fresco cocktail and juice bar, while repairs and improvements have been made across the gym areas and to gym equipment.
“The Dunas Kids Club has been refurbished to provide a more creative space for children, while Dunas Sal Bar has received a facelift, including new decoration, a brand-new back bar and ambient lighting.
“The Dunas amphitheatre has also received a more powerful and enhanced image projector, helping us deliver an improved entertainment experience for adults and families.”
Further investment at Dunas is planned throughout 2025.
Jarrett added: “Our programme of improvements does not stop there. Red Velvet, a brand-new jazz bar serving cocktails alongside live music and entertainment, is due to open, while further enhancements and refurbishments are also planned for hotel rooms.”
New facilities at Tortuga Beach Resort
Tortuga Beach Resort has also undergone a significant programme of improvements, covering its beachfront hospitality, reception, fitness, spa and connectivity facilities.
Jarrett said: “At Tortuga Beach Resort, the O’Grill beach bar has been refurbished and relaunched as La Cabana, our stunning new beachfront venue.
“The development includes an extension to the lounge bar and restaurant areas, alongside new decoration and more ambient lighting. We want La Cabana to become one of the places to be at Tortuga.
“The resort’s reception has also been renewed and extended, providing more space for arrivals and departures, while the gym has been relocated, renewed and revamped.
“The new fitness offering includes a range of lessons such as spinning, yoga and dance classes, giving guests more ways to stay active during their holiday.”
Technology and connectivity have formed another part of the investment programme.
“A new Wi-Fi system is now in place, providing easier and better connectivity across the resort,” Jarrett said.
“We have also recently opened The Secret Garden at Tortuga, creating a space where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks in a more intimate setting.”
The resort’s spa has meanwhile undergone an extensive refurbishment.
Jarrett continued: “Tortuga’s spa has been refurbished, and additional treatment rooms have been created. We have added a hair and beauty salon and extended the relaxation areas, complemented by a jacuzzi and wet-room facility as part of the spa circuit.”
More than 500 rooms refurbished
Investment has also extended beyond the principal hotel facilities, with improvements to entertainment areas and hundreds of rooms across The Resort Group Plc’s Sal portfolio.
Jarrett said: “We have enhanced the entertainment area at Bar Marley, one of Sal’s best-known reggae bars, and we are planning a further extension with a new beach bar called Cocktails & Dreams.
“This will provide another option for both residential and external guests to enjoy.
“Across our resorts, more than 500 rooms have been refurbished and brought back into operation. That represents a substantial programme of work and demonstrates the scale of our commitment to continually improving the guest experience.”
Further investment planned throughout 2025
The Resort Group Plc’s programme will continue during 2025, with food and beverage, staffing, maintenance and entertainment among the key areas of focus.
Jarrett said: “As part of our desire to continue investing throughout 2025 and achieve even more positive guest reviews, we are reviewing all of our food and beverage menus.
“Our aim is to ensure guests have a varied choice of quality food, including vegan, vegetarian and coeliac options.
“We are also continuing a recruitment drive for housekeeping and service staff across the resorts to increase room serviceability.
“A new Head of Maintenance has joined our team to ensure that all resort areas are well maintained and that any issues are resolved in a timely fashion.”
Entertainment programmes will also be reviewed as the Group seeks to provide a wider range of experiences throughout the day and evening.
“Our animation programmes are being reviewed to ensure that they cater for all audiences, with high-quality performances and entertainment provided throughout the days and evenings,” Jarrett said.
For Jarrett, the continuing programme of investment reflects a wider ambition to strengthen the experience offered to visitors to Sal as Cape Verde’s international tourism industry continues to develop.
“Our ultimate ambition is to provide an unparalleled five-star experience to all of our clients so that they can enjoy a well-deserved holiday in the Republic of Cape Verde,” he said.
“Cape Verde continues to grow in popularity, and we want our resorts to develop alongside it. Continued investment in our properties, our facilities and, importantly, our people are central to ensuring guests have a reason to return year after year.”