Djadsal Moradias

We booked a double roomed apartment within the Djadsal Moradias complex which was great, spacious, comfy with all the basic modern appliances we needed (Cooker, freezer, aircon, TV, washing machine)- it isn't the Hilton but that wasn't what we were looking for. The apartments are a bit out of town but you can walk along the promenade (for lack of a better word) which is accessed down a small sand track opposite and then all the way to the town centre. You are at the quieter end of the beach which is lovely and there are a couple of restaurants, bars and shops if you have a lazy day. The island its self is pretty barren, there is a beautiful beach and great sea (beware the wind though!) but not much else - so if you are going be aware of a few things. the Island is being taken over by the 'all inclusive' hotels in the centre - the buses flow in and out of these and offer full catering and fun for the family - so much so that people hardly venture out. This is, at least I thought, starting to take effect on Santa Maria. Hopefully, this will come right - there seems to be a lot of construction going on - which I hope attracts people away from their sun loungers. So if you are going to see the Island, and not just the inside of a resort, then be aware that food is expensive, extremely high in the supermarket* (its very small) as is beer and wine. Many of the main restaurants along the beachfront are overpriced and not amazing, I'd recommend hunting through trip advisor to find the gems (i'll mention a few below) - There is little to none produce on Sal (there is no soil) so apart from the fish that are caught daily everything else is flown in. The sites, although limited, are nice and you can arrange a day trip for around £20 per adult - it's not a full day but well worth seeing (shark bay being the best, we missed turtle season that is Oct/Nov) Some recommendations - Londres bar - the owners are great, local music and nice tapas. Cafe Creol - the menu is limited but its got some cracking fish dishes and is really well priced We made many friends out there and will be back, although I think a week is long enough unless we plan to fly to another island. The only sour point was the local market - or so-called market selling local things in the centre of Santa Maria - this is to be avoided, once you enter you are hustled and badgered in what became a quite unnerving manner and blocked from getting out. Hope this is helpful?