Marriott International has officially entered the Cape Verde hospitality market with the opening of the Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort, marking a significant milestone for the global hotel group’s expansion in Africa.
The newly opened property, located above Laginha Beach in the port city of Mindelo on São Vicente island, represents Marriott’s first hotel in Cape Verde and its 500th select service hotel in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa). It also marks the debut of the Four Points by Sheraton resort brand in Africa.
The 127-room resort is positioned within a crescent-shaped bay in one of Cape Verde’s cultural hubs, known for its vibrant music scene and annual carnival celebrations. The hotel blends modern design with local influences, incorporating wooden furnishings, patterned cement tiles and decorative elements inspired by the island’s architecture and artistic heritage.
“Cape Verde is known for its vibrant spirit, natural beauty and growing global appeal, making it an exciting addition to our network of global destinations,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium, Select & Midscale Brand Management, EMEA at Marriott International. “São Vicente is the ideal destination for us to introduce Four Points by Sheraton’s first resort in the region, offering an authentic sense of place paired with breathtaking vistas along with the brand’s genuine service, comfort and modern style.”
The resort features a curated art collection that includes works by artist Raya Salman and photographer Joe Wuerfel, whose images capture the soul of Cape Verde. The hotel also presents select pieces by Cape Verdean artists, reinforcing a strong connection to local creative expression.
The property offers a mix of leisure and business facilities, including an infinity-edge pool, spa, fitness centre and conference spaces with meeting rooms and event areas. Dining options include an all-day restaurant, a poolside lounge and a rooftop bar, while a skybridge provides direct access to the beach.
Schulze-Potgieter added that the opening reflects increasing demand for modern and consistent hospitality offerings across emerging destinations. The company’s select service segment now accounts for more than 30 percent of its EMEA portfolio, underlining the strategic importance of such developments.
The launch is also seen as a sign of growing international interest in Cape Verde as a tourism destination. The archipelago has gained attention in recent years for its natural landscapes, cultural richness and expanding infrastructure, attracting both leisure travellers and business visitors.
With its entry into Cape Verde, Marriott continues to strengthen its footprint in Africa, positioning the new São Vicente resort as a gateway for further growth in the region.
