Written by our designer Triniti Ramsay-Nicol

My visit to Boa Vista, located in Western Africa, was driven by my desire to explore the island's hidden gems and soak in the natural beauty of Cape Verde. I am fascinated by the potential to design an environment dedicated to communal growing and cooking spaces, to inspire positive collaboration and communal engagement in smaller cities/villages. However, my visit encapsulated far more than my initial intentions had prepared me for. The islands of Cape Verde have a vast natural landscape and are both historically and culturally rich, and the importance of hospitality and family is palpable. The island's history of colonisation by Portugal in the mid-15th century has subjected it to a prominent European cultural influence, however, its gradual evolution toward independence, achieved in 1975, has since allowed its cultural and economic development to thrive as a growing developing island. The island of Boa Vista, with its tourism-cantered economy, has around 6 resorts varying in style and luxury, allowing visitors a taste of Cape Verdian luxury.

I had the utmost pleasure of staying at the 5-star Riu Touareg Resort, located in southern Boa Vista. In Western contexts, it is often minimalism or simplicity that draws the eye of affluence, with predominant colours being white or grey, and subtle accents and materials that offset the neutrality of the space. The desire for ambient lighting and bespoke artisanal décor shapes the prevailing image of opulence and wealth. While its relevance across all of Western culture naturally depends on individual taste, it nevertheless aligns with the aesthetics and trends that designers and architects are exponentially catering towards. Whereas here on the coast of Boa Vista, there is a resort where Western decadence is disregarded and ignored. Bold patterns and colours adorn the walls of the foyer at Riu Touareg, with loud yet controlled spots of colour, and the high ceilings and open air allow you to immerse yourself in a display of culture. The rooms at the Riu Touareg reflect subtle elements of local culture through earthy colour palettes, handcrafted décor, and African-inspired patterns that nod to the island’s Creole heritage. Unlike typical Western hotel rooms, which often favour cooler tones and modern furnishings, the resort embraces a more tactile ambience with rustic elegance and richly textured finishes that evoke a sense of belonging. While Western preferences may prioritise sleek uniformity and cutting-edge amenities, the resort’s interiors aim to connect guests to the local environment, offering a more immersive and culturally rooted experience.

The Riu Resorts and Hotels company is owned by a Spanish group and has expanded since opening their first hotel on the island in 2005. Whilst the owners may not be natives, it is clear that there is a strong appreciation and understanding of Boa Vista’s culture. The most encapsulating feature of the resort for me was the greenery and how it elevated the neutral palette of the exterior design. The architectural distinctiveness makes the resort strikingly unique, as the diversity in geometry is comparable to that of a palace, though simpler and modest, and its beige structure emerges like a gilded sandcastle rising from the ground. The sheer scale of the resort additionally contributed to its extravagance, with each section a glimpse at a different perspective of the island, and the quiet details a playground for an inquisitive mind.

The photogenic scenery was brimming with majestic palm trees and vegetation bearing succulent fruits with vivid colours. Contrasting visuals from the vast gardens to the vibrant blue pools made the view that much more spectacular, however, with absolutely no comparison to the dynamic beauty that was the view of the North Atlantic Ocean - the most intensely brilliant turquoise blue I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. The private beach, rather than being desperate to be photographed, leaves the onlooker powerless but to frame the moment, stunningly paved with powder white sands, becoming the visual epitome of Boa Vista’s natural beauty.

My journey to Boa Vista offered more than a tropical escape - it was a window into a rich tapestry of history, the island's layered beauty, and the preservation of culture. Rooted in African and Portuguese influences, Boa Vista exudes a quiet vibrancy that is both grounding and celebratory. Staying at the 5-star Riu Touareg Resort deepened my appreciation for this intersection of heritage and hospitality. Unlike the minimalistic aesthetic popular in Western luxury design, the Riu Touareg Resort embraces an exuberant visual language, as the locally inspired décor reflects a culture that celebrates life in every detail. The resort itself has a palatial feel, without compromising its connection to nature or Cape Verde’s humble charm, and it is a place where Western expectations of luxury are reimagined and extravagance is not in restraint.

Riu Touareg is not just a resort; it is a celebration of place, blending opulence with authenticity and inviting visitors to engage with Boa Vista’s cultural soul through the medium of meticulously curated space.