Morabeza Beach Club Relaxed Beachfront Dining in Santa Maria

Tucked along the white-sand shores of Santa Maria Beach on the island of Sal Island in Cape Verde, Morabeza Beach Club offers a relaxed and scenic beachside dining and lounging experience.

The word Morabeza itself in Cape Verdean Creole means “hospitality” — friendly, unpretentious, welcoming — and the club lives up to its name. The beach club is located on the boulevard.

In this article I’ll walk you through what makes Morabeza Beach Club special: the location & vibe, the food & drink, practical tips for visiting, and a few things to keep in mind.

Location & Atmosphere

Morabeza Beach Club is located right on the sand of Santa Maria Beach, Sal Island.  From the deck or lounge chairs, you can gaze out over sparkling turquoise water, feel the gentle sea-breeze, and watch the world go by.

Contact Information

Morabeza Beach Club
📍 Santa Maria Beach, Sal Island, Cabo Verde
☎ +238 242 10 20
✉ info@hotelmorabeza.com
🌐 www.hotelmorabeza.com/beach-club

The ambience is laid-back and beachy: stools facing the sea, sunbeds and umbrellas, cocktails by the shore, and the rhythm of surf and breeze as your soundtrack. Reviewers highlight that you can easily pull up a sunbed, order a drink, and just lounge for hours. 

One review puts it this way:

“Beautiful setting, wonderful food and the staff were amazing and friendly. You could sit for hours just taking in the atmosphere and location” Whether you visit for a leisurely lunch, a sunset drink, or simply a daybed by the sea, the club delivers that “holiday mood”.

Food, Drink & Menu Highlights

Morabeza Beach Club offers a menu focused on fresh seafood and grilled specials — think fish caught locally, lobster, mixed grill platters. Their “select-your-fish / grill station” format is popular: you choose your fish (or meat), bring a ticket to the grill station, and then have it cooked to order. 

Lunch service is à la carte and typically runs in the early afternoon (around 12:30pm to 3pm, according to their sister location) though you’ll want to double-check current hours. 

For example, one visitor noted:

“The fish was grilled perfectly… the cocktail area was also chill!” 

Drinks & Sunbeds

Beyond the food, you’ll find a comfortable lounge/bar area for cocktails, beer or chilled wine. The sunbeds and umbrellas right by the club (on the beach) make for a full “lounge + lunch + sea” experience. One user comment:

“Very comfy sun-beds too, highly recommend!!” 

Why it stands out

• Seamless combination of beach lounge + restaurant: you’re literally on the sand, feet-in-the-sand style.
• Fresh local seafood cooked well: the grill station format gives a bit of control and freshness.
• Excellent setting for sunset drinks, kitesurf watching, beach-time relaxation.

Practical Visit Tips

• Make a reservation if you’re going for lunch or want a prime table facing the sea. While some reviews say it’s not always necessary, prime spots fill up.  
• Go at lunch (midday) for the full club-lounge-by-the-sand experience. Evening dining may differ in ambiance/hours.
• Use the sunbeds: If you plan to stay a while, rent a sunbed and let the day stretch out over sun, sea, food & drink.
• Try the grill station: choose your seafood/meat, bring to grill, and enjoy with sides.
• Check local specialties: The menu may include local Cape Verdean dishes or fresh catch of the day.
• Sun-protection: Being on the beach, bring sun-cream, hat, sunglasses.
• Weather & kitesurf-watching: Sal Island often has good breezes and kitesurfing activity. Even if you don’t kite, the backdrop is lively.
• Budget accordingly: Reviews suggest “good food at modest prices” but as with seaside dining, expect premium for beachfront location.  

Who is it For?

• Couples or friends looking for a relaxed lunch or long afternoon by the beach.
• Beach-lovers who don’t just want to sunbathe but also enjoy good food and drink in a scenic setting.
• Visitors to Sal Island who want a more refined yet casual experience (not fast-food on the beach, but comfortable beach-side dining).
• Photo-lovers: with sea views, sunbeds, and open-air lounge, it’s very “Instagram-friendly”.

A Few Things to Note

• As with many beach clubs, service may be slower when busy or during peak hours.
• Because you’re on the sand, the feel is casual — if you’re after formal fine dining you might want something more upscale.
• The menu may change seasonally (catch of the day, grill items) — best to ask about specials.
• Because of its popularity and the prime location, some items/drinks may be priced higher than local inland alternatives.

Summary

Morabeza Beach Club on Santa Maria Beach is a charming blend of beach-lounge and seaside restaurant, offering fresh grilled seafood, sunbeds on the sand, cocktails by the sea and a relaxed, hospitable atmosphere that lives up to its name. With stunning views, good food and a casual yet elevated beach vibe, it’s a standout option on Sal Island. If you’re planning a trip to Sal and looking for a place to both unwind and enjoy a quality meal by the water, Morabeza is highly recommended.