Praia, Cape Verde, 18 June – Portuguese group Oásis Atlântico has begun construction of a five-star tourist resort on Sal Island in cape Verde, known as the Salinas Resort, the company’s marketing director said in Praia Tuesday.

The resort, which is expected to cost 57 million euros, will initially include a five-star aparthotel, swimming pools and conference rooms, Nuno Oliveira said.

Salinas Sea, as the first stage is known, is located in Santa Maria will cover an area of 17,500 square metres and have 228 studio apartments and 56 one-bedroom apartments, as well as a restaurant, bar, swimming pools and recreational areas.

When it is finished the Salinas Resort will occupy an area of 45,000 square metres. The entire project is due to be completed with the construction of Salinas Sand, work on which is scheduled to begin next year and will include a further 316 apartments, a new restaurant, 36 store s and a SPA.

The group, according to Oliveira, has a further three projects put forward for licensing in Cape Verde. One on Boavista Island, called Sal Rei, one in the city of Praia, Prainha Suite Hotel, and a third also on Sal Island, Salinas Residence.

The Oásis Atlântico group, which also has three hotels in Brazil, was set up in 1998, with the acquisition of three hotels in Cape Verde, and currently has four hotels on the islands. (macauhub)