Casa Marisa 2.0 — Hotel in Fogo

I stayed 2 nights at Casa Marisa on a group trip. I had my own room (room 12) with a clear view of the volcano. And it's a beautiful view that changes by the minute with the light and clouds. The terrace on top of my room, with a hammock and sofa was the perfect place to view it from. The room itself was super heated - apparently from the previous lava flow. Whatever the source of the heat the floor was hot and the walls warm! So much so as Mustafa (one of the owners recommended) I slept with the door and windows wide open. Given the temperature can't have much above 0 degrees Celsius that was quite something. The bed was fine and the shower ranged from tepid to cold. However, given they have to get all fresh water trucked and there's no mains gas or electric that's a little more understandable. The food was plentiful and wholesome, think home cooking at scale. I particularly enjoyed the fish on the first night. There was wine, gin, soft drinks etc available to buy. We also did a wine tasting with wines from the local wine cooperative which was a lot of fun - Mustafa is a natural. Very charming. Although fair to say his wine, which he described as "illness" and was one of 6 we tried, is still being perfected. So if you possess an adventurous spirit and don't mind one or two creature comforts being missing then Casa Marisa is a wonderful place to stay. I hope to come back one day. Oh and be sure to ask Mustafa how he met Marisa - it's a heart...

The stay at Casa Marisa was the highlight of our Cape Verde Tour - not only because we made it to the top of the volcano. It’s a unique place - the Caldeira as a whole of course - with the lava fields surrounding it and the ground still emitting warmth due to it being built on the hot lava of 2014. It features Funkus (little round houses - some isolated, some with a natural heating) and rooms in the big central complex. As Mustafa, the owner put it: it takes two to enjoy. You have to keep in mind where you are. This is not a luxury holiday resort, but a luxurious mountain hut with great, unique food (make sure to try the chicken with mulberries!!!). The showers and sinks have their own mind - sometimes emitting hot, sometimes cold water (you can still marvel at the custom made stone sink though). The furniture is simple. At night the wind rushing through the creaks sometimes keeps you up. Yet it is a magical place, full of life and lightness with the most friendly and accommodating people. Perfect for everyone - including families. Mustafa knows the local guides (we went up the volcano with Maurizio - awesome guide and amazing person) and is happy to put you in touch and give you advice on tours. The love and appreciation the people have for their home is wonderful and it is...

Spent two nights at Casa Marisa and had an amazing stay. The Funcos are perfect for two persons. There's a small terrasse on each funco to watch the moon and the planets rise in front of the majestic Pico do Fogo. In December the nights got rather chilly and we much needed the provided extra quilts. But be aware that there's not much water for showering, etc. Mustafa organized everything for us, transport from Sao Felipe to the Caldeira, a competent guide to hile up Pico do Fogo the next day and even luggage transport as well as pick-up and transfer, when we spontaneously decided to hike down to Mosteiros instead of taking an Aluguer back to Sao Felipe. Not to forget, the food was absolutely delicious, the garden is so very pretty and everyone is super friendly. A very big thank you to the whole team for an...