New New direct flights from Gatwick to the island of Boa Vista in the Cape Verde Islands are to launch on 10 July with London-based airline Astraeus, which began flights to the island of Sal last year. Boa Vista's shoreline is covered in sand dunes, there are dozens of beautiful beaches and some of its disused buildings have been smothered by sand. The nightlife is rather low-key, consisting of bars and restaurants. The Cape Verde Experience (0845 330 2047; www.capeverdeexperience.com) has packages including the new flights and B&B in a beachside bungalow at the Parque Dunas Hotel from £792 per person per week.