Melia Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa

There’s a relaxed yet sophisticated and romantic vibe at Hotel Melia Tortuga Beach, a family-friendly resort that’s nonetheless especially popular with couples. The striking white frontage, fringed by palm trees, gives way to low-rise whitewashed buildings set around green, well-maintained grounds. The high-ceilinged, split-level lobby is simple, yet attractive. There are gray accent walls, and impressive chandeliers, plus elegant room dividers dotted with objets d’art. The two huge, curved main pools have charming thatch-style umbrellas, and the wide, attractive beach features handsome dark-wood cabanas. The resort’s restaurants by and large sport simple but stylish decor, but the Late Bar feels especially opulent with its gilded mirrors and tufted leather booths. 

The Hotel Melia Tortuga Beach is set back from a quiet residential road. It’s a short drive from Santa Maria town’s restaurants and bars, but that simply adds to the secluded vibe, and there’s a free shuttle.

• Five minutes to Santa Maria by car
• 15 minutes to Amilcar Cabral International Airport by car
• 20 minutes to Palmeira village by car
• 24 minutes to Pedra de Lume salt craters by car
• 32 minutes to Buracona Beach by car

The 286 air-conditioned Suites and Villas are spacious, modern, and stylish. They vary in size from studio-style Suites to Two- to Four-Bedroom Villas. Master bedrooms have king-size beds with dark fabric headboards against white walls, simple wooden bedside tables, cream curtains, and white floor tiles. Twin bedrooms are similar, and all have contemporary ensuite bathrooms with white walls and beige tiling. Chic countertop sinks sit on simple vanities, and there are shower/tub combos (in masters) or shower stalls, as well as hairdryers and miniature aloe vera-scented toiletries.

Chic living rooms feature leather sofas, elegant dining tables, and attractive neutral curtains hung over large windows that let in lots of natural light. Kitchenettes include stoves, microwaves, and fridges. Pricier Villas add ovens and dishwashers. Amenities include 32- to 42-inch flat-screen TVs, phones, wired internet (for a fee; free Wi-Fi is only available in public areas), and safes.

Most units have lovely paved patios or balconies with dining furniture and garden views, though ground-floor rooms lack much privacy. The biggest and priciest two-story Villas, close to the beach, have secluded sea-view gardens with private plunge pools and sunbeds on grassy lawns, plus large, attractive (though sparsely furnished) wraparound terraces upstairs.

Extensive features at the Hotel Melia Tortuga Beach include four pools -- including two kids’ pools -- and sundecks complete with loungers, umbrellas, and cabanas. The same amenities are also available on the beach. Note that these materials can be in short supply at busy times, and that a deposit is required for beach and pool towels.

Three all-day restaurants (Spices, O Grille, and Waterside) serve local and international breakfast (which gets good reviews), lunch, and dinner. Aqua offers a la carte Mediterranean evening meals with a dress code requirement. Note that Spices isn’t open between mealtimes, and the other three restaurants require reservations in the evening. The restaurants can also get busy at breakfast and dinner, and the food at Spices in particular garners mixed reviews. My Lounge wine bar (which offers sunset views) and Sway lobby bar are open from morning until the wee hours. The Late Bar also lives up to its name in terms of closing time, but doesn't open until the evening. The pool bar is open from morning until sunset, and features a swim-up bar.

The serene spa offers a range of treatments, and has whirlpools, a sauna, and a steam room. The modern gym has a full range of free weights and cardio and weightlifting machines. There are popular daytime and evening entertainment for adults and children, plus a free kids’ club with play equipment. Guests can use computers in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free in public areas, but the signal can be patchy. There’s a free shuttle to Santa Maria with regular daily departures. Parking is free.