Urbanizacao da Cabocan, ZDTI Ponta Preta, Cape Verde - Sal, Santa Maria, Cape Verde | (937) 315-4602
Stunning Algodoeiro Beach setting, five-minute drive from Santa Maria
Huge, modern suites and villas with kitchenettes; some with private pools
Two enormous pools, two kids’ pools, and a swim-up bar
Four all-day restaurants, plus four bars stay open late (all-inclusive available)
Included breakfast buffet offers good variety
Serene spa with sauna and steam room, and a well-equipped gym
Kids’ club and popular family entertainment
Free daily shuttle to Santa Maria
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Free parking
Charges for internet access in rooms and Wi-Fi signal is patchy
Food gets mixed reviews, especially at main restaurant
Breakfast and dinner can get crowded
Sunbeds in short supply at times
The Hotel Melia Tortuga Beach is a stylish and secluded all-inclusive four-pearl option on Algodoeiro Beach, a five-minute drive from Santa Maria. The 286 modern and elegant Suites or Villas are spacious and feature well-equipped kitchenettes; the priciest units have private pools. There are four attractive pools, plus four all-day restaurants (though they get busy, and food gets mixed reviews), four bars that stay open late, and an attractive gym and spa with sauna and steam rooms. Additionally, a kids’ club, free parking, and a free shuttle into Santa Maria are available, but Wi-Fi is only free in public areas. The Hotel Oasis Salinas Sea has slightly lower rates, and is closer to Santa Maria.
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Scene
Romantic vibe, plus modern decor, well-maintained grounds, and a lovely beach
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.
Location
Secluded, yet convenient location, a short drive from Santa Maria and the airport
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.
Rooms
Huge, stylish Suites and Villas with kitchenettes; some with plunge pools
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.
Features
Four gorgeous pools, eight restaurants and bars, spa, gym, and free shuttle
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.
