Melia Tortuga Beach - All Inclusive

I have to say after reading some of the reviews of this location prior to my departure I was a little apprehensive, however on arrival all my concerns disappeared. We were met with big smiles and politeness, our unit was excellent, clean and well presented. The all inclusive food was great, plenty of variable choices. Well done the local team we had a great time and enjoyed our holiday enormously, well worth the visit.

I am staying here now in room 289 and was worried prior by the reviews. The hotel is clean and staff are happy to help when they can. You have a variety of food everyday and has been different everyday (I have been here four days). Beach is right there which is great. I reccomend the sal trip on Viator to visit the lemon sharks, salt lake, local cuisine for lunch and the blue eye. The rest is all a bonus. Christian our tour guide was great. The hotel reception does not smell, nor does any area I have been. I have not seen any cockroaches as mentioned or flies on the food. Fruit served everyday which is great. Snacks were covered (see snack photo) and dinner served fresh such as one night was salmon cut in front of you and another day was steak. If you come expecting a nice holiday and dont pick at minor things your have a great time. I came with my 15yr old daughter who is enjoying herself. You have the sun, sea and two nice pool areas. Room is close to the pool which is a bonus. I'd recommend booking the restaurants you want on the first day using the QR code at reception. The main spice restaurant is good you just tap your wristband and off you go. No checking room numbers etc. If you can't remember your room number reception can check by tapping your wristband too). I asked the reception staff for help and I was met by polite staff. Not one staff member has been rude or unwilling to help. Maybe it's how you approach people and the attitude you have??? The hotel offers a free bus every day at 11 am to Santa maria or a tax is €5 each way. It's quite close. The beach has pools, sunbeds and little bars selling fresh coconuts which my daughter especially loved. I would say book and enjoy yourself and ignore the fussy people expecting a gold spoon. I would say 4* but could get to 5* by updating the rooms slightly and having the tv channels working better, offering clothes rail. (I did have an iron, and ironing board) room has a hair dryer and two bathrooms, large kitchen area and a washing machine. The hotel has some evening entertainment. The sauna is €25 I believe of you want to use. Hotel has cash machine (also resorts next door do too) Kelly from Tui is a great help and happy to support when wanting to know anything. Advised when leaving hotel turn wrist band over so people dont identify hotel name. People outside the resort will say they work therr so you buy there items to "save the children" these elephants and wood carvings of animals can be expensive so be prepared for shop owners to try give you a bowel to fill up with items (or put them in there for you) you have to be boundaries. When arriving at santa maria the locals will be by the taxi and try to show you their market (ie there little shop), or shops. People are kind and use a "no stress" motto. People at the hotel beach will try to sell you stuff. Just explain you dont want it nicely. Everyone is trying to make a living! Santa maria have a beach party every Thursday

OK we arrived here to 5 star but I expected maybe a 4 star . It is little as 3 star at best ... the room is has plenty of space and is clean .. there is no iron wen we asked we got one that don't work lol .... (still waiting )... food in the buffet is OK a bit cold .. the omletes were good but now the hot plate has been out not working for 2 days ... lol ... the drinks are local brand ..seriously its like drinking paraffin vile ... the slush machine was OK. But now that it out of use ... I've had to resort in drinking my own vodka I brought with there vile cheap flat coke ... there are no blenders at the bars to make cocktails... the pools are all freezing.. entertainment there is none seriously... if you can book somewhere else I'd advise it... the management have let this place run yo the ground ... its a shame the staff are helpful and nice ..

My First Solo Trip – Made Amazing Thanks to TUI Rep Kelly @ Meliã Tortuga Beach, Sal I’ve just returned from my first ever solo holiday, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I stayed at Meliã Tortuga Beach in Sal, Cape Verde, and right from the start, I felt supported, safe, and genuinely cared for – especially thanks to the incredible TUI rep, Kelly michele. As someone travelling alone for the first time, I was naturally a bit nervous. But the moment I met Kelly, those nerves disappeared. She perfectly represents TUI’s core values – Trusted, Unique, and Inspiring. She was warm, down-to-earth, and always available with friendly advice or just a reassuring chat. She made me feel seen and understood, which meant everything on a solo trip. Kelly gave brilliant, honest recommendations tailored to what I was looking for, and every excursion she suggested was a highlight – fun, safe, and really well-organized. If you’re doing your first solo trip (or even your tenth!), go see Kelly right away – she’ll make sure you get the best out of your time in Sal. The Meliã Tortuga Beach hotel was equally fantastic – peaceful, perfectly clean, and full of friendly staff who made me feel welcome at every turn. I’d definitely recommend requesting a second-floor room, especially in the garden or villa areas, as mosquitoes can be more of a problem on the ground floor. They’re around in the evenings, so don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent and body spray – it really helps. This trip was empowering, relaxing, and truly unforgettable. I came home with more confidence, amazing memories, and the certainty that I’ll be travelling solo again. Huge thanks to Kelly and the TUI team – you made my first solo adventure a complete success!