Excellent facilities in both the apartment and the resort. Clean, well equipped apartment, nicely furnished and great value for money and highly recommend. Would consider returning in the future. Many Thanks to Paul for looking after us

We had a fantastic week here. Paul was a wonderful host and responded quickly to all enquiries. The flat was great, immaculately clean and the large private balcony is a real highlight. We were looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday and this location really fit the bill. The resort is attractive, well-maintained with swimming pools and a lovely beach. Having read some negative reviews of Tortuga Beach, I can honestly say we experienced none of these issues. Check in was fast and easy, staff were friendly (though we were not on the ‘all in’ package they treated us as valued guests). There were always sun loungers available, and although the sea immediately in front of the Tortuga has high surf and rocks, there is a gorgeous swimming ‘lagoon’ adjacent. We got the best of both worlds with this property; taking advantage of all we wanted on the resort without the all-inclusive pricing or commitment. We registered a credit card with the reception when we checked in and this meant we had no problem buying drinks from the bar or any other little extras (e.g. on the last day we hired one of the covered ‘Bali Beds’ on the beach which was fantastic). The only challenge regarding the self-catering option was that the supermarkets are not greatly stocked. There’s a shop nearby and a great bakery and a supermarket in Santa Maria, but choices were limited, especially fresh fruit and vegetables. But we found great restaurants in town as well as an Asian restaurant (Nami) and the Bikini Beach Club next door to Tortuga beach, which we would recommend. The late March weather was warm. The wind is strong which can be off-putting, but makes this a popular destination for kite surfers. Santa Maria has a busy beach with bars and restaurants but it doesn’t have the tacky feel of a lot of resort towns – it’s relatively quiet and suited to the older crowd. The locals were friendly, but it should be noted they are being paid almost nothing to work at these resorts and the cost of living is high. No wonder you will get approached by people trying to sell you things (which coincidentally always seem to be for sale “at their mother’s shop”!) But we never got hassled in any way. If you’re not interested you can just politely say no and they will move on, usually with a smile, saying “no stress”! All in all, a top holiday, very relaxing and a much-needed sunshiny escape from the over-long British winter.

This beautiful apartment is, in our opinion , in the best location both within the complex and within the resort. It has everything you need for an independent self catering holiday but near enough to the town of Santa Maria if you need to buy provisions or wish to eat out. The large veranda offers a great place to sit and read and to generally relax. The complex is lovely and clean and all the staff are friendly and courteous Each evening there is some form of entertainment. I particularly liked the dance shows. The young entertainment staff put on a brilliant, energetic show which was a pleasure to watch. There are accessible, easy walking routes around the island for those who like to get out and about, although most of the terrain is sand. Paul, the owner is really helpful and considerate and is more than happy to answer all your queries We loved it so much we have booked again for next year I can’t recommend this highly enough.

Hi Paul. Just wanted to say a big thank you for the use of you gorgeous apartment at The Tortuga resort in Santa Maria. The apartment was like a home from home, so nice to feel relaxed indoors with the lovely sitting room and kitchen area, instead of feeling like you were hanging around a bedroom! Stepping out onto the spacious balcony for breakfast or an early evening drink was fabulous, the position meaning it was very private, yet we could still sit and people watch. We didn't use the all inclusive as after reading trip adviser reviews of the restaurants we decided at 80 euros each per day, it wouldn't really be good value for us as we wouldn't eat/drink enough to cover that cost. We ate out each night in Santa Maria and had some lovely meals with cocktails to follow in the Ocean Cafe most nights! Taxis were cheap enough at 4 euros each way and readily available at the hotel. We did have a meal in the complex Aqua restaurant on our last night and whilst very nice, it cost 70 euro and we had just had good food in Santa Maria for less money, so overall, we were pleased we had the freedom of going into town to try different places, as well as it being a change of scenery from the complex. Another bonus was that we completely missed the 'beast from the east' winter storm at home. We were getting lots of contact on Facebook saying how dreadful it was, whilst we were lying on the beach with a cocktail! I'm sure we will be booking again next time we visit Cape Verde - thanks again! Alison & Steve Stokoe

We had a lovely holiday in this two bedroom apartment. The apartment is very well equipped in a nice quiet sunny position on the alll-inclusive resort. Sitting outside on the balcony in the sun was a joy with the upstairs position affording extra privacy. There is a nice beach at the resort but we would recommend walking 10 minutes to Ponta Preta beach which was gorgeous and virtually empty. In the evenings a 5 minute taxi ride (cost 3 or 4 euro) takes you to the local town with a number of restaurant options. Paul was very helpful throughout the process with prompt, friendly and informative replies. There isn't a huge amount of things to do in Sal but if you are after a relaxing holiday in the sun we would recommend this as a good option !

This apartment was truly lovely and brilliant that the balcony caught the sun all day long. The kitchen is fully stocked will necessary appliance cutlery etc. We experienced a fuse issue in the kitchen after a couple of days of being there and the speed at which someone was there to help was really impressive - especially in high season! Beds were comfy, showers great pressure, apartment clean, great size telly etc etc - really cannot complain about a single thing about the apartment.

A few days home from my week at this lovely apartment. It has all the touches of home in a clean & tidy Holiday apartment. Air con is top notch and much needed in the heat. The sea is a stones throw & is a perfect temperature to swim. The balcony of the apartment is the perfect place to have your morning coffee & even overlooks the sea in the distance right where the sun goes down. Perfect! I would definitely return to this apartment. Paul was extremely helpful giving advice on the area as well.

All the luxury without the all inclusive mentality Just brilliant this is paradise with the most beautiful people Thanks Sue

Stayed at the apartment with a friend.The apartment is spacious well furnished and always plenty of hot water. The private Balcony is South facing so lovely to sit out for lunch. Would recommend.

geweldig appartement en geweldig resort. Heerlijk weer en prachtige stranden. Met taxi binnen 5 min in Santa Maria. We hadden geen all-inclusive maar in Santa Maria kun je goed eten, met name verse vis.