We are home over a week now and I can finally try to be objective about our stay at Tortuga - I had to let it all sink in to see if our stay was really as wonderful as it seemed.
First - yes, the airport experience is great. The arrival and departure is so painless that it enhances the Tortuga experience - stress free - and yes, it is almost embarassing to get such treatment. But we got used to it fast.
Victor met us and could not have been more helpful - dinner reservations made, tee times at La Cana (Pete Dye hanging around with his 2 beautiful goldens - got my dog fix!) and Cap Cana, bikes delivered, and introductions at Bamboo - all within the first hour. Relaxation almost instantanious.
So down to business:
our room was a one bedroom, 2 bath villa - could not have cleaner, ammenities were very good and bed was great The cleaning staff is on top of everything. We asked for early service and got it. Turn down was wonderful - I never got the name of the woman who did our turn down but she came at the same time each evening - it seems consistancy is important because the staff always maintained a schedule, no surprises.
As for the food - I can see where some would have a problem (not alot of choices) with it, but for us it was perfect. Bamboo was enough for me but then again I am so happy when I can order egg whites with spinach (ask for the menu) and fresh fruit. My husband had omlettes, pancakes and all those other goodies and he was pretty psyched. Here is an example of the service - there are always fresh juices on the buffet but Felix overheard us say we'd have like to try some fresh watermelon juice. 5 minutes later it was delivered. One day I asked if they made fresh papaya juice (great for the skin), once again - delivered.
After that as we sat by the pool Felix (no prompting) delivered that fresh watermelon juice daily - with fresh lime on the side and a glass of ice if we wanted it colder.
The drinks at Bamboo are the best at the resort. Antonio knows what he is doing - GREAT cocktails. Unfortunately I cannot say that about the other bars at the resort, including the club house. So for us we learned to have our happy hour with Antonio - who also served guac, chips and salsa at the bar. The best!
I will just say the staff is accomodating and actually sincerely happy. We did tip - so did that make a difference? Maybe, I don't know. One of the food service people, I will let him remain nameless, went up to my husband and thanked him for the generosity. These were not big tips but fair gratuities given the service.
So let me say this on behalf of the Tortuga team - if you visit, disreguard that 10% gratuity on food and drinks and add a couple of bucks. It means so little to all of us and so much to the staff. Be kind.
Lastly about the food - I was so happy with wonderful salads (lettuces are grown on premise and amazing) with grilled shrimp or fish - so simple, so good. Yet Naury (hope spelling is right and the man with the amazing smile, maybe Juan?) made my husband whatever he wanted.
Grilled lobster, a steak - any sides he wanted whether on the menu or not - they made it.
And as a food person I peeked in the kitchen - immaculate.
I owned 2 food stores in the Hamptons - I appreciate quality and it was delivered here.
The golf - this is from listening to my husband - La Cana is ok and so convenient it makes it all the better. BUT - CAP CANA? Well, we live in the land of Shinnecock, Sebonack and the National - this is on that level (since he isn't writing this I can share - he shot a 76 at Cap Cana). I went to the course with him that day and it was amazing - the problem there is the language barrier. I try to speak the language but I was hopeless there. And much of the staff spoke no English - yes, I know, we were in a Spanish speaking area but they are courting the Amercian dollar.........
Ok, sorry to be so long winded (I could go further - the spa, the grounds) but Tortuga Bay deserves its due - if you have a bad experience there it is on you - not them.
So yes, it is wonderful -
There isn't a doubt in our minds, we will return to Tortuga Bay - thank you!