3 minute read
Destination
One Particular Harbor
Parrottheads have a new perch. Photos and story by Laurette Veres
YOU MIGHT RECALL THE BIG RESORT ON LAKE CONROE.
Over the years it has had several names: Del Lago, La Torretta, La Torretta del Lago and La Torretta Lake Resort. Perhaps your high school prom was held here. My college sorority formal was, and my husband’s office holiday party. No matter what you called it, the resort on that one particular harbor on Lake Conroe is back, newly renovated and celebrity-themed.
Jimmy Buffet’s brand of fun has taken over— introducing the Margaritaville Lake Resort. From the moment you enter the property, you feel the welcoming relaxation of the islands. A line of surfboards marks the entrance, a larger-than-life flip flop sculpture fills the lobby, 143 palm trees have been added to the landscape and the expansive lobby windows open up to a view of the lake.
You’ll find the accommodations extremely well-appointed. Coral, blue and white create the color palette with pops of yellow, orange and green for a beachy vibe. Every surface is bright, shiny and clean. Faucet handles are shaped like whales' tales. Most rooms have balconies with great water views of the one particular harbor. The
artwork is Caribbean-themed and the bedding, oh the bedding. So comfortable! Each room is a suite with a door between the living and sleeping areas—perfect when some of your sailors hit the hay earlier than others.
There’s also a village of lake cottages, colorful buildings along the water. They could have been picked up from Key West and dropped off here. Designed for families, the accommodations include a full-size refrigerator, sink, microwave, living room and two sleeping areas.
The crown jewel of the property is the expansive lakeside waterpark which is included with your stay. The waterpark is a dream. Whether you’re looking for changes in latitude or just a respite from city life, the waterpark is a great getaway. There are several pools, splash pad, lazy river, and the It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere Swim-Up Bar. Most splash pads are reserved for kids, but this exciting pad has a giant bucket that dumps water every couple of minutes—all ages alike anxiously wait here to be cooled off and get drenched.
With so many options, you can write your own version of Margaritaville. Relax in the room with the blender as you enjoy the views, hang by the pools or join in the activities. There are morning stretch classes, water aerobics, scavenger hunts, water balloon tosses (second place, baby!), hula hoop competitions and family karaoke at Parakeets Kids Club. Parrot Island Mini Golf is included and it’s a great 18-hole course complete with water features, flamingos and parrots. You should also make time for the spa with its large hammam-type steam room and special putting green area. Boat rentals and a 18-hole golf course are located on the property.
Landshark Bar & Grill sits right on the beach. Sand has been imported to enhance the sublime island vibe. The views are spectacular; almost every seating area looks over the water. One of my favorite places is the deck. Watching the sunset here takes you to the Caribbean, truly. The fish and chips are beer-battered and worth the calories. Looking for the cheeseburger in paradise? The extensive burger menu includes the BBQ Burger, Mushroom Swiss Burger and the Hawaiian Luau Burger. If you dare, The King of Somewhere Hot Burger is topped with spicy pepper jam hot sauce, cheese and jalapenos.
It seems a little odd, but Houstonians now sail north to the tropics and the tranquility of that one particular harbor—at Margaritaville Lake resort. Visit margaritavilleresorts.com and choose Lake Conroe-Houston for more information. H
OPPOSITE PAGE: THE NEWLY RENOVATED MARGARITAVILLE RESORT ON LAKE CONROE.
THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: A LOOK INSIDE ONE OF THE CARIBBEAN-THEMED SUITES; AN AERIAL VIEW OF THE RESORT AND ALL IT HAS TO OFFER, FROM GOLF COURSES TO WATERPARKS; LAURETTE’S SONS HAVING A BLAST.
