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 minute you enter the property, you feel the relaxation
of the islands. A line of surfboards marks the entrance, a larger than life flip
flop fills the lobby and 143 palm trees have been added to the landscape.
Expansive lobby windows open up to the lake.
You’ll find the accommodations extremely well appointed. Coral, blue and
white create the color pallet with pops of yellow, orange and green for a beachy effect. Every surface is bright, shiny and clean. Faucet handles are shaped like whale’s 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 area and the sleeping area. Perfect when some of your sailors hit the hay earlier than others.
There is 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, they’ve got a fullsize refrigerator, sink and, microwave, living area 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 are 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. Young and old alike wait to be drenched here.
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 18-hole golf course are on the property. The ballroom looks over the lake and is truly the perfect location for a waterside wedding.
Landshark Bar & Grill sits right on the beach. Sand has been imported to enhance the island vibe. 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, Hawaiian luau burger and the King of somewhere hot burger is topped with spicy pepper jam Tabanero 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.
