Review of Turtle Bay Resort in the North Shore

Before I start my review of my stay the the Ritz Carlton, Oahu Turtle Bay Resort, let me give you some background.

I love remote, nature, and Oceanside picturesque views. I favor country over the city. Based on my research I did for how to choose an Island to visit, I wanted to go to Kauai, or the Big Island. However, since I was flying from Anchorage (ANC), I wanted a direct flight to Hawaii.

There was no direct flights to the other Islands from Anchorage when I wanted to fly. So for convenience, and to save time on my short trip to Hawaii I chose Oahu. I was not excited about Waikiki, but when I found Turtle Bay Resort I was sold.

We arrived at Honolulu Airport at around 11:00 PM. We took the rental car shuttle to Budget to pick up our Jeep (What else would we rent in Hawaii?)

The drive was dark, but easy at the late hour. We arrived at the Resort after 12:00 AM, and it was a lovely welcome to Paradise.

Beach at Turtle Bay Resort

Oceanside Picturesque Views

The Ritz Carlton was perfect, and was exactly what I wanted. I don’t like sitting on the beach. However, I do love a gorgeous beach to just look at, photograph, and drink in the gorgeous scenery. Also the sound of the ocean is so calming. I felt at peace just listening to the waves, and staring at the stars from the balcony. Void of sound pollution and light pollution, the North Shore of Oahu felt untouched. It allowed me to engage my senses, and be present, and truly enjoy my time in the North Shore.

On Day 1, we went to Ho’olana Cafe for a Banana Bread Latte in the morning. After our coffee fix, we went swimming in the pool overlooking the ocean.

The pool had available chairs, and the pool attendant covered our chairs, and provided us with towels. They also has COOLA Sunscreen with small containers to fill at the Towel Stand for everyone to use. I did take advantage and reapplied sunscreen while at the pool.

In the afternoon, we went to Waimea Valley. We were back at the Ritz Carlton Resort to watch sunset by the ocean. Sunset was breathtaking. The pool area was definitely crowded at sunset. Many people sitting in all areas of the grass and property to view the sunset.

Amenities and Experiences

The location was perfect for the activities we wanted to do. On our second day we headed to Haleiwa (Hale’iwa) for Shark Diving. We spent the afternoon in Haleiwa town, and went back to the Resort for Night Snorkeling in Kuilima Cove. After night snorkeling we spent time in the Hot Tub. We had the hot tub to ourselves for most of the time. (There was someone checking to make sure only guests were in the pools, and hot tubs.)

What I did not like at Turtle Bay Resort:

• No Bathroom Door – There was a sliding door with slats, You can hear everything, and light comes through at night.
• Very few outlets, more near the bed would have been nice.

What could have been better?

• It would have been nice to have slippers and bath robe.
• Service did not feel like other Ritz Carlton’s I have stayed at. I would have liked to be offered water on arrival when we checked in.

Picturesque Views

Building and Ground: Stunning 5/5

Stunning Views, and Relaxing atmosphere, Never felt over crowded even though it is huge. Felt very unpretentious. Everyone there seemed laid back.

Remote Location

Location was perfect: I would have loved to stay longer. I did not have a chance to check out Kuilima Farm, or try a surf lesson. If I had more time, I would have also liked to go to a Bee Farm, and Macadamia Farm. Also, more time to just walk around the property, and take advantage of all the amenities and activities they offer.

On Day 3 we left the North Shore, and went to Waikiki, and stayed at the Laylow. Once I got to Waikiki, I realized just how perfect the North Shore is. I just wanted to be back in the North Shore. If you plan to split your time between the North Shore and Waikiki, then go to Waikiki first. I highly recommend ending off your trip with the best of Turtle Bay Resort.

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