Grounds and pool were well kept. Anyone with mobility issues would be challenged by the stairs/steps to go anywhere. Rooms are in need of updating, especially the bathrooms, mould throughout. Many infrastructure problems while we were there, no water to toilets for two days, we had no hot water for four days. Lack of public washrooms, you were lucky if any were even if working, the poor maid had to flush them with a bucket of water. Bring your own TP Maids do an excellent job of cleaning rooms. All staff were very friendly. Food was adequate, but on buffet nothing was ever hot. Lots of seafood, pasta offerings. Windy/red flag the whole time we were there, beautiful beach for walking. People need to know this area is almost 1.5 hr bus ride from airport

THE BEACH WAS BEAUTIFUL ALTHOUGH HOTEL STAFF MADE NO EFFORT TO REMOVE EXCESS SEAWEED AFTER STORMS. THE HOTEL IS STYLISH ALTHOUGH OLDER AND KEPT CLEAN. THE ROOMS WERE NICELY LAID OUT ALTHOUGH WE DID SEE ROACHES AS DID OUR FRIENDS. WE WERE MOVED TO THE NEXT BUILDING AFTER 2 DAYS FOR SOME CHEMICAL WORK THEY CALLED IT WHERE WE SAW MORE ROACHES WITH A SEWAGE SMELL THAT SEEMED TO COME FROM PLUMBING. THE BUFFETT WAS ADEQUATE BUT THE ALLA CARTE MENU WAS MUCH BETTER. THE PORTIONS WERE VERY GOOD AND THEY OFFERRED STEAK AND SALMON WHICH WERE COOKED PERFECTLY. ALL THE STAFF WERE VERY FRIENDLY AND WORK VERY HARD .WE WERE NOT HAPPY WITH THE SUNWING REP WHO REFUSED TO ACCEPT OUR INITIAL TRANSFER REQUEST TO NEXTDOOR HOTEL DUE TO THE ROACHES. SHE WANTED MORE MONEY REGARDLESS OF PRICING FOR NEXT DOOR ACTUALLY BECAME CHEAPER. SHE REDIRECTED OUR COMPAINT TO JEANETTE WHO SEEMED TO BE THE HOTEL TROUBLE SHOOTER. JEANETTE WORKD VERY HARD TO TRY AND MAKE IT UP TO US ALTHOUGH THIS DEFERRAL WAS NOT FAIR TO HER. SUNWING REP SHOULD HAVE DELT WITH US. I WOULD RATE THIS AS A FOUR STAR AT BEST IF THEY GET RID OF THE ROACHES

Fantastic experience from start to finish. This is our second time here and will be back. If you are looking for a relaxing, adults - only escape in Cuba with beautiful beaches and exceptional service, this is the place.

❤️We just returned from a fantastic holiday in Cuba. Special thanks to the amazing team at Iberostar Coral Enchenachos Cayo Santa Maria who went beyond expectations daily to make our holiday exceptional. Bar staff. Restaurant staff. Poolside staff. Housekeeping staff. Butler staff. Management staff. Coral is a small, quiet adults only resort with dedicated professional personalized service. Special shout outs to Yunily at Playa Enchenachos Bar, Yasser at the Main Lobby Bar, Randy at the Main Beach Restaurant and every member of the tremendous team at Coral. Yosmanny, Levon, Yahimi, Yohanny, Jackie, Alberto, Hector, William, Anier, Dismar, Diana, and Yandry are some names that come to mind. There are too many exemplary staff to remember all the names! This is a lovely, peaceful resort on a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach. Our suite was massive and we really enjoyed our private hot tub on the back deck. Daily maid service and nightly turn down service with fresh beach towels was greatly appreciated. The pools, walkways and grounds are beautifully maintained. New furniture arrived for the Coral lobby and dining room. Upgrades and repairs are constantly underway. A La Carte Restaurants at Selection are under renovation. We enjoyed our menu meal service in the Coral restaurant, poolside and beachside. Our vacation ended with a wonderful send off by the entertainment team. We were sad to leave these extremely kind, generous, hardworking, and very appreciative people. We will return when flights resume to Cuba. If you like a quiet resort with personalized service, I recommend Iberostar Coral Enchenachos!

Loved this resort. Food was plentiful and good. Our room was great, situated right by the pool. Our butler Rolando was awesome. He made himself available all day and would check to see how our day was going. Very professional with an amazing personality. He would make sure our dinner reservations were set and if we needed towels or anything regarding the room, he was on it. Would definitely love to have him as our butler again. What can you say about the beach. Incredible. Will definitely go back.

Friendly people, dated but very comfortable villas. Loved the private hot tub with ocean view. Pool clean Recreation games fun Entertainment satisfactory Chambermaids excellent Frig filled daily with drinking water , pop & beer Excellent bar service. Bar tender makes a fantastic mojito

Beautiful resort, clean, tidy, well kept grounds. Food was excellent. Upgradevto luxury worth every penny. The staff was amazing. We did not want for anything. Staff very attentive to all our needs. Room were very clean. Maids were awesome.

This was an amazing resort, grounds were clean rooms were clean all amenities were well kept and clean. We were able to visit other resorts as well and enjoy their amenities but to be honest ours was probably the best in terms of amenities. The food was delicious the 24-hour snack bar with room service was a good add-on I would highly recommend this to anyone who would be willing to take the 90-minute bus ride from the airport to this hotel.

This was an amazing resort, grounds were clean rooms were clean all amenities were well kept and clean. We were able to visit other resorts as well and enjoy their amenities but to be honest ours was probably the best in terms of amenities. The food was delicious the 24-hour snack bar with room service was a good add-on I would highly recommend this to anyone who would be willing to take the 90-minute bus ride from the airport to this hotel.

This is our 2nd time to this resort! The grounds are beautiful, the beach fantastic! The rooms were spacious, clean and bright! Showers were amazing with lots of hot water and pressure. There were no food shortages although much the same each day. But that's Cuba. And the al la cartes were wonderful. The steaks, fish portions were large. Some observations were that the maintenance staff are in great need for even the basic tools, ie screwdrivers, pliers, etc, . A con was that a lot of bathrooms were closed.

We returned on January 31st from the resort and were very satisfied with the service, property and food. The beaches in Cuba are spectacular, and they never dissappoint. The beach from this property and the sister hotel One Collection (a short beach walk away), was exceptional. The buffet had a great selection of food every day, the taste was impressive. This was my 4th time to Cuba and the flavour of the food was great. There are several grills and you can select your choice of meats. Breakfast had options of omelettes and pancakes which were made in front of you. These were options in addition to the buffet. We had amazing service by our waiters/waitress - Laura, Edismel, Geikel & Jorge. They were super friendly and always making sure that we had everything we needed at the buffet. There were several pools on the property, however I didn't get in as we prefer the beach. There were a few pools in a more quieter area of the property if you are looking for relaxation, and there were pools which had more guests with plenty of activity if you prefer this. My only recommendation is to request a room near the theatre area Block 14 if you are looking for a quieter area (evenings) are there more to relax. We had to request a change of room since it was a bit roudy for our taste by the main bar area where several hotel blocks are located. We visited the Spa at One Collection twice during our stay and it was amazing. The ambiance created at the spa proved to be a truly relaxing experience (they also have a sauna). Kudos to Anya and Robin who provided the most amazing massages. I would definitey recommend this hotel, and hope to return there again. There were no issues of water, elecricity, or food for the guests, which was one of my fears.

Beautifully beaches, great snorkelling, older hotel but beautiful gardens, long walks, great people and events. Had Canadian night with steak, shrimps dinner. Next day big event with performers in the lobby, music and great dinner, lobsters, Sudhir, etc.

I had a blast in Cuba and the resort was amazing. The staff is really what makes this place extra special, they go above and beyond to make sure you have a great stay. On top of that the beach is the best I’ve ever been too.

We enjoyed our stay at Grand Aston and would recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking for a break from the Canadian winter. Pros: Amazing beach for swimming, snorkeling, and sunset watching. Beautiful grounds landscape. Operational gym. Hot water, working airconditioning. Friendly and hardworking staff. Fabulous nightly live music in the lobby with occasional dancing parties. Enough food and drinks for everyone. Cons: Biting insects, like in all other hotels we've stayed in Cuba. Day time intertanement was not consistent and mostly missing. I would love having daily dance classes as they were scheduled. Overall: We enjoyed our stay and will come back.

I'm a repeat guest at Ensenachos, and there are so many reasons I keep going back. The staff, without a doubt, are reason number one. They have had some challenges over the past couple years, as much of the country has, but they rise to the challenge every time. Rooms - The selection side rooms are always in a cycle of update and upkeep, and are comfortable at worst. The Coral side features bungalow suites with kitchen, sitting area and ensuite flush, and a full bedroom with full bath with shower and tub. Coral also features hot tubs on the rear porches. Food - the biggest challenge the resort is facing in 2026 is getting their main buffet kitchen back in business, along with their a la carte rooms. They are making do, but they are constantly trying to get the restaurants running once more. On the Coral side, All three meals are available without going anywhere. The food is good, if not adventurous. They make the most of what is available. No shortage of seafood and meats. Wednesday night is lobster night, with entertainment. Snack bars at Playa Megano and the Selection side pool fill the gaps nicely. Service - It's very simple. If you need something that isn't immediately available, all you do is ask. If it can be done, they will make it happen. Room too cold (weird, right?)? No problem, here's the A/C remote, make it comfortable. Bus not running on time to the markets? We'll set up a driver, and we will ensure you get back safely as well. Excursions and experiences, no problem. All with a smile. Last but not least - The Beach(es). Without a doubt, Megano and Ensenachos are the best beaches in Cuba, if not in the islands writ large. Swimming, snorkeling, lounging... Beautiful sand, gentle surf, almost zero seaweed (no sargassum). Fish and other sea creatures in abundance. Thinking about going to Ensenachos?? Do it. You won't regret it.

My husband, sister and I went on vacation to this resort. It was the most amazing resort. Best vacation we have ever been on. We connected with the entertainment staff, Emilio, Alejandro, Thalia and Fito made our stay absolutely the best. The rooms were clean, vibe was good, beach was amazing and food was good as well. The 3 of us cannot say enough good things about this resort.

We had a great experience. Public relations staff topnotch compared to most resorts that we have been. Cleaned well maintained grounds, rooms cleaned daily hot water, good shower good ac. Attentive waiters at the buffet, good food, wine, beer. Good breakfasts, lots of eggs, bread juice coffee etc. Wonderful beach lots of beach chairs, the resort was not operating full capacity, maybe 40%, great pool. Activities at beach and pool. We enjoy it very much

OUI ,UN DES PARADIS SUR TERRE UNE TRÈS BELLE GRANDE PLAGE BELLE VUE D'ENSEMBLE TRÈS BELLE CHAMBRE PROPRE,LES PISCINES TRÈS BIEN RESTAURANT 24 HEURES OÙ OM PEUT MANGER HAMBURGER PIZZA ECT ENTRE LES REPAS,ET LE RESTAURANT BUFFET TRÈS BON ET MANQUE DE RIEN MENU VARIER ,QUE CE SOT LE BAR LES RESTOS PERSONNELS TRÈS GENTIL ET ATTENTIONNÉ.JE RECOMMANDE FORTEMENT CET HOTEL QUE CE SOIT POUR PERSONNE ÂGÉE OU FAMILLE,JEUNE COUPLE ECT

The main lobby was nice, the staff are very nice and grateful for any gifts. The beach was beautiful. Overall the hotel was not as advertised. The booking was for Pool view. We did not receive the PREMIUM CLASS JUNIOR SUITE POOL VIEW. The room needed repairs, the tub moved when you moved and felt unsafe. The hotel appeared to be doing some renovations to some buildings and one of the pools was closed. They advised of the pool closure days before departure. The concierge did assist in getting us the needed items missing from our room (towels, beach towels, fixing the safe). Bring your own toilet paper and carry some with you at all times as often the public washrooms did not have any. There are no face clothes or hand towels so bring your own.

Upon arrival, we were not assisted with our suitcases up the stairs, even though we had walking canes. Very disappointed.. Pool was so cold and did not even one person in the pool during the one week of our stay. I like the 24 hour snack/food availability . . I feel that breakfast could be extended to 11 am. I think dinner should start at 5:30 pm. I thought this vacation was a 6.8 out of 10.

The resort is an older one but you don’t even noticed that. Its grounds are kept nice. The food was amazing! The best part is the staff! Kind, helpful, beautiful and so friendly. Bar service was top notch.

The resort is an older one but you don’t even noticed that. Its grounds are kept nice. The food was amazing! The best part is the staff! Kind, helpful, beautiful and so friendly. Bar service was top notch.

The grounds are beautiful! The staff was amazingly helpful. Staff looked after us like royalty! Room was always spotless and cleaned everyday. And we always had toilet paper. Food was very good for Cuban standards

Worst adherence to standards. When you know we are going to a certain room then you have to make sure we get what we pay for. It was not the case. We took the building 11 where we are expected to get a Fridge full of soft drinks, alcohol etc but nothing was there. The Flush was not working and there was no Water. There was no Hot Water for bath and everything fell on deaf ears. We loved the place, the Hotel, etc. The Food ofcourse is not to our liking and we do accept it in Cuba. However, there were no Fruits, not even a banana which is a part of Cuban culture and fruits. People were nice but their requests to do the needful did not suffice. We do trips, All inclusives, Cruises etc. on a monthly basis and would have recommended Cuba but will have to wait until you guys do something about everything.

We had a great time at this resort. The rooms and grounds were very clean and a pleasure to be a part of. The people working were very kind and fun to talk to! The food at the buffet was very delicious and quite a bit of variety. The only thing that I had an issue with at the buffet was that there were a lot of flies around. Which could easily be mitigated by putting plastic wrap on the food and turning the cups over at the tables. I believe these small changes would have made it even better; regardless, this resort was wonderful, and the beach was even better! Overall, I had a great time with my family and would definitely recommend it to friends and family.

My husband and I stayed at this resort from January 7 to January 14/2026. This was our second vacation at this resort and we will definitely be returning. The last time we were there was in 2024 and imagine our surprise when we entered the lobby of Sanctuary and saw the faces of workers who were there in 2024 and THEY RECOGNIZED US and greeted us with a huge smile, big wave and hugs. We were so touched by this. We felt we were back with family. Our room was lovely, including a very comfortable bed, comfortable pillows and an excellent shower with an abundance of hot water. Our butler Odlanier did everything in his power to ensure our stay was great including obtaining reservations for us at à la carte restaurants each evening. I also have to give credit to the director Cesar for keeping everything running in a very organized way. We found there was an abundance of food with an excellent variety. In fact, we did not notice any shortages of anything at this resort. We even had one of our favourite types of Scotches to drink in the evening and we very much enjoyed their Spanish Coffees. The grounds at this resort were very well kept, the pool was very clean and of course the beach is one of the most beautiful we have ever seen. With all this said we will be returning to this resort in the future and one of the main reasons for saying this is how we loved the Cuban people working there. We truly felt with many of them they were part of our family!!!

Grounds were lovely and rooms were nice and spacious. Bed very comfortable and we loved the outdoor shower and water pressure. Food not plentiful and very repetitive. People were wonderful. No fresh fruit and everything was canned. I talked to others who paid A LOT less and had better food at Royalton or other non Melia resorts. I would only recommend if you want an excellent beach and spacious room with lots of privacy. Resort beach and pool hardly had anyone there so we loved that.

This resort is beautiful! The beach is beautiful! The people are beautiful! Yes, the food after one week got a little tired but I always had something good to eat. It’s a bit of a large resort so long walk to the beach and back. Very quiet - not many people there. Entertainment was lovely! 1 hour 30 minutes from Airport. Bring snacks but they have beer to purchase 2 for $5 USD Don’t give Canadian loonies and toonies for tips they cannot cash them in there.

Overall impression of the hotel and service: 3.5/5. The ocean and nature truly make up for many of the downsides. The blanket provided for covering was dirty and had a strong smell, similar to a toilet odor. When I asked for it to be replaced, they brought another one that was even worse, with visible vomit stains. The towels were replaced only once, when I entered the room while the cleaning staff was there and personally asked the cleaner to change them. That was the only time the room was fully cleaned, and it had actually been cleaned before I arrived. All other times, only the bed linen was changed, and even that had stains. Overall, the room is spacious and generally fine, but cleanliness is a serious issue. The nature and the outside views are absolutely beautiful. The ocean is stunning. However, on the last morning we saw a shark very close to the shore. When we informed the staff who work as lifeguards, they pretended not to understand what we were saying and responded with words like “barracuda” or “dolphin.” It is possible they did not understand that “shark” in English means tiburón. After that incident, we did not swim anymore. The dining area was generally fine. The food was nothing exceptional, but it was okay for me. I came mainly to see the ocean and nature. There was one chef grilling meat, and when I asked him to add sauce (which was standing right next to the grill), he replied in an annoyed tone that the meat comes without sauce. I pointed out the sauce, and he simply hid it. That was unpleasant.

We stayed at Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas for one week. The resort is very large and includes an adults-only section that is quieter and closer to the beach. Our room was near the lobby and restaurants. There was a small private beach nearby, but it was only suitable for snorkeling. For swimming, we had to take a golf cart to another beach, which unfortunately was not clean, had a bad smell, and was full of jellyfish. The children were afraid to enter the water. From the third day, we traveled about 20 minutes by bus to a nearby resort to enjoy the beautiful Caya Santa Maria beach. Unfortunately, this hotel does not have a nice beach. The food variety was acceptable, mostly chicken and pasta, but there were limited fruits and vegetables. The staff were very polite and friendly. On our last day, we were badly bitten by insects, and even after four days we still have itching and pain. I do not recommend this hotel for families with small children.

The gardens were beautifully kept. The pools were pristine. Bar service, buffet service and room cleaning were excellent. The beach was beautiful and clean and there were lots of available loungers Unfortunately there were a lot of jellyfish. We were not impressed with the lack of food choice but we understand this is Cuba. Pizza bar never opened. The hotel lacked maintenance particularly the general public washrooms. Many were closed and locked In our suite the safe did not work. Balcony door didn’t lock. The elevator and room doors all needed a good cleaning. Bus from the airport is 90 minutes In spite of these problems our party of 5 children and 6 adults had a memorable vacation.

Best resort beach in Cuba. Tons of privacy and miles of beach to walk. Very large sand bar extends far and wide. Hardly ever any seaweed. Pools very well laid out for private basking. Lots of room.

The hotel has a fantastic beach, at least it had that. Pool bar was really shallow, up to your knees. They serve warm drinks. No vodka anywhere, no champagne and no orange juice. The food was okay but not much variety at all. 24hr snack bar serves hot dog sandwiches. Resort is run down, moved rooms due to electrical issues. Woke up with a note saying be packed up and out by 9:30 with no reason whatsoever. When moving rooms they didn't have another one ready. Then moved us into a dirty room. Didn't have cleaners for 4 hours. Drinking water is apparently hard yo get. Overall not happy at all with Cuba or this resort. Most likely will never go back

It was a last-minute family trip, that we did enjoy, the facility was very clean. The food was good entertainment was much better than Mexico ones. Transport was punctual comfortable a little bit long from Royalton hotel to airport.

Our first visit was in February, despite the limited food, we enjoyed our stay there. Enough to go back this December. We entered our room, there were stains on the couch, the balcony door wasn’t locking, the fridge was broken, shower head wasn’t working properly. Stains on the toilet seat and in the toilet (looked like it wasn’t flushed). We requested another room, even with the low occupancy the hotel sent a technician to fix the balcony door, they added another lock, and the technician wasn’t happy, he showed us how to open and close the door. Another day they came and changed the fridge. It took two days to “fix” the shower head, halfway into our vacation, these things were being repaired, we felt it necessary to stay in the room during repairs. The room will be in working condition for the next guest, but at our expense. These repairs should have been done before we arrived or another room should have been provided to us. Food: there was half of what we were offered in February, I found myself stuffing my mouth with chips in the room and leaving the buffet hungry. Too much carbs, the best meal was only on December 24th. I got eaten alive by black flies the first evening. Had no idea what black flies even were prior to this. A very kind guest (also from Canada) gave me her bug spray, I cried from her generosity and my helplessness. There were 3 employees that were exceptionally kind: Addy, Ronald and Ronnie. We will miss you all. We will not be returning to this resort. This hotel left much to be desired.

Friendly staff, beautiful beach, & low prices, but they place is not well maintained or supplied. It was very early in the travel season, but I would try somewhere else. If they fix it up, it's a lovely location.

The gardens around Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria are extensive and meticulously maintained. Our room was spacious and very-well appointed. The maid service was excellent. The butler service was attentive and very professional. The food and beverages were abundant.

Hotel landscape is very beautiful, rooms need some refreshments very tasty food , excellent service, very nice and friendly staff, we spend two beautiful week's there Thank you for your service Big thanks to Pedro ,Roberto, Meryell, all waitress in buffet and alla Carta restaurants and big thanks to cook's and chef's , we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New year love ? you all

A very beautiful resort with very friendly staff. Everyone is so genuine, kind, caring and helpful. I would definitely recommend Santa Maria Grand Memories and Sanctuary to my close friends and family and would come back again.

Wonderful time even though there were only just over 100 guest. Had a front row seat on the beach with the beach bar and entertainment in the evening. Food was better than I expected but the staff make this resort. Very hard working people that want to make sure you have everything you need. Beautiful Beach. Not everything is open and running 100% it was difficult to get an al a carte, all booked up as there is only 1 restaurant functioning as an a al carte and it's changed to Italian one night and then Spanish the next and so on. Tourism is down in cuba and it's so sad to not see the resorts full, on the plus side it was very very nice to not wait in line ups for the buffet and have my preferred spot by the pool or on the beach everyday. The employees are so so grateful for anything you give them. Bring Canadian or US currency and if you can make room in your luggage for extra soaps, razors, medicine/bandaids, colouring books, school supplies, clothes, dry food items, chocolates, these items are greatly appreciated.

I have been to Cuba many times. And this is my second time at this hotel, and I will return. No complaints. Just a good time. Staff was fantastic. Food was a good Cuban standard. Drinks always great.

I have been to Cuba many times. And this is my second time at this hotel, and I will return. No complaints. Just a good time. Staff was fantastic. Food was a good Cuban standard. Drinks always great.

Rooms are clean and staff is very friendly and welcoming. Service is very good and entertainment is fun. There are plenty of food/drink choices which are available to you all day and night. The beach and pools are beautiful and I enjoy my time there every time I go!

Beautiful gardens, clean rooms, friendly people. Food was good, there is always something even for picky eaters there's the snack bar which has the best chicken sandwiches and sweet potato fries. The piña coladas in the lobby are always amazing, and the atmosphere is friendy and relaxing. Family had an amazing time and we can't wait to return!

We have been to many parts of Cuba over the years but always return to Melia Cayo Santa Maria. The hotel is well run, the staff are warm, welcoming and do the best they can under sometimes trying conditions. The grounds are lovely and the rooms, large and comfortable. Sure, the showers were often lukewarm and sometimes there was a shortage of fresh fruit or veg but there was always plenty of choice in meats, cheeses, soups, salads and desserts. I didn't notice anyone going hungry. The pizzas and burgers are also excellent. The beach is one of the best, and even when it's too wavy too swim you can walk the 8km and not feel crowded, ever. The country is in trouble, and the staff are grateful for any gifts. US cash is good but practical things we take for granted are perhaps better. We took acetaminophen, ibuprofen, toothpaste, toothbrushes, reading glasses and feminine napkins.

Hotel is dated but always clean rooms and property. Pools and beach are fantastic. The best part of the the resort is the staff. All are fantastic, caring, and so willing to be helpful, and do it with a smile.

This was our second stay here. The first was 3 years ago, the beach is paradise, the people are beautiful. The property is in amazing shape. There was always power, hot water and something to eat, pizza at the pool bar is a nice touch, grilled chicken sandwiches at the beach were awesome. The Buffet was lacking but in all fairness there was only 150 people, low season. My only complaint was the beds, very old and lots of springs, nothing a chiropractor can’t fix.

Very appreciate for the excellent service at all levels of our vacation. Resort is perfectly located, staff very professional. Thank you all for the good vacation. No additional comments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was an amazing experience for us. The hotel is clean and fairly new. The staff were soooo helpful. Crisp sharp black and white uniforms...smiling faces and eager to help. The food was amazing. Lots of variety and live entertainment during meals. They had roast beef! Been to Cuba many times and never had beef. Rooms were spacious and nicely decorated. Pillows are a little mushy. A nice surprise to find a butler in our building as well. The beach is stunning...STUNNING!!! We met many repeat guests. We will be back for sure. Thank you to Dana..Anthony at the buffet..Myron at the Italian restaurant and Jose our Butler

We very much enjoyed Royalton Cayo Santa Maria. It was our first time at this resort and we would return. As far as a Cuban resort goes, this is the best we have stayed at in Cuba, we've been to several others in Veradero, Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Coco. The pros: Beach is spectacular Service is fantastic, lovely people. Butlers are waiting for you and happy to assist. Food was above average for Cuban resorts, they have condiments, salt and use some garlic marinade at the beach that guests raved about. We always bring chips and snacks for the room, it makes all the difference. Rooms were quiet and AC worked well. We were on bottom floor building 10, totally fine, no bugs in the room. Would choose this location again, found it convenient. Resort wasn't at capacity, so getting beach and pool chairs never an issues. The resort is for people that want quiet, no loud thumping party music, music by the pool at reasonable level, music on the beach, for a few hours, not all day, and lots of 80s music when we were there. Seems they cater to their crowd, which is an older clientelle. They accept CAD happily. The cons: Smokers, they can't at home, so they do here and they have no regard for others in their vicinity. Lots of butts left in the sand on the beach too, just ignorant travellers. The travel time to get to the resort is about 1 hour 45 mins. It's a long bus ride. Take is as a tour and listen to the tour operator and it becomes quite a bit more interesting. We asked about a cab ride, it was $100 CAD or $80 USD, same amount of time, but they would get you out of the airport faster than the bus waiting for stragglers. There are no-see-ems, or sand flees or something, not mosquitos. I didn't see or feel bites, but I came home with a lot. Husband has none, so they have a blood type preference. We travelled for a quick weekend getaway, it was what we needed. We travel quite a bit, wouldn't stay in Cuba for a week, but for 3-4 days, it's a great refresher on a top beach in the world, doesn't get much better than that. I will comment on Diamond Club as we typically book this level if we can at other resorts. We didn't miss it here. The Diamond Club people used the regular side of the beach more than their dedicated section. Service seemed great with out it. We weren't there to drink, so didn't care whether we had top shelf liquor. No lines at check in to need any priority service. We liked our room location, but if a top floor is a preference, you may have a better shot at it with Diamond Club. Certainly they reserve those for returning guests. I did all the things to get a top floor and they said they were full, even though they weren't, so they do protect those rooms, which is good in a way. If you are planning a trip to Cuba, make sure you are able to accept the challenges their country faces, with a little understanding, you will appreciate what they are offering and have a great time.

The service at the restaurant was extremely poor—if you don't tip, the waiters won't serve you. The number had a broken air conditioner—I had to have it repaired. Service is not well in restorant and beachbar.

With a heavy heart I write this review. I am a repeat guest since opening and I will not be returning. I have proper expectations of food but I do not expect to be served spoiled meat on 2 separate occasions. The other protein choices were all fat and we were unable to eat them. There is one working cart so plan on taking all your bags to Your room on your own. The van for Coral guests drives so fast he knocked us off the road twice. All of the beach chairs on Ensenachos beach should be replaced. They are mouldy and broken.The pools used to be very clean, this trip they were moderate at best. The small pool with the hot tub was filthy and was definitely unsafe to swim in. Sadly the only positive is there is way less garbage littered around the beach and walkways. It is a real shame such a stunning property has been allowed to fall into ruins.

We upgraded to an oceanview room, it was very run down. Shower barely worked, door frame kept falling apart and a lot of bugs (ants and cockroaches). We booked this hotel because it was for families because we brought our 11 year old. There was no activities for kids his age. Normally there is soccer of volleyball but there was nothing. We have traveled to Cuba many times and know what to expect but this resort fell very short. We went to memories holguin last year, it was much better for families. This resort seems to really cater to adults. Also there is no access to the other memories, I believe it is closed. Beautiful beach.

This resort has exceeded all our expectations coming in. From the staff to the food and beach front it had it all. Wonderful people and have made so many friends. Highly recommend this resort Thank you!

What can I even say… it’s always amazing to go back to that beautiful beach and the incredible staff who make it feel like home. Every time I leave, a part of me stays there. That beach is unreal, and the people are even more special. It breaks my heart when I see negative comments about Cuba — knowing what those people are going through, they still show nothing but kindness, warmth, and smiles. Nothing is missing. Everything is perfect in its own way. If someone expects something different, then simply go somewhere else and pay more — but don’t put down a place filled with so much heart. I was never hungry, never uncomfortable… just grateful. I can’t wait to go back. ❤️?✨

Melia las dunas is a beautiful 19 year old resort its lushness in the plantation of trees tropical plants are so manicured, lobby is huge marble, bright,areas with lots of seating, all grounds are spotless and clean, walk way to beach well kept and easy access, rooms are dated to the newer hotels but clean and fresh, my only issue was lack of hot water to shower with, for 1 week they said issue was being looked at, but the issue is definitely not a quick fix,

The resorts is a very good resort the staff is very friendly and helpful. The only complaint I had was the area we were first staying in was not very well maintained but the staff moved us to the room we stayed in last year and the whole area was very clean.I would recommend this resort to anyone.

This resort was very nice well kept very clean and friendly staff.The pool and beach area were very with lots of chairs for everyone!! I would definitely consider going back to this resort.Absolutely loved the rooms they were clean and very spacious.

This is an over 18 resort, incredible for a couples getaway or small groups. Great helpful personnel on the resort, from the check in personnel - to the ground staff. They are very friendly and there to assist you with all things that you require. The resort is smaller with only 105 units. 2 pools. 1 with music and 2nd quiet. There are 3 beautiful beaches, each with with their own bar service and a bit of a different atmosphere. Snorkeling is incredible, it is better to bring your own gear as difficult to borrow from hotel. There are 2 dinner restaurants, with a different breakfast and lunch restaurant on site, there is also a 24 hr snack bar at the main pool that serves pizza, burgers and hot dogs. The lobby has a 24 hr bar where you can enjoy nightly entertainment, conversation with other guest or just enjoying the moment. You do have access to 2 other Melia resorts and use of their amenities including buffets. Our butler did say that the resort is arranging to have more food options offered, by allowing clients to go to a plaza with amenities available there. This would include shopping, bowling, a disco and additional food choices. This would require transportation to and from the resort to the plaza. The room was large with a view of the ocean and a balcony to enjoy a morning coffee or a drink. There were no see ums that did bite. The resort did spray for them but being the time of year and recent rainfalls they were prevalent. Bring bug spray. The resort is a 1.5 hr drive to get to from the airport but we considered this a free bus tour of the country. The cost is slightly higher than most resorts in Cuba but if you want service that goes above, you should give the Melia Buena Vista a try.

The hotel itself was great, clean and in good repair. Pools were clean. Food was consistent, had eggs and bacon everyday. No supply issues with food/alcohol. Beach is very nice with great snorkeling but is a considerable distance from the main hotel, also no snack bar at the beach which is a negative. I personally like the beach being closer. No-see-ums (bugs) were bad at times.

The resort is beautiful. Service was exceptional especially Yosvic and Yasier at the pool bar, Yuri and Daily at the Buffet. Weather was amazing. Mosquitos in abundance. Bring lots, lots of spray. Overall it was a great vacation

There shouldn’t be any saving of chairs on the beach and people who are registered at the hotel should get priority on chairs on the beach. It was very difficult to get a chair on the beach and it was annoying to see people walking down from other resorts and having some of the best chairs saved.

I have been to this hotel 5 times ! I love it , a great variety of foods and drinks it has a spectacular beach and what can I say about the staff … they are exceptional . Always smiling and ready to help and guide you . Sadly there is an epidemic of mosquitoes and no see em one must wear insect repellent because I was bad ! Some people told me to wear Vicks … I will bring some next time they have opened a new baby next door called the One collection which is a very nice hotel which is worth the visit and stay . I will be back because they are like family . Don’t forget to visit the cigar bar if you go and maybe take a class on cigars if they still offer it .

Cayo Playa Santa Maria is a great resort. Very clean, food was a little repetitive but all in all it was good! I loved the snack bar sandwiches and French fries. Will definitely go back! The staff was very friendly and accommodating!

We have been to Cuba many times so we know about the food, shortages, hotels so we know what we are getting into. The hotel only has about 10 % open, 1 buffet and 1 a la carte. If the a la carte is open the buffet is not. Food was edible but.... we were violently sick for 36 hours after the a la carte. We assume it was the soup but have no idea. We have never been sick in Cuba before. Beds are HORRIBLE! I don't mean bad I mean every bone in our bodies hurt. Bring a pillow and mattress if you can! Saying all of this the workers are the best we have ever had! They did everything they could to make our stay great. Would we return, No, would we recommend any of the workers for new jobs, yes!!

We visited Valentin Pearla Blanca between November 1-8, 2025 and stayed in the Alegance section of the resort. Cuban playas never disappoint us but the one in Perla takes it to the next level. It’s truly the best we’ve ever seen in our trips. Then there is people, too many to mention but I’ll try: 1. Naldi, the beach attendant 2. Henrique, the quiet but super nice beach lifeguard 3. Adriano, beach cocinero 4. Leila, main buffet 5. Abner, 24 hour snack bar 6. Meila, the receptionist 7. Main bar crew – Betty, Yari and others, sorry ladies, the names escaped me 8. Felix – pool pizza 9. Super nice cleaning lady, jardineros, and carritos’ drivers 10. Managerial staff, concierage 11. And many, many others. Jack and Lilibeth do appreciate your hard work, thank you for making our vacation special and hope to see you again soon. We’ll come back to Valentin Perla, not just for the playa but for the impeccable service that you provide. Your bosses should be very proud of you. We stayed in Perla during the low season so the food choices were limited but we never went hungry. For the same reason evening entertainment was scaled down but present. Bugs didn’t bother us too much, it’s a good idea to bring a good spray, oh and a flashlight. We didn’t have any major complaint’s and few minor issues (remote control stopped working and safety box malfunctioned) were resolved within 10 minutes of our call to the reception. Impressive. All in all, we were very happy to stay at Perla Blanca and will go back. Gracias amigos i amigas

Good service, pools and bars. Food better than other hotels. Only minor maintenance issues, none to keep you from coming back. Would recommend to friends and family. Jose was very attentive for anything needed regarding the resort. Danny at the lobby bar. Noel and Francisco at the sports bar.

Having just returned from Valentin Perla Blanca, we could definitely recommend this resort. This time of year is low season and the resort is currently hosting very few guests. We really didn’t feel that we were missing out on anything. Half of the resort was closed entirely, and some of the à la carts were not in operation. The food was plentiful and there didn’t appear to be any shortages whatsoever. The main entertainment stage was not open during our visit, but there were many entertainers provided in the main lobby by the massive centre bar and sometimes even in the buffet restaurant. The beach here as many have talked about a simply amazing. They claim the beach here is ranked as one of the top 10 in the world. I wouldn't doubt that for a second and can't imagine it being any better. To the right of the resort you can walk for probably three or 4 km and most of it will be by yourself. The beach in front of the hotel is amazing as well. This is the best beach we’ve ever been on and we have been to plenty. Only one of the beach bars and grills was open while we were there, but the staff were great and did a great job serving the few current patrons that were there at the slow time of year. The famous lobby bar didn’t disappoint either. The drinks, cappuccinos, and mostly the staff that worked there were amazing. The rooms are a little bit smaller than some of the resorts, but well laid out and and clean. I guess it’s a good thing that the only negative comment I might have is that the pillows were on the firm side and obviously I quibble! Some may also find the bus ride being about one hour and 45 minutes from the airport a bit long but we had a great bus driver and informative and funny guide. It went by quickly. For us it was worth it the litlle extra bus time. For some maybe not. The pool bar with the pizza bar was great. The mutil-level pools were clean and well-maintained. There was lots of shade, nice palapas, I also have to commend the grounds staff...WOW - so many beautiful trees, flowering shrubs and all kinds of interesting flora. All of it maintained beautifully. Spa, gym..even with low occupancy right now, nothing was lacking. Overall, it was a great experience and the week was over far too soon. We will gladly return.

Having just returned from Valentin Perla Blanca, we could definitely recommend this resort. Even though at this time of year being low season and the resort hosting very few guests, we really didn’t feel that we were missing out on anything. Half of the resort was closed entirely, and some of the à la carts were not in operation. But, the food was plentiful and there didn’t appear to be any shortages. The main entertainment stage was not open during our visit, but there were many entertainers in the main lobby by the bar and sometimes even in the buffet restaurant. The beach here as many Have talked about a simply amazing. The claim is one of the top 10 in the world and I can see that as being very truthful. To the right of the resort you can walk for probably three or 4 km and most of it will be by yourself. The beach in front of the hotel is amazing as well. This is the best beach we’ve ever been on and we have been to plenty. Only one of the beach bars and grills was open while we were there, but the staff were great and did a great job serving The few patrons that were there at the slow time of year. The famous huge lobby bar didn’t disappoint either. The drinks, cappuccinos, and mostly the staff that worked there were amazing. The rooms are a little bit smaller than some of the resorts, but well laid out And and clean. I guess it’s a good thing that the only negative comment I might have is that the pillows were on the firm side and obviously I quibble! Some may also find the bus ride being about one hour and 45 minutes from the airport a bit long but we had a great bus driver guide, and it went by quickly. For us it was worth it. For some maybe not,The pool bar with the pizza bar was great. The level pools were clean and well-maintained. Overall, it was a great experience and the weekend is far too soon. We would return.

Arrived Monday November 3 and it took us awhile to figure out this huge resort, it is layed out nicely and the beach is absolutely stunning... That's where the good ends .. When we got into our room we sat on the mattress and could feel the springs which made for terrible and uncomfortable sleep every night...the toilet did not flush properly even after maintenance came to the room and apparently fixed it...that was horrible. The food selection was terrible as only 1 buffet was open and they served the same food everyday and the food selection was very limited....we payed for 3 a'la carte meals in our package and because everything was closed we did not get that option that we payed for and nothing was ever offered to us to make that right, so kind of feel like we got ripped off that way. Overall it wasn't a great experience but hard to deny that the beach was simply amazing. Not sure if we will return to this resort....A LOT has to change for that to happen. I would say book at your own risk and hope for the best... It's Cuba and nothing is a guarantee

This hotel was absolutely amazing the lobby was so beautiful and the staff were also very nice! The food was good many options! The pool and beach were amazing. The rooms were definitely not the best i’ve seen but all you do is sleep on your room anyway so it worked for me! Had a great experience here and I would definitely recommend!

I had a good vacation at this resort food was adequate staff were great for service I said good not great because flying with west jet was the biggest mistake of my vacation they charged me$60 for my luggage one way and another $60 on return flight the worst part of it is I only find out when I’m at the airport I never received information about it when I was booking or before my trip and my travel agent never informed me either this is inexcusable from trip central very disappointing I will never purchase any vacation that flight with west jet in the future I hope this helps someone make better decision wets jet is the only airline charges your one piece luggage

Beautiful Beach, grounds, huge pool, helpful staff, buildings in good repair and every amenity close by, the perfect location for some R&R. Very good food selection, excellent service; I really couldn't have asked for anything more or better. I spent most of my stay right here at Sanctuary, but all of Grand Memories was available to me. Only about a five minute walk, but the shuttle was nice.

The grounds, room and service was amazing! We really enjoyed our stay! The people were so helpful! The entertainment was good as well! But the best of all was the beach! Amazing! The lobby bar was excellent. Definitely will return! We had so much fun!

Very disappointed in this hotel. I understand cheap price, but still, lots of issues that don’t take much money to fix. Dirty bedsheets, not changed towels for the whole week, luck of entertainment, stolen flip flops, dirty room, old building.

Hotel it's self is run down and rooms need to be upgraded.The grants are maintained on a daily bases.Public bathrooms need to be stock with toilet paper and soap on a daily bases. Food need to be keep hot and have a variety to choose from

This resort had great reviews, and we did a deep dive on youtube to see what we could expect. Unfortunately, we did not have a great time for our first stop in Cuba. The pools needed to be cleaned.There was mold everywhere you stood and sat by the bar, the rooms were not sealed at the door so we had multiple salamander on our ceiling. The food was cold and there was no selection whatsoever. Flies were a huge problem, so you didn't want to trust anything that sat out. The staff were hit and miss. Some were very pleasant to deal with and helpful, whereas others were rude, dismissive and ignorant. There was only one golf cart to tend to the entire resort, and when you have rainy days and people having to walk to the one place to eat at the buffet, you'd be standing there, waiting for a very long time in the rain to get anywhere. The beaches were beautiful, however, it would have been nice if they raked the seaweed. It wasn't an enjoyable trip.

.Very poor service from waiters in the restaurant, always expecting tips. Very poor preparation of rooms for living - ventilation and plumbing don't work, lots of breakdowns upon move-in.Service is not well.

I loved everything the 1st time that is why we returned.The rooms, pools and beach are great.The staff are really friendly especially the entertainment team and the butlers, very helpful.I would prefer it not to have Diamond Club,it is not needed and only makes returnees annoyed.There are only 122 rooms , I think larger hotels need a special club but not here. We may return, not sure.

This was the worse resort ever. We lost our air conditioner 3 times in one night. This trip was my daughter's honeymoon and there was nothing recognized for that after they said they would make it special for her and her new husband. The room was not set up with a crib and small bed for there other child of 4 years old. We were not told that the dining hall was changed to the other end of the resort and they moved dinner and lunch like 4 times on us without telling us and then making us have our meals outside where the bugs and mosquitoes were biting This was not a pleasurable experience with 2 small children and so late at night My daughter and family and I were also supposed to be close together and the first night we were at different buildings We were very disappointed at how they run things and will never come back and never recommend to anyone

Well well lets talk, I have been to Cuba over the years about 40 times and yes I have seen the ups and down of this country. This resort I would say is a solid 7 with always room for improvement The pools and beach are beautiful and clean with great views. There were lots of beach lough chairs in great shape in both locations. The problems that I seem to see is the workers and management lack of common sense. Some examples in the Sanctuary lobby doors opening into the buffet area the workers started sand the edges of the door on their hinges rather removing these doors and removing them outside, so as they sanded the paint and dust where flying all over the buffet and into the kitchen over the food. Later at supper one of the cooks came over to the trays of food and stated to spray insect repellant over himself and the food. The open buffet was a fly magnet with no control it's like they have given up on this problem. As you can tell by me the food hygiene could be a lot better.IE common sense! If I had to pick to save time I would go to Cayo Coco same beach better airplane times. No 2 hour bus ride both ways. Now did I get my moneys worth, yes I did for what I paid.

Long drive to get there, but well worth it. Staff is amazing and always try to be helpful any way possible. Grounds are kept clean. Restaurants are a la carte and they try their best to keep food choices different every day. Did have an issue every day with key card not working in door for room entry. Twice technician came to fix. Other times we had key card re-programmed at front desk. Nice variety with three different beaches. You are also allowed to freely visit other Melia resorts on Santa Clara with a shuttle bus. Special thanks to Oro, Manuel , Christian and Leylie. ( Not sure if the spelling is correct)

I had a good time staying there, I stayed at this hotel the previous 3 times were between October and March, it was much drier and I rarely got mosquito bites, but due to the wet weather recently, I had quite a few bites on my body, I will return there except not during the wet months. I like the friendly staff there, the food is acceptable for Cuban standard, the rooms are large, I will recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a vacation in Cuba, the only down side is it takes approximately 90 minutes to get to the hotels in that area from the airport, but it isn't that bad once you are prepare for it.

Thanks for everything,every staff service is good or they tried best to satisfy with guests in the hotel group(we want quiet room ,they change two rooms with quiet and beautiful view second day).the location is in paradise on earth,the food is perfect,the garden is scenic,the weather is beautiful warm,the beath is excellent,the room is good as there is in Cuba. Thanks again!

The hotel was nice unfortunately it has changed dramatically since my visit in 2020. The resort is to small and limited restaurants to incorporate a diamond club. We never had our mini fridge restocked after asking several times. Also wrote a bote and placed it in the fridge. We never had our pool towels changed and a limit on bath towels. We had issues with our safe also had a leak in our ceiling. We also asked to have our rooms beside each other before we arrived and were placed in separate buildings. all the food had changed since 2020 and very repetitive. I know Cuba is known to have limited food but unless you were diamond club it seemed very limited for a five star hotel. Also seen favouritism amongst different people. Had to ask for everything nothing was offered. In the past everything was explained and clear as to what was included with our stay. This time it took two days of complaining to our butlers to get anything we wanted or needed. When I spoke to different people about the drastic change in the service since 2020 I was told the hotel was under new management. We had six in our party and we made the best of it. The beautiful beach and hard working staff did their best to make our stay a memorable one. I feel bad that I highly recommended this resort to my family because of My past experience only to be sadly disappointed.

Beautiful resort. Grounds are lovely and well maintained. The size of the resort is great if you like small and short walks between amenities. It was quiet which was also our preference. The rooms are very nice and well looked after. Our room cleaner was amazing. Also, our butlers Javier and Maria were exceptional. Genuinely caring and helpful. Most of the staff were fantastic. The beach is absolutely spectacular. You cannot beat it. There were always plenty of chairs and help to get a spot/set it up. Massages on the beach were a treat! This resort would be perfection if not for the food. We had higher hopes for the Royalton. The food was not only often inedible but we got very sick on our return. I hope that this can be rectified - we would go back time and time again if we had more confidence in the food. Thank you to the engaged and helpful staff who made this beautiful resort a welcome and enjoyable stay.

There was hardly any fruit to eat. No lettuce or salad or any food for a vegan other than beans. 2 of the workers brought me fruit from their home town yet the resort had only papayas and once gave me a tiny plate of mangoes and underripe watermelon. Star fruit and Guava were very bitter. Orange juice tasted like powdered Tang with sugar and water…there were no smoothies or fresh juices available. Butler upgraded us to a diamond member for free which made absolutely no difference other than being able to use the beach restaurant for breakfast and lunch and sitting on the right side of the beach. Maids could not provide clean towels, hand towels,floor mats or beach towels when requested as they said there was a shortage. Room service brought coffee in small plastic cups and said there was a mug shortage. The 24 hour restaurant ran out of fries and pizzas on a daily basis and seldom had any ketchup. Enclosed Restaurants were infested with flies all over the food and buffets. The mosquitos were really bad that my group bought some repellent at the market which was very expensive. The beach was awesome and the beds were comfortable and the sheets were changed daily. Expect to have a few large cockroaches sneak into the room along with geckos. The adjoining rooms can get very noisy depending on who your neighbours are. Entertainment was a hit and miss every evening although my 88 year old mother enjoyed watching them. The modelling show at the beginning of each show was to sell beach coverups which are more than half the price at the local market. The staff were all friendly and tried to help whenever they could but their hands were tied from shortages or late shipments….we weren’t sure of how or why there were no towels, or food shortages and mug shortages.

8 of us had an incredible stay at The One Gallery Hotel in Cuba! The hotel itself is fantastic, with beautiful rooms, amazing food, and an incredible beach that you can’t get enough of. What truly stood out, however, was the exceptional service from the staff. Special thanks to Jose Alberto and Yunior – the best butlers we could have asked for! Also, big kudos to the amazing cooks Barbaro and Jardano (spelling?), ladies preparing pancakes and fried rice and to the bartenders Yandriel, Luis Amado, his tall friend (sorry I forgot the name!), and of course Noel in the Sports Bar. The entertainment staff kept us engaged, the cleaning team kept everything clean, and the gardeners made the grounds look beautiful. You are all doing an amazing job, and we truly appreciate everything you did for us during our stay. We’ll definitely be back! Thank you The One Gallery!

Visit: Aug 20-27 Reception: They really try to reduce the check in time and succeed at least in the low season. Rooms: Most rooms are in a good state of repair but some need attention Food: "Food is not good in Cuban Resorts" Forget yourself, this rivals places in Canada. I haven't had better steak at a la cartes anywhere and the buffet had an excellent quality selection. Staff: Friendly, prompt and courteous Biting Insects: They fog morning and night but you still need a good repellent Linens, Bed Cushions,Chair cushions: This area needs some attention. Towels weren't always replaced, the seat cushions and bed spreads need a cleaning/repair schedule, many are soiled and not changed all week. Shuttles: Electric vehicles that require charging. So. No excuse. Shuttles should be prompt especially in the low season. Area for improvement: the buffet could us some fly control, many flies. Try some fly paper or screen the hall at both ends of the buffet, Beach: White powder, beautiful sunrises, well maintained clean and raked every morning. Airport: Long ride, Cuban government please make the island airport international

Getting to the Resort The resort is at least 1.5 hours from the airport, and the journey can take longer depending on how many resorts the bus stops at to drop off other guests. Paradisus is the second-to-last resort in Cayo Santa Maria. The buses were air-conditioned with comfortable reclining seats. Some had washrooms, others did not. The tour representative usually shares a bit of history as you pass through the towns. We arrived late at night/early morning, so it was dark and there wasn’t much to see. Beer was available for purchase at the start of the bus ride. Check-In Check-in was quick but depends on how many people arrive with you. The bellboys take care of your bags, so don’t wait to grab them—head straight to the lobby line. We were dropped off at the Reserve lobby. Once you receive your keys, the bellboys meet you at your room. If you booked the Reserve or Royal section, you get a butler assigned to your room. The Rooms We stayed in the Reserve section, which is on the right side of the resort. The rooms were generally clean, though one had a non-functional shower. Water pressure was decent, but hot water was more lukewarm. Be aware that water is cut off during the night for maintenance. The room included shower gel, soap, and shampoo/conditioner. Toilets were dual-flush, but one had a faulty plunger button that required multiple presses to stop flushing. Closets came with an iron and ironing board, and hair dryers were available. A small fridge stocked with beer was provided. There was also a tub outside the bathroom—interesting and a bit odd. Towels and beach towels were provided, but be careful not to lose them or you may be charged. Most outlets were 220V, though 110V ones were available. Most chargers support both voltages. A safe was also provided. Our rooms had one king bed and two queens. Pillows were extremely soft—almost too soft. Not sure if pillow service was available in the Reserve section. Each room had a balcony with two chairs. Rooms were cleaned daily, and bath towels were changed, though they didn’t always smell fresh. Some had rust or other stains. A few handles (e.g., bathroom doors and closet drawers) were broken or needed maintenance. Beach towels weren’t available for exchange, but our butler arranged replacements midway through our stay. Rooms were swept and mopped daily. The Resort Due to low occupancy, the left side of the resort was closed. The resort is beautifully designed but in need of maintenance, finishing touches, and a deep clean. It has a beach-themed color palette and architecture. Some areas are stunning, while others feel overdone—like the bathtubs in the rooms, which we didn’t use. Air conditioning was broken in the central section, making dining in those restaurants uncomfortable. Many areas needed paint and repairs. Some hallway lights were broken or flickering, with exposed wiring. Chairs were worn, stained, and had torn fabric. I didn’t see the general floors being cleaned. One muddy footprint remained untouched throughout our stay. Pools looked clean and were maintained daily. The Royal section’s pool appeared cleaner. Staff areas had dirty floors and debris. We saw a few stray cats and dogs, which I think should be removed. Beach and buffet access was good, with multiple routes. We also saw a large tarantula, but it was dealt with quickly. Many floor access/light ports were broken with exposed wiring. Overall, the resort feels like it hasn’t been properly maintained since it was built. The Beach This was the best part of the resort. The beach was pristine—no sargassum, soft sand, and clear water. Some rocky areas were present but avoidable. There were fish in some spots, which was amazing to see. Water activities like kayaking and catamaran rides were available. We had drink service in front of the Reserve section, and one staff member (brown hat/red gloves) was exceptional—constantly checking in and ensuring guests had drinks. The Food We stayed in the Reserve section and had no major issues with food. Breakfast and lunch offered a decent selection, though the variety didn’t change much. The dining and kitchen areas need improvement. The grill area looked dirty and had flies and cockroaches. Lighting could be better. The Reserve buffet often ran out of mangoes, so arriving early was key. This wasn’t an issue in the Royal section. One day, the Reserve kitchen lacked chicken and pork due to broken equipment, and no alternative options were communicated. The Royal section was unaffected and could have been used, as the prep areas are connected. Two à la carte restaurants—Passion (Italian) and Fuego—had broken air conditioning, making dining uncomfortable. The food felt like repurposed buffet items and wasn’t great. Bana, the teppanyaki restaurant, was the best experience. Food was cooked in front of us and was delicious. The Reserve buffet was converted into à la carte dining on some days, which was enjoyable. The beach and pool snack bars had limited but satisfying options. Drinks were consistently good. We brought ketchup, mustard, and relish but only used ketchup for fries. Salt and pepper were always available. One gripe: the Royal section (adults only) had more variety and availability, which doesn’t cater well to families. For example, mangoes and fresh pasta were always available in the Royal section but not in Reserve. I hope these options become resort-wide. Food variety should be universal—especially for kids. Drinks can be the exception. People and Staff The staff were amazing—attentive, responsive, and solution-oriented. Ari and Yasser, our butlers, did a fantastic job reserving dinners and addressing issues. They regularly checked in to ensure we were comfortable. They always ensured that our kids were well taken care of in terms of food and drinks. Restaurant staff and cooks were also excellent. The chefs and waitresses were always smiling. Yanel, Richard, Freddy, Lana, Daymara and Deanna were always ready to assist and make us comfortable in the snack bar and Reserve buffet. Norma and Tani at the kid's club were also fantastic and checked in with us every day to let us know about activities happening throughout the day. They were really great with the kids! Overall, no complaints—the Cuban people are absolutely wonderful, warm and welcoming. They really do treat you like family! The staff do their best to work with what they got! Other Bring a lot of change for tips. There is an onsite money exchange place but you may get a non-preferable rate. Speaking of money, they prefer USD, and items for sale are all in USD. But I say stick to your home currency. If you want to gift them something they would appreciate neck fans, but also do some research for other items. The Cuban people are grateful for anything! You can take items like school supplies, over the counter medications, pre-packaged food and snacks, hygiene products and basic products like soap, toothpaste and shampoo. They even appreciate things like sauces and spices as it is not readily available for locals. Simple things that you may take for granted!

The beaches are absolutely AMAZING! The resort is not new but has a certain colonial charm to it and given the circumstances the staff is doing their best to keep it in good shape. People are very friendly and willing to help. We had a very pleasant experience. There is a large variety of good foods. And drinks as much as one might dream of. And there is ice available all over the place. If you're looking for a top notch 5+ stars experience you should find another resort (and possibly pay double or more), as this might not be for you. But if you're not too picky and looking for a really nice quiet place to relax and have a great vacation with stunning beaches and great people around you, this is a great resort to go to.

Beach 5 star (one of the best I have seen). No sargassum. Staff 5 star (polite and out beat) Room 4 star (need some maintenance, we experience no water for 6 hours one day and 1 hour next with little explanation from management. Bathroom door look and can not unluck, but room was large) Grounds 4 stars (large complex) Food 3 star (expected, not a lots of choice or varieties included a la carte but Banos was the best) Bus drive was long but expected If you are looking for beach, this is the place but only the beach for a good price

The Royalton Cayo Santa Maria is in same state as previous years except the Company has introduced their Diamond club level. Resort is too small for this and it has changed what once was! Sadly will not return!

Good service friendly staff Too many mosquitoes and black flies Very poor WiFi Good beaches Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxcxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxxxx cxxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxxx xxx xxxx cxxx xxxx cxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx

Thank you Manuela at Trip Central for recommending this resort. We stayed at the Paradisus Los Cayos the week of July 19 to 26, 2025. We were upgraded to the Royal section. The Royal section was well maintained and the rooms were cleaned daily. We enjoyed our stay having already been to Cuba before, but this was a big step up from our past visits to other regions. The beach was amazing, water was clear and warm. The Royal section has a private beach and someone always is there to set up your chair and umbrella. There is a small bar as well on this breathtaking beach. You can venture for a walk all the way around the next resort where there is another gorgeous beach, call the Playa Las Gaviotas, next to the Wildlife refuge. You can also enjoy a fresh coconut or mango some of the workers bring, they don't charge, but you can give them something if you wish, they really appreciate it. The rooms were spacious and modern. Water pressure a little low some days and no hot water, but warm. The rooms are air conditioned, it was down for a couple of days but no more than a few hours, there is a ceiling fan in the room as well. We stayed on the top floor facing the forest, so there was always a nice breeze. There is an elevator for convenience. After our beach visit, we would stop at the Snack bar and have fries and pizza (thin flatbread style). Always we were received with warm smiles and greetings. The drinks were served in glasses and very tasty. You can get bottled water as well. The breakfast and lunch buffet were really tasty and lots of options. Remember this is Cuba, not Canada and US, so food tastes a little different and served differently, but it was delicious. Our butlers Ari, Fidel and Yasser always asked us how we were enjoying ourselves and booked us every night in a different restaurant. We personally enjoyed the one at the Royal building. The servers were for the most part very professional, there are some younger inexperienced staff, but the manager quickly resolved any issues. We went to the Sky bar a couple of times, it had amazing views. We stayed had our coffee and drinks at the outside lounge in Royal area. Special thank you to Maruan and Osmel who always prepared our delicious drinks and coffee. They both were extremely kind and very professional. Also Lazaro, Armando and all the servers at the Royal were always smiling and friendly. We were very comfortable and always someone attending to our needs. The lobby had a washroom which a wonderful lady was always there making sure everything clean and well stocked. Understanding that language for some is a barrier, just a smile and thank you goes along way. The pools were maintained daily, unfortunately some obnoxious visitors kept hoarding food in swim up pools and would drop things in there, the staff you could tell were not impressed, but they maintained their professionalism and cleaned up as quickly as possible. The Royal was peaceful and quiet, even the main pool in this area was quiet, light music in background. If you like it more upbeat, the Reserve or the other side of the resort maybe for you. Thankyou again to the staff for your professionalism and attentiveness. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip.

This place is beautiful, peaceful, with a heart. You can spend the day by the beach, the pool, doing activities. Very clean, amazing personable staff, delicious food, snacks, drinks. A place to relax, enjoy nature, music, people, walks and food.

This is beautiful resort, this was my third time there in June 2, stayed there for a week, the weather was magnificent even thou it was showing online rain and clouds, you'll never know. All week was sunny and beautiful. Good room service, good buffet, love the bar and snack bar with yummy sandwiches at the beach. So bad there is no more coconuts at the beach anymore, we really loved it a lot!!!!! The stuff are very nice and helpful. Beach is the best. I'll definitely will be back again at this resort.

We stayed at Coral ensenacho adult only. Ground was beautiful with so many white butterflies everywhere, felt like we are in heaven. Villa was huge!! Bigger than my house in Toronto!! Jacuzzi in terrace with table set and loungers. 3 bathroom, 2 walk-in closet, kitchen, and 2 beautiful huge bedrooms. Food was good, enough variety, lots of drinks. All the staff were so kind, friendly, so helpful. Beach was beautiful with white sand and clear emerald green water, fish dancing around our feet. Only little problem was no wifi connection inside our room. And 24 hours snack bar was very far, we have to wait for the Cart Because this resort was so big, we need more time to find all the facilities.

Resort was amazing . Great time to go when it’s off season.Pool was empty and the beach was as well.200 at the resort and the resort is huge. Would definitely be booking again . Service needed attention and buffet was full of flies.But they were doing their best

This was my second time to this resort, was much better a couple of years ago.... I just have a couple of complaints,,first is, this time never had lobster unlike last time which was included at one of the elecart... Also no included late checkout...they wanted 25 American an hour....been to Cuba over 25 times...usually as a repeat customer, they throwing a late checkout