Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria: Absolutely Loved It!!

The staff first and foremost are top notch ! So friendly and warm. Everywhere you went it was clean, always standing outside the washrooms to take care of things. I had the best massage I've ever had! The beach was perfect if you like to snorkel or go for a nice walk, the water was crystal clear and the waiters and staff down at the beach.... AMAZING! I would return to this resort even though I don't typically go to the same place twice . Entertaining and different from what I've seen in the p [... read more]ast. The food was excellent to say the least!! I wish I could go back tomorrow...... I highly recommend!!!

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: Beautiful views, great resort!

Location, location, location! An all round great resort. Beach was amazing and only a few steps away. Could walk along the sandbar or beach forever. Pool was nice design, food was readily available in many areas. Lobby had great ambience and staff were friendly. Rooms were clean and large enough, only wished had more towels and a better pillow! And a short taxi to the outdoor market!!

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: Golden Tulip Caya Santa Maria, Cuba

We were very impressed with this resort. It was our second time to Cuba, normally we vacation on the Mayan Riveria, Mexico as we have found the food and resorts there to be higher quality than the last time we visited Cuba. The Cuban's have caught up and we had nothing to complain about. We had read reviews on Trip Adviser warning about no toilet seats (untrue), no pillow cases (untrue) no salt, pepper, or other condiments (untrue). We know a little espanol, and we always try to use it i [... read more]n a Spanish speaking country, but found all the staff far preferred their English to our Spanish. When we booked with Trip Central the resort was listed as the "Golden Tulip". It has changed names and hands several times apparently. It certainly hasn't degraded the experience. The locals and the bus and taxi drivers know it as the "Hotel Caya Santa Maria" and formerly is was know as the "Eurostar". Use the "Hotel Caya Santa Maria" when arranging transportation. There is not much to do or see on the Island, it is mostly a beach vacation. There are a few small markets selling trinkets, Fidel and Che biographies and leather goods. Double-decker buses transport around the island for 2 Cuban convertible pesos (2 US dollars) There is a currency exchange in the resort lobby and in the markets. Really not much difference in price between the two. It is possible to rent a car or a scooter and travel 43 Km to the main island. We didn't do that on this trip. Havana is a long way off (400+ Km) so if you are interested in that Varadero might be a better choice. Our tour operator (Air Transat) offered a number of excursions but we didn't see much that interested us. The Air Transat rep at the resort, Zadis, was exceptional at her job. I like to snorkel and found it most interesting along the wall at the far right side of the beach. Not much straight out. We looked at the beaches at several of the resorts (there are 14-ish on the island) and found the beach here to be the best of them all.

Hotel Roc Casa del Mar: Great resort!

What a pleasant supprise. The hotel is new and clean, the beach is beautiful. The food was a lot better than on my previous visits to Cuba. All together I was very pleased with my trip. The bus ride to the hotel is a little long (about an 1 1/2 hr) but we'll worth it!

Valentin Perla Blanca: Hit and Miss

A very beautiful design of the whole complex which is kept nice and clean. The lobby is cozy in spite of it's size, with plenty of sitting areas to enjoy the drinks and life music. The two separate pool areas are located on the opposite ends of the resort and the quiet one was our preference. The pretty walking paths are shared with often fast running electric carts so one must be on guard. The rooms and bathroom are very large but the glass window in the bathroom wall didn't give any privacy an [... read more]d you couldn't turn the light on at nigh without waking the other person. The beach and the water it's just amazing. Many choices of either staying with the crowd and entertainment or finding a small place on the dunes under the umbrella. We found our little "private" spot and were entertained every afternoon by a number of fishing pelicans.That's the greatest feature of this place. Two shows of the week were on very high level: the contemporary dances of the ballet group and the "Michael Jackson".The "Buena Vista Social Club" in La Estrella was also very entertaining. The food as expected not the best but I found many delicious fresh vegetables and fruits to enjoy. Again, once the chef at the buffet made great pizza for my husband, some fish was fresh and good but in the "French" restaurant I couldn't find out what kind of fish was served.The red wine is also good. The weakest link is the service. Some people are very nice and friendly, unfortunately many were just the opposite. We gave tips for everything and my husband felt guilty not to tip even if he asked for a glass of water. That's the way the staff made us feel. There was no water in our fridge on arrival at night so the next morning I tried to get it from the bar. I was told that I should call the "Customer Service" number but when I did I was told to call different number which was busy. Eventually was free but nobody picked it up. My husband walked to the customer service desk in the lobby but the lady give him a phone number to call and explained that they didn't pick up because they were busy. She refused to talk to the only person standing in front of her. One more negative aspect is the noise level of the entertainment at one of the pools. Absolutely unacceptable, as we couldn't stay on the balcony and close doors didn't help much either. Some of the groups in the lobby made talking impossible. The beach party was just deafening. If the hotel aspire to a higher star number, it should address the noise problem first. So, would I like to come back to this beautiful place again? Probably not, which is a pity because the potential is there.

Melia Las Dunas: Best beach ever!!

I just came back from my 3rd visit to Cayo Santa Maria Island. Once again it was a very relaxing time away. As a female travelling alone it is a very safe destination. The beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I've seen anywhere in the world. Can't wait to head back in November!! Thanks to Trip Central, Sunwing and Melia Las Dunas for a fabulous getaway!!!

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Light bulbs anyone?

March 28-April 4th 2017. A fine resort with lots going for it. Two superb beaches. Megano is good enough but Ensenachos beach is wonderful. The sand is like talcum powder. Take your snorkel and mask and swim with the tropical fish. They are used to being fed bread and bananas and will come out to meet you near the shore at the end of the walkway. Take a quick catamaran trip from the beach, lots of fun. Keep an eye out for the resident iguana. He's big but friendly. Food: You don't go [... read more] to Cuba for the food but the resort was OK. get your food cooked while you watch instead of the buffet stuff that isn't hot. The a la carte restaurants are much better but avoid the Japanese one. Rooms: Nice clean room, well appointed. Nice big walk in closet where you keep all your stuff and they leave it alone. If you like hard beds, you won't be disappointed. Our fridge didn't work and I let them know and it was fixed almost immediately as when we came back to the room it was working. Great service. Pool: The posted hours for the pool are 9-5pm. At 5 PM it's still very hot out and you want to stay in the pool. Not a problem apparently as people just stay. Change the hours to 9-8pm and all will be happy. We went swimming at night (quietly) as they light up the pool and it looks so inviting. There's something about swimming at night under the stars and moon. No one bothered us as we weren't bothering anyone. Service: In fact the whole place has great service with the exception of reception. They don't seem to be too fond of actually doing their job and will not go out of their way to help you. Good luck with money exchanging. They seem to have issues getting small bills at the reception or at the bank downstairs. If you think of it, go to the lobby bar and exchange large bills for smaller at night. maid service is excellent. We left gifts on the pillow each day. once we put out hotwheels cars and she went out of her way to thank us as she had two young boys. Excursions: Take an excursion trip on the big catamaran. They take you on a nice cruise and sail for a bit too. Two snorkeling visits, one on a wreck and the other on a shallow reef. Lots of beautiful fish to see. The dolphin centre is pretty good as well but the food not so much. The half day trip to Remedios is also good. they take you to the town to view a church and the market and you go on a steam train to the sugar factory museum. Expect that one to take most of the day despite the half day description. Lighting: I don't know what the deal is but the entire resort has a shortage of light bulbs. There are bulbs missing or burned out on the walkways to the beach, in the building chandeliers, in the second floor ceiling walkways of our building, in the actual pillars in the main lobby, in the spot lights on top of the building facing the back....everywhere. I've went through the reviews before going down and noted someone said bring flashlights so we did. Very good idea. Summary: I heard grumbles on the bus excursions from other people at other resorts. You won't be grumbling if you go to Iberostar Ensenachos. The staff are wonderful, the facilities are pretty darn good and the beaches are amazing. Bring lots of sunscreen...

Valentin Perla Blanca: Great resort!

We arrived march 28th and stayed a week. I have never seen harder working staff then in cuba, the rooms were spotless along with the food tasting amazing. No issues here and would definietly go back!!!! The pools were endless and clean at all times. I would recommend this resort to adults over 20 a million times. The staff is there at your becken call and thats how a 5 star resort should be. Had the best week ever.

Valentin Perla Blanca: All you need to know about Valentin Perla Blanca

After over twenty times in Cuba over the last twenty years but the first time to cayo Santa Maria I can say that this was a good choice but not perfect by any means. First impressions was that it looked clean and well organized and the layout is fantastic. The building around the quiet pool are numbered in the 30's and the activity pool is centered at the buildings in the 20's. For example I was in block 26 room 2641. I'd recomrbeing on the second floor regardless of building so your balcony is  [... read more]not at ground level unless you want that of course. I'd say the most central locations for the activity side are block 21, 26 and 28. I won't say the food was ok for Cuba because I'm sick of hearing that but it was similar to the other 4+ star Cuba hotels I've been to, meaning some good some bad often inconsistent but was never hungry. The 24 hour snack bar at the activity pool had the best breakfast and the lunch burgers, chicken fingers and calamari were awesome. (when they had in stock) the al la cartes often had many menu items not available and I'm sorry to say that the only one I liked was the French. The day and night entertainment was good and bad. This is my opinion and apparently that of everyone I spoke to but play your silly games at the pool, make it quick then shut the hell up up and play loud music so we can party, that's what and activities pool is not listening to screaming Spanish every two minutes and enough with the getting people to go up on stage at night, just put on a show which they did after the truly sad displays for awards from the pool activities. What else, Beds are clearly designed for longevity rather than comfort. Iced coffees are to die for! They have a privilege package that's about 150$ extra, I found it worthwhile just for the top shelf booze (2 bottles of Glenlivet later!) oh! Forget about Wi-Fi! It's a joke! Never worked the whole week which in the end was ok because I truly disconnected and I just did a few paid texts to let everyone know I was ok and when I was leaving etc. The concierge did say an upgrade is coming soon but in Cuba time that can be ten years lol. So i kept the only thing I feel is a real criticism and it's of a safety nature for the end. The paths to the beach are quaint, however there are stumps and what I have to describe as small branch like daggers sticking out the sand and I don't have to explain why that is unsafe. And when you get to the actual beach at several location the set of stairs are complete but clearly need at least on more step because it is a 2-3 foot drop to the sand! I'm 6'4" and it was a stretch to get back up. I'm sure I missed stuff but I can honestly say that despite the few shortcomings I had a blast and will most likely go back. I give this place a 4 star.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Great week at Playa Cayo Santa Maria!

My husband and I had a great week at this resort.Food was great as were the staff and grounds were very well kept.we enjoyed the entertainment in the theatre as well as in the lobby,pool,and on the beach.The only negative experience we had was the morning we were leaving at 5 am there was nothing to eat in the lobby as we were told there would be,so make sure you get something the nite before to have,it's a long time before you get into th airport.Other than that everything was wonderful,the bea [... read more]ch is a bit rocky but very beautiful.

Valentin Perla Blanca Paraiso: Great Resort, but food not so much :(

Amazing beach, great entertainment, friendly staff, A La Cartes were very good.....but buffets left a lot to be desired. No variety and every meal was the same..... not even good by Cuban standards. Beds and pillows were hard, and bathroom towels were not changed regularly and not easy to replace beach towels.

Hotel Roc Casa del Mar: Beautiful top notch resort

The staff are awesome. The grounds and landscape are very nice. Garbage around the pool could be picked up more often. Restaurants have very good food. Buffet is basic. But did have a all you can eat lobster night. Nightly entertainment and live bands are great. Would highly recommend.

Valentin Perla Blanca: What a week!

The resort is very beautiful and has something to offer everyone. If you want to have a VERY good time, the party pool awaits. If you want to chill, that's available at the quiet pool with everything in between. It's like two resorts in one! The staff are delightful and go out of their way to make your experience amazing. I typically like small resorts, but this was huge and I loved it. It would be an issue for anyone who has mobility issues...we clocked a lot of miles while we were away. T [... read more]he rooms are fine. The food is fine. I had never been to Cuba before so have nothing to compare the food to there. It wasn't anything to write home about, but I didn't go hungry either. The beach and water was very beautiful and I appreciated the drive there because they have a great guide allowing you to see Cuba on the way.

Hotel Roc Casa del Mar: Amazing beach and beautiful resort!

Amazing beaches and resort overall. The only thing we were not impress about was the diversity of the food (at the buffet). You can always find something to eat (fries, omelets and shrimps) however, compare to other resort we've been in Cuba, it's the worst buffet we've seen so far...

Hotel Roc Casa del Mar: Better then advertised

This hotel was in a class as Dominion Republic resorts. The resort layout had a nice flow to it, great view from balconys. Both pools very clean,one was quiet and part for small children.the other all the music & activities as well as a great swim up bar.Service at all bars were fast &drinks well made all with a big smile from the bartenders. Lots of lounge chairs around the pools as well as the beach.the beach area is a bit narrow at some spots but the water was the best in Cuba. The rooms spac [... read more]ious ,large shower and kept clean as the maid was there helped with any requests right away.the food in the main rest. Was pretty good ,lots of variety with the breakfast being the best.plenty of entertainment during the day and after supper to sit outside has a drink and listen to live bands.The downside is the long bus ride to the hotel almost 2hrs with a pit stop for a bathroom break. Also the airport is old and services are poor .bring your own snacks from the hotel as the food at the airport is ?.?. and expensive .overall great place !

Melia Las Dunas: Beautiful

Hotel was clean and staff where very friendly The food was basically the same everyday breakfast was the best time to eat. The ocean was breathe taking. The resort had lots to offer Thanks to our agent

Resonance Blu Santa Maria: Amazing Resort

First time we have been to the Starfish Cato Santa Maria, but won't be the last. We would definitely return. We loved our room which was cleaned immaculately every day. The whole resort was very clean. The staff always smiling and being so friendly. The Italian and International Restaurant food was spectacular. The buffet had a great variety of food...my only suggestion is take your condiments with you. Loved the activities at the pool, but a bit disappointed that there wasn't any salsa [... read more] lessons. The most amazing beach. My only two suggestions for this resort is more signage pointing to the pool, beach and lobby and to get coffee makers back in the rooms. We plan on returning in 2018.

Valentin Perla Blanca Paraiso: Amazing Vacation

I have just returned from a 10 day vacation at this wonderful resort. I travelled with my brother. The grounds were well kept but grass was dry since they have not had any rain. I am sure in another year all of the plants will be growing to full potential since this hotel is just into its third year. I did not make it down to the beach since I need a cane to get around and found some areas were rocky and the dunes were deep. What I did see was quite beautiful. My brother enjoyed it and walke [... read more]d daily along the beach. The buffet was very good and had a wide assortment of food for everyone's taste. Breakfast and lunch were also available at 2 restaurants one by the quiet pool and one by the 24 hour snack bar by bungalow 24 and fhe activities pool. The al carte restaurants that I went to were the Spanish, French and the Italian twice sincs it was so good I recommend the lasagna. Since I had the premium package it also included a lobster dinner so I did not go to the seafood restaurant. My room was large with a king size bed and a sitting area. The showers were huge. My room was cleaned and the fridge was restocked each day. I found the staff all friendly and willing to assist you and even go that extra mile if needed. A special shout out to the concierge Jordan and all the staff in the Premium lounge for their assistance with my special needs. The entertainment was the same as most. However I enjoyed the shows that were in the main lobby the most. Some evenings there was a piano player, and there was a jazz band, a quartet and Cuban bands. These shows however started earlier and if you had dinner reservations for 7 pm you would miss the show. This was the first time I have been to an adult only resort and must say that I enjoyed the quiet but dont get me wrong I dont mind having children around either but it was a change. I will definitely go back to this resort next year you get great service and value for your money.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Ensenachos - Wonderful week in March

The resort is beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful pool, beach and grounds. I stayed in the Adult Spa section. I loved it. The rooms are clean and spaceous. The balcony is also quite large when you have a corner unit on the 2nd floor. The service is exceptional as well. They go out of their way to ensure you have everything you need and want. I'll be going back probably same time next year with my family to celebrate my engagement. Can't wait.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Beautiful resort on an amazing island!

The hotel lobby is truly the hub of the entertainment and social gathering. It has an incredible view that looks right through to the ocean. The washrooms on the resort need some repairs because some of the door locks did not work and toilet paper needed to be refilled on more of a consistent basis. Towels for the rooms were for the most part available although a couple of times we had only 1 bath towel. We enjoyed the food at all of the a la carte restaurants as well the buffet offered lots [... read more] of variety.