Memories Paraiso: It’s Cuba!

Other then having ants mold and other things I won’t mention on our mattress (which was flipped to hide the fact even more)… there was the whole having to book you “a la cartes” on a daily basis and not in advance. Now I’m assuming they did this because they used the same locations, which I figured out when I went for the italien restaurent and had a bad allergic reaction (seafood allergie) only to realize they had serve seafood the night before at the same location. Needless to say th [... read more]at was the last time we did a la carte. There were other issues but the others are to be expected when going to Cuba so it is what it is. Now, I have to say, the buffet in general was probably the best I’ve had in Cuba (we’ve been 8 times). They are going thru a terrible recession, so while not we’ll off to start with, they’re really hard of now. Be generous! I have to also say they had some management in from Mexico which seemed to have helped as well. Best beaches around. Last note: listen when the life guards whistle and tell you not to go to far out. A few people got caught because of a bad undertow one day, the life guards did what they could do but after close to 45 minute struggle and have brought all 3 people to shore. One person didn’t make it. You’re in Cuba… don’t be an idiot.

Playa Luxury Cayo Las Brujas: Nice, small resort

Small, quite hotel. Adults only Mostly 40+ Beautiful beach on the left, close to the neighboring hotel. Only one bottle of waters a day in the mini fridge in the room but you can get more in the bar. 2 restraints but we went twice in each (one is Italian) Simple food. You have to wait in line to get fish or scrambled eggs Good pizza in the swimming pool snack bar and good hamburgers/hotdogs in the snack bar on the beach. WiFi is ok if you are close to the Lobby WiFi expires every day s [... read more]o you have to ask to reset it One WiFi password per quest which will connect one device We went second week of April and there were no mosquitos

Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas: Overall okay resort!

Public Area = clean Restrooms, never any TP - no lights during day so hard to see Buffet= better food we’ve had in Cuba A la cartes - French and Italian (very delicious) Pools = need more cleaning (only saw them vacuum once all week) Loved the lobby at night, fun atmosphère. Night time shows, ok. Participate nights need to be a bit more kid friendly. Micheal Jackson show was amazing! Bring lots of familiar snacks to fill the gap between meals. Food varies day to day in each area ( [... read more]beach, snack bar and buffet) so ask staff about options. Beach was good but go over to the far left past the lifeguard stand to get some nice soft sand with no seaweed or rocks. Sun is powerful, bring a hat and lots of sunscreen plus a bubba to keep your water bottles cold to stay hydrated. Rooms = had adjoining room, can easily hear your neighbour. Did not feel private and very disruptive during the evenings when others arrive late. You can hear everything in their bathroom, not pleasant. Thank goodness for nature soundtracks at night as sound barrier. Wifi= pretty decent, get hotel to connect you automatically so you don’t have to keep remembering the log in details. Always the same, will simplify reconnection. Have fun, overall nice resort. Staff are friendly, accommodating if you respect them. I don’t think I want to go that far again for a while but would recommend it if you like the area.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Great resort. AAA+++

Awesome place in paradise. Great staff, friendly, safe and fun place. Lots of amazing food for everyone. Will definitely be visiting again. The Cuban people are so helpful and hospitable. Highly recommend this resort as a destination vacation.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Fantastic service from all employees

Although this hotel is older, the amazing staff, from our butlers to the entertainment staff, made our stay so much fun! Cubans are such warm and friendly people with great smiles all the time. They are hard working and try to make your stay the best it can be. There was plenty of good food and a large variety. Of course, some days they ran out of some supplies, like milk, beer and vodka, but the next day it was back. Always fun at the pool! And the beach AMAZING, with bars and food huts a [... read more]vailable. Beautiful weather every day. The golf carts are great shuttles back and forth between hotels and the market. My first time in Cuba and I would definitely go back. No obvious effects of COVID at this hotel.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Not so great resort

This hotel is runned down! We where day for 1 week and the food was horrible! I know Cuba has a shortage of food but if you cant feed your people with quality food close your doors! Pool was dirty and service was not that great! There was lots of cubans and they where served first and they took over the resort! Staff had a big fight in lobby in front of everyone! Usually Cuba had the best service around but not here! I was speaking with returning guest and was told this place had gone down alot! [... read more] I would rate this place a 2 star!

Vila Gale Cayo Santa Maria: Relaxing vacation

The resort itself was very nice, clean, bright, and well landscaped. The workers were all amazing. They all work very hard and always had a welcoming personality. Everything we left was appreciated. The beach is amazing, lots of broken shells but we managed to not cut our feet all week. No pestering venders on the beach, it was so relaxing. The drinks were ok, selection was limited but doable. We stuck with the one pool closest to the kids club. Seemed to be less busy at the bar, and we grew ve [... read more]ry fond the bar tender Vladimor. He was the most sweetest, happiest person we met there all week. He is amazing at what he does, and made our days fun at the pool. When we go back we plan to visit him for sure. Great person through and through. Our biggest issue was the food. We have been to Cuba a few times before and although the food is a bit bland that wasn’t our issue. It was the repetitiveness and small selection they offered that we struggle with, especially with kids. Thankfully I brought snacks and noodles for the kids. There was also a small market next door, depending on availability offered pizza, fries, burgers, pork and chicken pieces. If you take a 10 min bus or a taxi ride there is a much bigger plaza that offers much more food options. Including poutine, which was really good! We would return, once the food issue improves a bit. We would recommend this resort to family and friends. So thankful for this amazing country and the wonderfully humble Cubans that make it so great.

Vila Gale Cayo Santa Maria: Beautiful beach and location

The room and hotel were very clean. We loved the beach, absolutely amazing. The drinks were good; however, there was not much variety and options in regards to the food which is due to the situation of the country rather than the hotel. The staff were very friendly and professional! Thank you

Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria: Beautiful beach

Small resort. Staff shortages noted pool bar was not staffed and only one a la carte in operation. Each night was a different cuisine Italian, French, or Cuban set in the same restaurant. The ladies working there were hard working and very friendly. We got there around 3 and the only place to get something to eat was at rhe snack bar which had a limited selection. We ordered a chicken sandwich and got two pieces of bread with a tablespoon of minced chicken. They also had a cheese sandwich. So w [... read more]e were hungry by the time the buffet opened at 7. The piano bar was very entertaining. They had a couple of different people play piano and also had a guy come in another night to play guitar. One night was karaoke which was fun to watch. Omar in the sports bar made a great pina colada. This was the only bar that made it. Drinks were limited. Seems the only drinks were made with Havana Club rum. All in all I went for the beach and beautiful weather which was great!!!

Playa Luxury Cayo Las Brujas: Absolutely Fantastic!

This was our second time there and it didn’t disappoint. The staff are 100% of the reason for returning, and the beach too. It’s amazing how they remember you after a year. The room was always clean. The grounds are immaculate. Hand sanitizer throughout. The food, yes it’s not 5 star but it’s Cuba and there are always things to eat. Quite frankly we went for the people and the beach, the food was secondary. Huge shout out to Alain in the buffet, amazing man, we love our “brother”!!

Vila Gale Cayo Santa Maria: Nice resort

Grounds were well maintained. People were friendly and always willing to help. Food was typical of Cuba in terms of taste. There were a few issues with his much food was available. The grill stations always had long lines.

Vila Gale Cayo Santa Maria: Awesome Ocean view Room

April 5 - 12 we had a great week! Room # 0356 was perfect with king size comfy bed and the best ocean view from top floor. Very quiet and well stocked and cleaned everyday! Thanks to our maid Carlos. Enjoyed the paddle-boats and catamaran. Ocean is crystal clear for snorkelling, saw many starfish and different fish not far off from shore. Never any issue getting beach huts or chairs at the pool. We spent most of our time at the beach near the nautical centre. Beach was the nicest in front [... read more] of our resort imo. There was no cheese, fries, pizza or burgers. But still plenty of other options. Breakfast was mostly egg omelette and fruit. Some days there were papaya, guava and bananas but mostly pineapple. Lunch at the beach grill. Fish was very delicious but not available on our last day. Adonis at the Ranchon bar makes the best margaritas! We ate at the a la Cartes every night with mostly good service. Champagne was available every night! Just ask for it. Rose was good too, but didn’t like the white or red wine. Our server Ali at Ciao Pescao restaurant was exceptional! Thanks for taking such good care of us. Even had lobster and shrimps one evening. Very delicious! Just keep in mind supplies change from week to week, even day to day. Don’t sweat the small things you will enjoy your vacation better. Vladimir at the quiet pool was very friendly and remembered what drinks you liked. He made the best mojito! Laydis at the active pool was great too! If you have any concerns see Pedro at customer relations in the lobby, he is eager to help. See him also for your free bottle of rum. (Sunwing customers) Very good cappuccinos and Spanish coffee in Lobby bar. Thanks again to everyone for a great week!

Vila Gale Cayo Santa Maria: Fabulous beach, great hotel

Great location 90 mins from airport. Hotel is 5 years now, new still, excellent hard working staff. Nice clean rooms. Food was good, had 2 days french fries at snack bar with a good sandwich...then no more fries. Some days at buffet had cheese etc....by end of week no cheese. Never starved. A la carte were very good. You do not go to Cuba for the food.

Resonance Blu Santa Maria: First Time to Cayo Santa Maria

My husband and I (seniors) stayed for 2 weeks March 30 - April 13,2023. We have stayed at other Starfish resorts in Cuba but this was our first time to Starfish Cayo Santa Maria. Overall the resort was good,food was good considering the shortages in Cuba but there was no shortage of lobster. We ate lobster at 3 meals here and could have had it for a 4th. Dinner plates at the buffet sometimes were gritty, not always clean, i returned some to staff. The beach guys were great, Hosea always foun [... read more]d chairs for us. Can only remember his name.all the guys were good. Didn't sit at pool as not much shade there. We stayed in building 26, room 2605, ground floor. Our maid did a great job. All the staff here are friendly, always smiling and helpful. Leonardo,and other entertainment staff greeted us each day.

Melia Buenavista: Relaxing Vacation - Amazing Staff

This was our second visit to the MBV. We were here last year and are so glad we chose to return to this beautiful resort. It is small, intimate and we felt as if we were coming 'home'. We arrived quite late but were checked in quickly and delivered to our room in no time. The grill by the pool is open at all hours so we were able to enjoy a snack after our long day of travel .. they offer pizzas burgers hot dogs and other items depending on the day (chicken wings paella etc). Food overall was be [... read more]tter than last year, did not notice any shortages except no beef (not an issue for me).. breakfasts were to made to order and always hot and delicious. Sit down lunch included fish chicken pork and pasta options .. complemented by some standard offerings at the buffet, salad fruit cold cuts cheese etc service was always prompt and we really enjoyed the variety. Dinner at the 2 a la cartes was good although a bit repetitive. Hubby enjoyed the lobster and pasta was always delicious. Soups always delicious. Noticed this year quality and variety of desserts was better as well as breads/buns. No mangos yet as too early but we did find the usual selection of pineapple guava papaya etc along with resh juices, bananas a few mornings. Coffees and drinks were amazing enjoyed the red wine at Navigantes and the rose from Spain was nice. Ask Lestor at the pool bar for one if his world famous mojitos! Butlers were quick to take care of any requests and can book dinner at restaurants at the sister properties. Shuttles run regularly between the other Melia resorts see schedule at front desk. We enjoyed having access to the 3 beaches, each with it's own unique character. Enjoyed yoga each morning with Navi by the sunset beach as well as Tai Chi. Our last day on the main beach was heavenly no wind calm only a handful of people, felt like our own private paradise. Overall a very relaxing vacation. Not a party resort, very relaxing, enjoyed the sunsets with glass of wine and music. Evenings pretty low key, ask staff if there is a show as not highly publicized. Note do bring insect repellant, we did get bites. We met some lovely people during our stay and were treated very well by staff. Would highly recommend and hope to return!

Vila Gale Cayo Santa Maria: Family Friendly

Beautiful beach, friendly staff and family friendly layout. A good fit for travelling with young children. The nightlife can be loud so may not be ideal for light sleepers. The food was ok overall but the buffet was small and the lines for fresh grilled meat and eggs was long at times. The variety of food was limited but we always found something to eat (even for our three year old). Would return with our children again.

Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas: Great Resort

As a seasoned traveller to Cuba we knew what to expect when it came to the food and drinks. Small selection at the buffet with many ways of cooking the same foods every day but we always found something to eat and were pleasantly surprised with shrimp and lobster one day and bacon on some days. They also had all the condiments, ketchup, hot sauce and a few other options. Most drinks are Rum based and very little other options but always available along with beer and wine. Staff were always  [... read more]obliging when asked about drinks and may produce a bottle from under the bar if not on the shelf. The rooms were well maintained with comfortable beds and we had a beautiful ocean view from Building 9 .. also close to the walkway leading to the beach. The beach is excellent as is any beach in Cayo Santa Maria. However this bay which has 6 Resorts, I believe because it is calm and shallow allows for sea grass growth and lots of rocks, coral, stones in areas.. had to find the sandy areas in front of other resorts to enjoy swimming. However, snorkelling was a blast with all the fish life below and was lucky to actually encounter a stingray not far from the shore. Entertainment was fairly good considering it was non existent during the pandemic years. The Lobby was always busy with people and a good vibe, including a (fake) tattoo artist, guitarist / singer / saxophonist to sit back and enjoy the cool breezes and of a course a drink in hand ( they had a cocktail special each evening). Great pool which we stayed away from as it did get loud and noisy in the afternoons when the beaches were quite empty. ( The routine seems that people frequent the beach in the mornings and go to the pools in the afternoon). And of course, the Cuban staff.. always a joy to speak and interact with them as they try their very best to accommodate us as we try our best to give in kind what we can of our material world. As always, when asked about vacationing in Cuba, enjoy the moment of sun and brightness in this world unless you are happy with the cold overcast winter days in Canada!!

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: You get what you pay for...

Beach is amazing. Pools are good. Grounds are beautiful but starved for water which prevents them from being lush. Food is repetitive - you had better like pork, ham and fish as there are few if any alternatives for each meal. Eat the food that is fresh prepared for you, not the food sitting in the steam trays. The Sanctuary buffet is located outdoors and pest control is an issue on food sitting out in steam trays. Be prepared for things to be delayed and unavailable. Coffee/Cappuccino' [... read more]s are great from the lobby bar. The check in/check out desk people are hit and miss on whether they will be helpful. The expect you to deal with the butlers. The butlers .... everything is supposed to go through the butler. Ours greeted us with call me if you need anything (no phone number or how too contact), I"m not working tomorrow. No introduction to whom the Butler would be the next day, hours of operation/availability and how to contact or what their job entails. Seems like a make work job at this resort. Rooms - our first room was tired (I can accept that) with a comfortable bed. It smelled of mould. We were eventually moved when we complained of the cigarette smoke from the adjoining rooms being sucked into the air-conditioning and circulated in our room. They are non-smoking rooms. Bugs are to be expected in the tropics, very disappointed with the roach crawling up the shower wall. Our second room was clean, neat, in good repair but had the worst mattress (springs poking through when you lay on it) ever... that was not something to battle over. It's Cuba... you can't expect much is frequently heard among guests. Based on the ratings for this resort and their associated Friends of the Sanctuary group on FB, I had misaligned my expectations for how this would be in reality as it sounds really good, but comes off barely adequate.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Great Holiday!!

Nicest beach ever!!!!! Staff was very friendly, food was as expected. Highly recommend hotel and Monique at TripCentral for organizing the trip. Will recommend it to friends. If only the food was a little better it would be a 10/10

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Fabulous staff!!

What an amazing 10 days. First I would like to thank our butlers Javier and and another young lady, i cant recall her name. We were in building 59. They were amazing, right there in the morning asking if there was something they could do for us. Set up our room with flowers and a bottle of wine for our anniversary. The beaches were like no other. Baby powder white soft sand. The food was great for Cuba. This was the 9th time in Cuba and this will be our winter retreat. I love the people of Cuba  [... read more]and this is a good example of the love they have.