An amazing resort, very friendly stuff. We are looking forward to come back.Food was very delicious. We meet so many amazing people there.Beach Sirena and beach Paraiso are very beautiful and the sea is very calm.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Sanctuary Cayo Largo: OUTSTANDING RESORT
Let me start with few words about the booking: we did not know anything about this resort and we based our request on what was posted on the Sunwing website.
The booking was done via Tripcentral, Ms. Tammy, who for sure did her best for us. Many THANKS.
Sanctuary was one of the latest resorts in Cayo Largo....Very unfortunately decision to suffocate Cuba, and the hardworking people from there who are doing an EXCELLENT JOB to keep all the guests super happy.
Let me start with LODGING: it was [... read more]PERFECT as long as we stayed there.
FOOD: I will say that we did not go there to gain weight, and thus, what they served was ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT: we did not have any issues, the variety was covering a large range of craves.
BEACH: it was posted on the Sunwing website that there is no beach at this resort and transportation to alternated beaches will be available.
For a better understanding about the resort beach, I will provide here few details: first day there we took the mini bus to the alternate beaches: PARAISO and SIRENA.
Both of them INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL!!!!! The duration of the transfer was 12-14 minutes.
Both beaches are inclusive for optional clothing which brings them a nice advantage (IMO).
Talking to one of the best people of this Hotel, Mr. Carlos, when we came back from Sirena, he advised us to check the beach which is in front of the hotel at a 4-5 minutes walking distance...
We were shocked about the BEAUTY of that beach....
The next couple of days we stayed on that beach...and I ASKED Carlos why that beach is somehow "hidden" from the website and we discovered the TRUTH: during the year, the water comes and go and the beach disappears for the most of the time: he told us, that in normal conditions, the beach is available between the 15th of November and up to the next 15th of February ONLY....
The dates may vary....
In fact this reality applies for all of the resorts which are on that coast: NATURA, LINDA MAR, MEMORIES or STAR FISH...
What Carlos told us was proven by the sea: after 8 days, one morning the waves suddenly "ate" the beach and we went again to Sirena, who is something absolutely a dream....
I will mention that I was relying on the Sunwing website info which is OUTDATED that there are tennis courts at the hotels around...I brought with me the racquet and tennis balls to play.
Unfortunately, the existing courts at Grand memories CLOSED RESORT), MEMORIES, STAR FISH, are in a deplorable shape...cracks, unleveled, etc. and if you are playing there you will do on your own risk...I suggest to stay away...I was hitting with Carlos, he is a very good player, and we enjoyed hitting few cans of balls...
I have to mention few people here who really are PROFESSIONALS and who did everything in order to keep the tourists happy: The Director(Manager) of the RECEPTION DEPARTMENT, Mr. DARYL who definitely makes the difference with his OUTSTANDING customer service attention and care, and who, with elegance and distinction was able to solve any question at any time when we asked him. He has an EXCELLENT English and he has amazing LISTENING SKILLS and he acts instantly by solving any normal request. Very kind, Daryl build a team around him with patience and knowledge. He was very respected by his co-workers and by the tourists as well. Amazing ASSET for Sanctuary!
I mentioned Carlos who helps with anything, offers extra steps with trips to LINDA MAR, comes back to pick up at the request, etc. very attentive and as Daryl, FENUINE NICE! I found that our butler, Juan Carlos (JuanCa) was within the limits of his mandate, very useful and very attentive.
Overall, we stayed there 9 nights, then we were moved to Memorie and from there to ...Varadero (what an amazing adventure!) in order to return to Canada.
The experience at Sanctuary was A PERFECT ONE!
Again, the lodging EXCEPTIONAL, very elegant large rooms, amazing bathrooms, everything very clean and functional; No power outages, fresh food, beach - as long as we were there PERFECT!
I would rate it as 20/20
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Memories Cayo Largo: Wonderful Week
Just returned from Memories Cayo Largo. My impression of the resort is it’s a small gem of a resort. Beautiful tucked away resort on a stretch of mind blowing beaches. Though the beach on site is a bit difficult to go down because of the surf destruction once you tackle the first 20 feet you will be in beach heaven, let me add there are stairs as well. The food for the entire week was quite good and some days delicious. The staff was terrific especially Danger on the seafood grill, Lucas in the [... read more]Ranchon restaurant and Mike at bites in the pool bar/restaurant The only thing that could be better is the bathrooms in your room. They are a bit tired in some of the rooms but in honesty I’m never in my room and not there for that reason. After spending time with many people at the resort for the week I can now understand why they have been countless times and call it there cottage I hope to return some day in years to come.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Cat and sun lover -
Verified Purchaser
Sanctuary Cayo Largo: Nice small resort
The cabins are really cool made to look like a cottage from the ultra suede couch,the white wood table and chairs to the back door had a glass door knob and skeleton key. The food was good by Cuban standards basically the same every day with a few new add ones occasionally. Never ran out of anything though. We were drinking Canadian beer Moose head. The week we were there Jan 27-Feb 3 we got bad weather it was cold ,windy and one day it rained all day so it was nice to have a nice big cabin to s[... read more]tay in. We did get two days of sun. The staff were very nice
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Tyra -
Verified Purchaser
Memories Cayo Largo: Loved Cayo Largo
Cayo Largo is a Beautiful small Island!
We stayed at Memories Cayo Largo, the rooms are very outdated and falling apart but we didn’t care to much about the room, you just sleep and shower there. Apparently the Hotel is updating the rooms this Summer.
The food was great, there’s a meat station that had, chicken, pork or ham, a pasta/pizza station and a fish station. They also had salads,Turkey 3 nights and Lobster or Filet Mignon that you paid $30 USD for. We loved the Sunset Cruise, we stop[... read more]ped at 3 islands that were spectacular, had Lobster or Chicken to choose from for Dinner, then watched the Sunset!!!
I used the spa and had 2 90 min massages during my week stay.
There are some bugs at night if your around vegetation but they only seemed to bite me and not the other 5 people we were with. We will definitely go back when the rooms are renovated.
The staff are amazing!
Bring Cat Food if you love cats, there’s approximately 50 on the resort. Bring a lot of $1 bills for tips, approximately $20 per day.
Don’t give Canadian change to them, it’s useless money in Cuba but they can use Canadian Dollar Bills. You can pay your excursions with Canadian Bills also.
The Premium package is worth it just for the Butler service, but you also save 30% at the spa.
This Resort was an older crowd with very few children or younger adults which we like, were in our early 50’s.
We will be returning again!!!
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Memories Cayo Largo: Beautiful beach!
This was our first time in Cayo Largo. As always the people are wonderful and the beaches are spectacular. The food was good, the bed was comfortable, the shower had no pressure. The pool was good, the bars ran out of vodka and lacked basic mix like club soda and tonic but they always had cerveza (so that was good!).
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Sanctuary Cayo Largo: Sanctuary Family
Well kept property and the staff are friendly and sincere in wanting to make your vacation the best possible. They work incredibly hard and long hours to tend to their clients and it shows in the numbers of repeat guests that come 2-3 times annually. Small resort but great variety in activities, food and beverage that is not necessarily available in the larger resorts on the island.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Arie79 -
Verified Purchaser
Villa Lindamar: Belated review for Lindamar
After numerous trips to Cayo Largo and mainly to the StarFish resort, this time we opted and had a great time at Villa Lindamar for 2 weeks with beautiful weather. nice comfortable cabin with TV, modern shower and hot water. the staff were the greatest and helpful group everyday, greetings with smiles and laughter doing as much as possible to make our stay unforgettable. Had an episode needing the service of Cayo Largo's hospital and were treated very professionally and respectfully by the clin[... read more]ical staff. The variety of food and deserts was always plentiful. Had a great time with the buggy for numerous days going into town and to the beaches whenever we felt like it. Again the friendly and hard working staff made all of our stay worth it and will go back anytime. Would recommend this resort to anyone.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Linda -
Verified Purchaser
Memories Cayo Largo: Lovely resort.
I was at here at end of Sept with relatives. Had a great time. The beach was gorgeous and the water amazing. Not my first time in Cuba. This was my first time to Cayo Largo. No problems with the food. Not alot of fresh fruit or veggies. Had amazing omelets every morning. They did have an exceptional baker, we had fresh bread and desserts every day. Yummy. Loved the bungalows. Plenty of room and a well working a/c unit. Bathroom was dated but servicable. Got water every day. I am glad it did n[... read more]ot rain while I was there (no umbrella in my room). I was in bungalow 20, so I was pretty close to everything. Also resort was not full. That makes a big difference. All the people at the resort were very friendly and helpful. Shout out to Renaldo at the buffet.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Vineyards -
Verified Purchaser
Sanctuary Cayo Largo: Love this resort
I love it here, but it is not for everyone.The bungalows are amazing.Staff is excellent and very friendly.Pool and food is great.You have to take the bus to the beach, which is okay but sometimes difficult to get back.The main problem is No flights from Toronto, so for me 8.5 hrs drive to Montreal.I want to go back but the drive !
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Karo -
Verified Purchaser
Sanctuary Cayo Largo: Exceptional Vacation
The hotel is small (only 45 bungalows two per room max), cozy, family like treatment,
very clean, approachable staff member,
grounds very clean, towels are abundant and not paper thin as I have seen in the past from other resorts...
afternoon animation games are always fun... the two animators are very sweet, helpful and fun.
Food was repetitive at times but very delicious nonetheless... they do the best they can within their limitations. I am there to relax, enjoy the beach etc.. not to g[... read more]ain 10-15 lbs. ? lol - You will always have something to eat. The last night they hosted an elegant "last supper" for everyone. Amazing ! Extra Delicious... what a nice gesture/treat.
Pool was salt water, very clean, as well as the washrooms in the lobby/reception area...
My bed was amazing... super comfortable (I usually have lower back issues) I slept like a baby.
One major draw back, none of the resorts (including this one) has a beach area. Apparently a storm/hurricane had destroyed the water front some years ago... BUT they do have a bus/shuttle service is available to bring guests to two public beaches. It is about a 20 minute ride.
I was a solo traveller - and I felt completely safe :)
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
SylvieJohn -
Verified Purchaser
Starfish Cayo Largo: Our favourite spot
This was our 26th time to this resort. Some may say we are biased but most people we have met there are repeat guests. It is an older resort but built with Spanish architecture as opposed to a condo style of a newer place. Depends what you are looking for. The beach was great the first week and then the winds came up and it washed away our 2nd week. Didn't matter. The sound of the waves thumping onshore with a drink is very pleasurable for us. As far as food goes food is food. Even if you pay[... read more] 2-3 times as much for a 5 star we will never eat as well as we eat here. Me being the cook in the family. If you are pool people the pool is kept very clean by Alfredo. Noel Yanny Ernesto and Griffith do a great job at the beach buffet and bar. Starfish has started a butler service and Yuni the manager Eliza Yunet and Daughrie do a great job making sure to help you with any problems. Case in point on our arrival our room had a new doorknob which was loose. Asked Eliza to have the handyman to tighten it up and it was done right away. For drinks they never ran out of beer wine or rum. If you're OK with the basics then all is good. So this review isn't to say it's Paradise. But it is a very relaxed atmosphere. The workers are very nice and make an effort to make sure you are happy. As I started 26 times to Starfish but another 10 elsewhere in Cuba. So as a final note the beach to the the left is for all around suntan or halves and to the right is with bathing suits. Completely apart and your choice and very discreet. There are no security guards saying do this or that, just mutual respect. Already planning our next trip.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Sally -
Verified Purchaser
Villa Caprice: Endroit idéal pour relaxer !
Merveilleux endroit pour refaire le plein d'énergie !
Les chambres sont superbes et situées dans un endroit tranquille. La piscine est en bordure de mer. Bien que l'on soit en avril, la nourriture au buffet est variée et excellente.
Les gens sont tellement gentils, serviables et souriants ! Il y avait même un bout de plage idyllique !
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Palmerwilkinson -
Verified Purchaser
Sanctuary Cayo Largo: 3rd Time Visit
I love this hotel and the island.Wish we could have gone from Toronto.We had to go out of Montreal which is 8.5 hours in a car.The food is excellent and the staff are very friendly and efficient.if you have been before there is a repeat dinner and a Gala dinner the night before you leave.There is a sandy area at the hotel but you cannot enter the water there.There is a free bus 3x a day and coming back to 3 beaches.The most important thing to know is 1 beach is clothing optional so do not freak [... read more]out if you go there and 2 hotels that are also clothing optional.The island has always been known for this.You can go to the other hotels ( not many open) but guests cannot come to you.The accomodation is fantastic, bungalows.So pleased I returned.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Lynne Paquette -
Verified Purchaser
Starfish Cayo Largo: My home away from home
I go to this resort 4 times per year. Sometimes with my daughter, sometimes with my husband and often by myself. I have physical limitations and love the fact that everything is accessible on the resort. The rooms are dated but are extremely clean and very comfortable. The food selection is great. I always eat very well during my stays. The staff is absolutely the best. So friendly, helpful and always smiling. I enjoy the pool every day and the beach view is incredible. The entertainment staff i[... read more]s very creative and offer show's that are very entertaining as well as fun poolside games and activities. I just came back from a 2 week stay last Wednesday and today (4 days later) I booked my next trip in May.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Roger&Debbie -
Verified Purchaser
Sanctuary Cayo Largo: Very nice and friendly resort
Had a wonderful stay at this resort. all expectations of the resort were met. would go again. grounds were clean . Would go again for sure. what made this place so special is the staff and the ability to have access to all other resorts if needed. We stayed 90% of our stay at sanctutuary and had a great time. ?❤️
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Villa Marina: Very kind and hard employees
It’s a small resort but that’s what makes it more special. Tranquility and personalized services. Hard workers, and I can see that they made extra effort for me… to compensate for the low income of maintenance of this Villa. And du to low tourist here, some animals made it their habitat, which made my stay less comfortable for me. Overall, it was quite a special experience.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
EwaMart -
Verified Purchaser
Starfish Cayo Largo: nice beach
We didn't expect to eat well, we are not fancy eaters neither but this time around in Cuba the food was not good. It was ok for first two days and after it was the same thing from the day before just preheated. Last three days we were eating only pizza because all the food was fermented. Last day there was no more cheese for the pizza. I fell bad for people who working there because its not their fault. The amount of plastic bottles and flip flops on the beach (outside of resort) is unbelievable[... read more]. The area in front of the room was clean but lots of garbage in the backyard. We rent a car and went to for a ride around the island. We found a pig farm. What a terrible picture to see. The condition the animals live in are unimaginable. They eat garbage and drink their own urine. We didn't eat the meat for the rest of our stay which was 5 days. There was also a lot of cats, they look like they starving. They should be neutered also and there was couple of them with very bad infections of the skin.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Villa Lindamar: Lovely place
53 small bungalows set in a beautiful seaside setting. Breakfast and lunch was served out side, dinner in the main dining room. The sea was very active during our stay except for one glorious day that allowed for swimming. We took advantage of the free shuttle to Sirena Beach, calm water, very worthwhile. Excellent staff, we felt very well taken care of and hope to return next year
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Villa Lindamar: Lovely place
A small quiet resort with very clean bungalows near the sea. Great staff that went above and beyond despite the shortages that Cuba is currently experiencing. We felt well taken care of throughout our stay and look forward to a return