Cayo Santa Maria | Tagged Posts
2016
27
January
What Are the Best All Inclusive Options in Cuba?
27
January
Question:
Humans say...
Charlene
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Darcy
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Steve
Veradero. Stayed at Barcelo Solymar
Agnes
I got married there, i liked it because its walking distance to veredero but the beaches are beautiful!
Iskra
Varadero
See
Krystal Andrews
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Carissa
*
Ffej
Sorry if I sound silly, but what does * mean?
Jevon
It's to help people follow this post who are also interested in the information
Ffej
Thanks
Matt
Not a silly question. It's basically entering a "comment" to get notified of additional responses.
Crystal
Or clicking on the arrow on the top right of the comment and clicking "turn on notifications" one would also receive all comments/information rather than a * or . Clogging up the comments/suggestions.
But that's how I follow a status or question
Lydia
Check out Memories Jibacoa if you are into snorkeling and want to be close to Havana. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g1172156-d254186...
TRIPADVISOR.COM
Memories Jibacoa
Colleen
Following
Dee
Breezes Bella Costa in Varadero. My fiance and I stayed there last year in February, we talked to a bunch of people at the resort who come back year after year saying they always had a great time. The food was great, everyday we ate piles of fresh shripm. It's not a new resort so you can't expect much but I don't think you really can anywhere in Cuba. We walked into Varadero 3 times during our stay, it's a bit of a walk but if you're active it's nothing.
Susan
we had a great time at Sandals
Kim
Blau Veradero resort was amazing. We were just there in November. Highly recommend it
Ginger
A girl recently posted on here about many people getting really sick at some of the all inclusive resorts in Cuba through sunwing vacations. Look into it further in the older posts, it was also on the news. Worth a look, last thing you want is to pay all that money and be in bed the whole time.
Ffej
Will do! Thanks for the heads up
Leanne
Look into Jibacoa (sp?)
Barbara
We rented a private casa with kitchen for $35 Cuc per night. Wonderful family that owned the casa. They even did our laundry when needed. Friends rented a casa on the beach with pool, 3 bedrooms, kitchen, and palapa for $70 Cuc per night then hired a private chef and charged $6 per person for dinners, with enough food left over for lunches. Made for a wonderful relaxing and affordable holiday. The beach house also came with a cleaning lady who did laundry! Would definitely recommend seeing Varadero this way.
Rhonda
Would love some more info on how to find this type of thing! Sounds lovely!
Barbara
Look up casa particulars in Varadero. There are a number of different sites. If you find a place ask if the owners offer cooking, laundry and cleaning. Laundering and cleaning usually come with but meals are extra. Having a local cooking for you is really good as groceries are difficult to find especially for tourists. Locals know how and where to buy and for a lot cheaper than tourists can. Hope this helps. Happy travels.
Barbara
Also good to know is that the food is very bland. Take your own spices. We also took pancake mix and syrup for some of our breakfasts. The meals will be pork, fish and chicken. Very hard to find beef. Not much in the way of vegetables. Usually tomatoes, cabbage. Rice and beans are a staple at most meals. There are a few really good restaurants tucked away on the side streets. Costs of dinners would run anywhere from 25 Cuc to 50 Cuc per couple and this will include all drinks. Try "Don Alex" for great pizza around Calle 30 no reservations but there can be lineups around dinner time. Or the "Pink Cow" reservations a must,around Calle 21. There is another really good Italian restaurant around Calle 42 but can't remember the name. Always has lineups but well worth the wait.
Barbara
Cuc is the same exchange rate as the US dollar! Look up casa particulars in Varadero. There are a number of different sites.
Jen
Sandals In Varadero was amazing
Claudio
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Dayna
I've stayed at the sol sirenas hotel in varadero! It's a bit further down the peninsula and there's not much to the hotel but the staff was absolutely amazing and I would 10/10 stay there again!
Tricia
Blau was fantastic! Stayed at a resort next door second time, didn't even come close. We rented a car/driver and went to Havana-a must do. Next time I would just rent the car and drive myself.
Barbara
We were going to rent a car in Varadero but we were told that if you get into an accident you are not allowed to leave the country until all the insurance claims are paid in full! Heard that one fellow had to stay for 3 months! We couldn't afford to be stuck there that long so decided to hire a car and driver as well.
Jason
If going to Varadero be mindful of the Star-rating of any of the all inclusives. TripAdvisor.ca may have somewhat accurate reviews but always keep in mind what their economy is based on. Ask questions of your travel agent or if using TripAdvisor.
Anne
We stayed at Melia las Americas . Good food, awesome beach
Ffej
Anyone been to Santa Maria?
Diane
Royalton Hicacos in Vadero. Amazing food and fantastic staff. This used to be a Sandals
KC
Headed to Cayo Santa Maria next week and staying at Hotel Cayo Santa Maria. It's a 4 hour drive from Havana.
Ffej
Were leaning towards that resort as well!
Karen
Yes I have been to Cayo Santa Maria last year and stayed at the Melia Las Dunas Resort. Beautiful well run resort. Many guests have been before and seem to keep coming back. That alone say's a lot!! Clean, friendly staff, pools sparkle, big rooms and great beach. You fly into Santa Clara and take a 1 1/2 hour bus ride to resort. I suggest you book (you do this at the resort through your tour provider desk) the VIP lounge for your departure home. Can't remember what we paid but well worth it.....air conditioned, nice seats, food and drinks provider. We had Champange!!! If you want to see Havana it is a full day trip and you fly on a domestic flight. We didn't go as we have already been to Havana so not sure of the price. We would go back again for sure!!
KC
Would you recommend renting a car to check out Havana and do an overnight there? Or do a tour through the hotel?
A.I. says...
Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Cuba
Cuba is a tropical paradise known for its white sandy beaches, vibrant culture, and all-inclusive resorts. If you're planning a vacation to this Caribbean island, here are some top recommendations for all-inclusive resorts and areas to consider:
Varadero
Varadero is one of the most popular resort areas in Cuba, located on the Hicacos Peninsula. This stunning stretch of coastline is lined with numerous all-inclusive resorts, offering excellent amenities, activities, and beautiful beaches.
- Iberostar Varadero: This luxurious resort features multiple pools, a spa, and a wide range of dining options, including à la carte restaurants.
- Memories Varadero Beach Resort: This family-friendly resort offers a wide range of activities, including water sports, entertainment, and a kids' club.
- Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa: This upscale resort boasts a gorgeous beachfront location, multiple swimming pools, and a variety of dining options.
Cayo Santa Maria
Cayo Santa Maria is a small island off the northern coast of Cuba, known for its pristine beaches and eco-friendly resorts. This area offers a more secluded and tranquil vacation experience.
- Royalton Cayo Santa Maria: This modern resort features a water park, a spa, and a variety of restaurants and bars.
- Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: This family-friendly resort offers a range of activities, including water sports, a kids' club, and nightly entertainment.
- Valentin Perla Blanca: This adults-only resort provides a serene and romantic atmosphere, with luxurious accommodations and amenities.
Cayo Coco
Cayo Coco is another popular resort area located on an island off the northern coast of Cuba. This destination offers a beautiful natural setting and a wide range of all-inclusive resorts.
- Memories Caribe Beach Resort: This vibrant resort features a variety of pools, activities, and dining options, making it perfect for families and couples alike.
- Melia Jardines del Rey: This upscale resort boasts a beautiful beachfront location, multiple swimming pools, and a variety of dining options.
- Iberostar Daiquiri: This family-friendly resort offers a wide range of activities, including water sports, a kids' club, and nightly entertainment.
No matter which resort area or resort you choose, you can expect to enjoy the warm Cuban hospitality, stunning beaches, and a variety of activities and amenities at these all-inclusive destinations.
Ffej
Any recommendations for all inclusive resorts/areas in Cuba?