Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa
This five-star all-inclusive luxury Resort & Spa is located on the beach in one of the finest areas of Veradero. It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation within the Veradero ecological reserve. The fantastic setting blended with its stylish and elegant architecture creates the ultimate retreat.
There are 510 rooms and suites, all of which are spacious with modern furnishings and well equipped with all the mod cons necessary to make your stay a pleasurable one, including private butler services. The views from the private terraces vary from garden vistas to ocean ones. There are two additional Garden Villas, uniquely designed and a little bit more spacious and exclusive with an outdoor Jacuzzi, private swimming pool and vista point, providing maximum privacy for a calm and pleasant atmosphere.
There are several restaurants on site to choose from, serving a variety of local and international dishes. Guests can choose to dine inside or outside by the beach or pool with most restaurants offering live entertainment. The bars, including beach and pool bars, serve deliciously tempting tropical cocktails, rums and premium liquors.
Enjoy treatments at the YHI Spa & Fitness, provided with two hydrothermal circuits, Jacuzzis, a janzu pool and an infinity pool, relaxation lounges and terraces, as well as a gym with aerobic rooms and a beauty salon service for ladies and gentlemen. Relax or take a leisurely swim in the outdoor swimming pool or on the Veradero Beach. Plus there is a variety of water sport options, such as canoeing, snorkelling, windsurfing and much more available at the beach. The Recreation pool is best for families, nestled into lush tropical vegetation and providing a kids area. In addition, the hotel offers tennis and dancing lessons for the active ones, but also cooking and cocktail- mixing lessons, as well as ecological excursions, land treasure hunting and a Cuban festival and Cuban day.
If the hotel activities aren't enough or you just want to explore a bit more of the beautiful surrounding area visit the impressing Guama Crocodile Breeding Farm where about 10,000 specimens of the 16 species of crocodiles are raised. Visit the Yumuri Valley for great views, situated in the outskirts of the cities of Matanzas. There are ecotourism trails and view points spread throughout the valley to gaze at the surrounding landscape. Golf enthusiasts have the chance to visit Varadero Golf Club, Cuba's first professional 18-hole par 72 golf course. Don't miss to stop by the Sauto Theatre, one of the most renowned cultural institutions of Latin America, convincing with its magnificent neoclassical building and as a National Monument.
Why We Love It
There is a wide range of activities to enjoy, including all kind of ball sport activities but also billiards and darts, mini bowling, shuffleboard, giant chess, yoga and trekking.
Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa
Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive eco-resort, located on the beachfront inside the Bahia de Naranjo Natural Park, overlooking a stunning coral reef. The adult only resort is set in colourful vegetation, surrounded by picturesque beaches in a beautiful ecological environment.
The resorts 354 rooms offer maximum comfort and exclusivity. The Royal Service section of the hotel includes master junior suites, master junior suites with ocean views and two Garden Villas. The rooms are located about a five to ten minute walk from the beach, each boasting either a private terrace or balcony with garden or ocean views. The spacious Garden Villas are each formed of two different buildings, including a bedroom and a basic bathroom in one building and a sitting/ dining room and a small kitchen in the other one. There is a medium sized pool in between the two buildings inviting to lay back and relax in private.
The standard part of the hotel includes 296 spacious rooms, each providing garden views and hammocks on the private terrace or balcony.
Eat your heart out with eight dining options available at the hotel. You will find the Royal Service Restaurant serving a fusion of delicious Mexican and Asian dishes. Other dining options include Cuban, Mediterranean and Oriental cuisine, an international buffet, a beachfront restaurant and a beachside snack bar. Rhythms of Cuban and Caribbean music will be played at the lively disco after sunset and entertainment such as karaoke, live music and dancers will accompany you.
The beautiful Spa offers a great selection of refreshing and relaxing treatments using exotic aromas and flavours of Cuba. In addition there is a sauna, relaxation rooms, sensation shower, Balinese baths, a saltwater swimming pool and a private beach. Sport enthusiasts get the chance to visit the gym, provided with state of the art equipment and under the supervision of a fitness coach. Only 15 minutes from the hotel there is a Diving centre available for hotel guests, offering diving lessons and programs. A Nautical Centre on the hotel's beach offers a variety of non-motorised water sports, renting catamarans; peddle boats, sailing boats and kayaks to explore the beauty of the National Park with its tropical vegetation from a different view. An outdoor pool serves as a perfect chill out zone, whilst the stunning Playa Esmeralda beach is great for pure relaxation.
For some culture between pool and beach lounging visit the Bani Indo- Cuban Museum, which is located in the city of Banes. It houses some important archaeological finds of the native population, as the city of Barnes is known as the archaeological city. In addition the Chorro de Maita is an interesting sight to visit while being in Barnes. Experience the customs, games and daily scenes enacted in unique performances of the cities inhabitants on the largest and most fascinating burial ground. Another town worth visiting is the seafaring town of Gibara, also known as the White Town, which served as the main maritime access on the northern coast a few years ago. For exotic animals and pristine beaches come to Cayo Saetia, a paradisiacal islet at the entrance to Bahia de Nipe, covered with natural forests, boasting nineteen species of exotic animals and twelve small, pristine beaches.
Why We Love It
As an adult only resort it is especially recommended for honeymoons and for wellness and spa.
Meliá Buenavista
Located to the east of Cayo Santa Maria, Meliá Buenavista is surrounded by white beaches and gin-clear water. Strictly no children allowed, the hotel provides an idyllic escape (no offence to the little ones, but this one's for grown ups only) and is a far cry from some of its counterparts further along the same stretch of coast.
Accommodation is comprised of 104 suites, as well as the Zaida del Rio villa whose interior is inspired by the Cuban painter of the same name and has a private pool. The other suites are spacious with all of the mod cons, and all have Royal Service benefits, such as access to a butler, and other added extras such as a one-hour Yhi Spa hydrothermal circuit thrown in for good measure.
All food is included, and there is plenty of choice to ensure guests don't go hungry. From an international restaurant to one serving a slice of the Caribbean, and pool bars and beach bars with light bites and drinks a plenty...all day long. The Italian chef also concocts delicious Mediterranean delights.
Located just 400 metres from the beach in Cayo Santa Maria, the largest and most northerly caye in the Cayos de la Herradura archipelago, sunbathing and snorkelling are top on the list of priorities. At the hotel, there are two swimming pools - one infinity - as well as a fully fledged spa, yoga and Pilates, a gym and beauty salon.
Why We Love It
There are two beaches at Meliá Buenavista. We recommend the one by Los Marinos restaurant for sunbathing.