Arrival: January 29 – February 6 We arrived 12:30AM in Santa Clara. Very fast through Customs IF you have all of your forms filled out correctly. Please note, fill out BOTH sides of the island card and each traveller should have a their own Customs Card, regardless of what the airline people tell you. That was my only slow down, I listened to them and was not ready for Customs – they do not like that. The buses were ready to take us to our destination. Very comfortable buses, lovely ride. We were not checked in at the airport like I have heard, but maybe that was because of the time that we travelled. Once we arrived at the resort, all went well and everyone had their keys in no time. They take your bags to your room for you. My only suggestion is to take a flashlight, it is easy to get lost trying to find your room in the dark, especially after a day in the sun and a few tasty drinks.
Rooms:
Loved the rooms. Very large and clean, never saw a creepy crawly the whole time we were there. We left gifts for the maids on our beds before we left our room each day and they were very grateful. Changed our sheets daily and left clean towels. They used their immaginations with the towels everyday, we looked forward to our piece of artwork on our bed. Bring lots of stuff for children, this is a very poor island. Aspirin, hair clips, clothing and so on. I brought colouring books, colored pencils, crayons, spiderman pens and Disney stuff. They need it all.
Restaurants and Bars:
I enjoyed the food in Cuba. I particularly liked the Italian and The Grill Restaurants. Lunches at either the pool bar or the beach restaurant were both very good. Some people who critize are probably a tad too picky, we have to remember that this is not Canada. I certainly did not starve. BUT, the toast and the butter are a little weird. At the buffet, I usually went for the pasta bar, always consistenly good. I always tipped the guy doing the pasta bar, what a job!!!!
Beach/Pools/Grounds:
Now this is where I might get excited! The beach is to die for!!!! The Sol Melia has the best beach on the island. Clean, fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise water, what more could anyone want! I was honestly speechless when I walked down there the first day. The beach bar is great, super friendly and accommodating staff, they love the tips! They are not stingy with the Rum, so the tips are well deserved. Do not walk to the right of the Hotel, the beach narrows and it is much too crowded. But if you walk to the left and do not mind a moment or so of the nude beach, it is lovely. Walk to the point and when you turn around the corner, all you see is miles of more glorious water and sand. Heaven!
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel: I did not do any activities, one of my friends took the catamaran and she loved it. We were all supposed to go the next day, but unfortunately we did not pick the best week for great weather. Quite windy and cool the last couple of days. When we go again, it will be later in February or early March.
Other Comments:
I would definately return and so would the other 6 that I travelled with, but as I already mentioned, would travel later in the month for better weather. I highly recommend this Resort. Also, what a treat to never hear the word Mommy or Daddy!!!
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