Sol Cayo Largo

Anónimo, CA, 2005-04-11
We have just returned from a Sol Cayo Largo (Apr 2-9th) and I just wanted to say that we had a wonderful time. The resort, beach, ocean, entertainment were all fantastic. The rooms are clean and comfortable with a porch and balcony for each room.

The staff are very friendly and helpful and we grew to be great friends with some (Yandy in the non-smoking section of the main restaurant especially). I could usually make them all smile with my feable attempts at Spanish, but they appreciated the effort. Ask the staff how to say good morning, hello, good afternoon and thankyou in Spanish, and they will notice that you are trying. Most of them speak 3 languages, so its the least you can do.

The food is good and there is lots of it. As Cuban food tends to be a bit bland, there may be some dissapointment for the spicy lovers (as I am). Also remember that everything has to be flown in to this island, so some things are harder to come by than others. However, we were always full and happy after every meal. For those who need a touch of home, the pool side snack bar has more Americanized food such as hamburgers, sandwhiches, salads and pizza. There are a great deal of Europeans who smoke during meals, so while you are eating in the main restaurant, ask for the non-smoking section when you arrive to eat as it is not posted anywhere (it is a fairly large area off to the side). It is also a quieter area for conversation.

We were most impressed with all the little areas to get away and be quiet such as the reading room, the pool shade areas and the beachside pagoda. These also helped during the hot days when you wanted (or needed) to stay out of the sun. The pool area is also nice, but I will be honest and say that I only was in it once during our stay as I love the ocean and wanted to spend my time there.

My husband and I were blown away by the quality of the entertainment staff - these guys and gals could all be dancing on broadway - really superb job and well worth staying up for!

Also, you feel very safe and secure on the island. No worries about leaving your things at the beach, ocean, pool or lobby. Also, there is no need to do the reserve a chair with towel thing as we could always get a chair in the shade at the beach. As to the nude beaches, all I can say is... "when in Rome!"

If your looking for a hip night life, this resort is probably not your thing. However, if your looking for a quiet, relaxing get away with no worries and friendly people, go for it, you won't be dissapointed.

Anónimo, CA, 2005-04-03
Our first trip to Cuba. Left March 6th. for one week holiday. Hotel was recomended, and used Trip Advisor as a guideline. All posted reviews were correct. All staff were wonderful and helpful, room was clean and comfortable (second floor with balcony overlooking pool) our housekeeper was outstanding.
Resturants and buffet were better than expected. breakfest had good variety and omlet and pancake bars were hot and tasty. Lunch was good with a selectionn of salads, burgers, pizza, and pastas. Dinners had variety and good selection. No lineups during our stay, and were told the hotel was completly booked. The wait and service staff always had a friendly smile. Tipping is not expected, but appreciated.
The beach was outstanding. Sand very fine and cool to walk on. The beach here is endless, walk for hours.
Would recomend the Sunset Boat Cruise which is only offered on Thursday or Friday. The lobster dinner and sunset is worth it.
Nightly entertainment was the best we have seen. Very professional and creative. The entertainment manger has done an excellent job of providing variety each night, and the dancers were amazing.
Remember to bring gifts for the maids, porters, gardeners (who keep the grounds manicured) servers, activity center staff, and gift shop employees.
Also, get a massage at the pool or the beach. It is wonderful.
Would highly recomend and will probably return.

Anónimo, CA, 2005-03-07
Travelled to Sol Melia between Feb. 20-27 with my wife and another couple. All are in our early fourties, and first time out of Canada so were very apprehensive. Travelled with Air Canada and had no problems. Arrived in Cuba on time and were met with smiling faces which immediately put us at ease We were whisked through customs and at our hotel within minutes. Recieved great rooms with king size beds over looking the ocean and the pool. Rooms were spotless, we had maid service twice a day and our sheets were changed every second day.(probably because we left gifts for them every day-colouring books, crayons, toothpaste etc.) The resort was absolutely beautiful and very well maintained. The workers were Terrific; spoke many languages, worked hard and seemed to really enjoy serving us. Although the resort was completely booked lineups were minimal if at all. My wife is a very picky eater and was really concerned about going hungry so were very relieved to find lots of Canadian styled foods. The food was plentiful and very good.(We all gained a few pounds) The bars were excellent and the booze free flowing. Lots of Canadian brands at all the bars. The beach was spectacular with sand like flour. The pool was clean, spacious and had a great swimup bar/restaurant. Lounge chairs were plentiful both at the pool and the beach. The beach even had life guards and fresh water showers on the board walk. Our wife's flew to Havana for a day of shopping and had a great time. We(the Guys) went on the catamaran excursion and had a memorable experience. The beaches are really pristine, the ocean full of sealife and the lobster to die for. Well worth the extra money.
Overall the trip was excellent. We went on vacation to relax, make some friends and have a good experience.We came back with smiles on our faces, a real appreciatiation for Cuba and its people, and a life time of memories all achieved in one week. What more can one ask for? See you next year.

Anónimo, CA, 2005-02-27
Just got back from Sol Cayo Largo Feb. 26 after a week's stay. It really is like being in paradise. The weather is fantastic.. (i agree with another poster about bringing lots of sunscreen in varying degrees of strength) a bit windy but otherwise sunny, hot and tropical. The beaches are the best i have ever been on. White powdery sand... crystal blue water... and very clean. For any who enjoy to sunbathe au natural it is the perfect spot to get that all-'round tan. And there is no self consciousness about nudity since everyone is comfortable and no stares or strange looks from those who are clothed. If you prefer to go nude, head for the western end of the beach where it seems more nudies congregate.
Our room was perfectly situated a very short walk from the beach. Very clean, no bugs, our water pressure and quality was fine... (the poor vacationers at the Barcello didn't have hot water all week) Bring your own shampoo etc. since the supply is short and also bring your own washcloth (the hotel does not provide)
The food was passable. Nothing too fabulous but i certainly suggest going to the snack bar behind the swim up bar for lunches including the best french fries ever, great hamburgers and pizza's too. The a la cart restaurants are more hyped up than they deserve to be. However, we ordered lobster one night for 20 pesos and it was wonderful.
There really isn't much to see or do on the island itself. Do the turtle farm tour and for an extra peso or two the driver will take you on an entire tour of the whole island and show you the hot spots... the marina, the dormatories for the staff, other resorts, the old airport etc. It was a fun couple of hours away from the hotel. Talk to the other guests at the resort while you're there to find out what they found to be worth while and fun. There are a variety of guests from all over the world who are more than friendly and willing to share. Most of them have visited the island several years in a row so they know the ins and outs.
I strongly recommend tipping and being generous with little gifts and such. Our waitress Annia gave me an extra bottle of water every morning at the breakfast buffet which came in handy on the beach later in the day. If you treat them well, they will treat you like royalty. There is a gardener woman with long braided hair and if you tell her everything looks beautiful and hand her a peso here and there, she will greet you everymorning on the pathway with a fresh little bouquet of flowers...
The evening shows are very cute and entertaining. The dancers are so talented and work so hard.
I could go on and on and wish i were going back again soon.. I highly recommend this resort to anyone wanting to get away from it all and relax. Bring a good book or two ( although the resort has a little library in the club house) Feel free to e mail me if you have questions jan2060@hotmail.com and i'll gladly answer what i can.. ENJOY THIS FABULOUS RESORT.