Cayo Santa Maria Stranden

Las Dunas: A Disappointing Fizzle, Followed by Buenavista's Sparkling Rescue My wife and I embarked on a Cuban adventure, our hearts set on experiencing the renowned hospitality of Las Dunas. From the outset, however, things went downhill faster than a mojito gone flat. Our shuttle ride commenced pleasantly, offering smiles and handshakes from a welcoming gentleman. Alas, upon arrival at Las Dunas, our excitement plummeted into confusion. Disoriented by the unfamiliar layout, we sought guidance from the front desk. Here, the magic vanished. The young lady, seemingly burdened by our mere presence, waved us off with a dismissive gesture while engrossed in her phone. Determined to salvage the evening, we stumbled upon a dimly lit area bustling with staff. Mistaking it for the restaurant, we decided to enjoy a drink while waiting. This, too, proved futile, devoid of any remarkable experience. Thankfully, a fantastic young server finally steered us towards the actual dining hall, already well into service. Hoping for delicious buffets to redeem the evening, we encountered long lines and unappetizing options. The promised feast transformed into a meager plate of cold cuts and olives, accompanied by overly bitter wine. Disillusioned and eager to return to our haven at Melia Buenavista, we faced another hurdle. Requests for a shuttle back were flatly denied, forcing us to endure a grueling hour and a half at Las Dunas. Two overly strong cocktails did little to ease the frustration. Finally, at 8:50 PM, our chariot of escape arrived, whisking us back to Buenavista. There, our incredible butler, Eliney, awaited with disbelief at our ordeal. With sincere apologies, she swiftly arranged a delightful dinner, complete with delectable food, fine wine, and genuine laughter. Buenavista had not only rescued our evening but reminded us of the true Cuban spirit - warm, welcoming, and infused with joy. While Las Dunas cast a shadow of disappointment, Buenavista shone brightly, reminding us of the beauty and warmth that truly defines Cuba. This adventure served as a stark contrast, highlighting the power of exceptional service and genuine hospitality to turn a potentially disastrous experience into a cherished memory. So, remember, travelers, even amidst disappointments, there's always a Buenavista waiting around the corner, ready to restore your faith in the magic of Cuba.

I would give this resort a solid 4 stars. Our group consisted of three generations of our family, totaling 11 people. Let me begin by mentioning that our rooms could use some renovations and the shower only provided lukewarm water. However, that is the extent of my criticism. Everything else was absolutely fantastic. The rooms were clean and our gang thoroughly enjoyed the creative towel animals. The staff was truly amazing! A special thank you to the staff at the swim-up bar who cheerfully kept our younger members supplied with lemonade. The pool games and nightly entertainment were enjoyable and catered to all age groups. The beach was stunning. The food was delicious, with plenty of good options available at every meal. We did not experience any of the reported shortages that Cuba has been known for. The grounds were beautiful and well-maintained. When we needed medical advice, the on-site staff were professional and caring, despite being quite busy. I have a tip regarding tipping. Cubans are unable to use Canadian coins, so it is best to bring $5 bills or US $1 bills. We also informed the staff to approach us when they had $20 in coins, and we exchanged the coins for $20 bills. Thank you, Melia, for providing us with an unforgettable family vacation.

This is our second time staying at this resort, and it's just as lovely as before! The beach here is truly the best in the world, and we really enjoy the nightly entertainment for both kids and adults. Our children absolutely love it here, especially the food and the beach!

We're having an amazing time here, just like we always do! This is our second visit and we definitely plan on returning. The staff is absolutely incredible, both the entertainment staff who keep us entertained and the hotel staff who go above and beyond. The weather is fantastic and the pool is fantastic, not to mention the stunning beach. We highly recommend it, 15 out of 10! We love Melia Las Dunas.

I had an amazing experience at this hotel! The beach is absolutely stunning, with pristine white sand that feels like a dream. The service is top-notch, and everyone here is incredibly friendly and welcoming. Whether it's the waiters in the restaurant, the bartenders, or the animation team, they offer a wide range of activities throughout the day at the beach, pool, and lobby, ensuring that you'll never be bored.