We were at the Sanctuary Cayo Santa Maria from June 27th until July 4th. We had a fabulous time there. Would I return? In a heartbeat. Would I send my mother or aunt there? Nope!
Everything depends on your expectations and what is important to you. The hotel is old, and it is starting to show (everywhere). They are slowly repairing/redecorating everything, but I do not think they will ever pick up the pace fast enough for a complete makeover of the place.
I know some blocks have revamped rooms. Ours wasn't. But it had the most amazing view of the sea (we couldn't see the beach from the room, but we still had an amazing view of the sea).
The pool is very well kept (thanks to Lazaro who puts so much love into his work and is so proud of his pool). The Sanctuary Restaurant area is also very nice. We ate very well. We had better food in many places in Cuba, but also had many places that wouldn't compete with the food we had here. We always found something good to eat. The grounds are very well kept. Most gardeners work very hard in the heat all day to make sure everything is perfect. Shout out to Paul (not sure of his name, but he was one of the most hardworking fellows I've ever seen).
The beach is just out of this world. The sea has beautiful colors, and the sand is powdery white. We spent all our mornings at the beach, then all afternoon at the pool. I'm not sure if it is always the case, but there was a very friendly vibe at the pool. Guests and staff were so friendly and happy.
What really makes this resort amazing is the people. We met people we'll never forget. Everyone is so genuinely friendly.
Oh yes! Almost forgot. They have grills everywhere (beach, pool) where they make the most amazing sandwiches for lunch. We mostly ate our lunches there (thanks, Jorges). They had pulled chicken sandwiches at the beach (as well as ham and cheese I think), but the pool grill run by Jorges changed protein every day we were there.
We enjoyed the animation team (sometimes from far away, but also participated in some events).
Big shout out to my new friends (sorry if I misspell):
Jorges, Delvis, Lazaro, Armando, Victor, Lindsay, Madelyn, and all the others there (the young guy at the beach grill, I just couldn't get his name and wouldn't have him repeat it for a 10th time. Sounded like Amarillo). Very friendly young fellow.
I really enjoyed trying out my Spanish. All of them were very patient with me and tried to talk slowly so I would understand and improve. They all speak very good English from what I could tell. I couldn't find anyone who spoke good French, but could always communicate with them anyway.
If you bring clothes, medicine, children's stuff, you can look for Ron (a guest from Canada); he goes to the city often and can give your stuff to the most needy. We brought a full suitcase and gave away clothing, shoes, medicine (you can buy the big 1000 Tylenol bottle for $9.99 at Costco). We gave some of it to Ron for the people in the city and gave away the rest to the staff. I do think it is very much appreciated (probably even more than tips).
Everyone serves you with a smile, whether you tip or not, but small gifts seem to be VERY appreciated.
When we left, Armando told me that the best tip he got from me all week was the smile on my face, my attitude towards the staff, and how genuinely happy I seemed to be when I was there.
Had long conversations with Jorges (thanks for the many new Spanish words and syntax).
We did not feel any shortages. I think being there in low season helps a lot. Whenever they didn't have Crystal (draft), they would have cans of Hollandia (yeah, I know... NOT as good), but I'm a beer drinker, and I've had all the beer I wanted.
Sorry I did not talk more about the hotel/food/room, but what we keep from our trip there is the hardworking people and the genuine happiness most of them have towards us being there.
Thank you all for a wonderful vacation.
(Sorry for my English, we're from Magog, Quebec.)
2,553
788
267
146
113
