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We came back to Cayo Santa Maria to, once again, enjoy naturist beach... This time we stayed in Melia.
Short version: Rooms are better in Sol than in Melia. Food is more or less the same. Greenery, main café and the bar are better in Melia. Night entertainment is better in Melia. As I said before, naturist public beach in Sol at a reasonable rate is really rare opportunity in the Caribbean... From my perspective, it's always an advantage to be closer to the beach you like. Flight and transfer in and out from Toronto... not so easy as it sounds.
Long version: Melia room we stayed at was warn down comparing with the room we stayed at Sol. So, the rooms are better in Sol. Also, the room didn't have the soap and shampoo on our arrival. A few times the service did not leave bottle of water...
Greenery, main café and bar are better in Melia. Much better. Lobby café in Melia is nicely designed, with lots of shade, and they make great coffee. Waiters are great, except one of them. Lobby bar and entertainment stage do need a few fans, big ones, to create some draft... It gets really hot if there is no wind...
Night entertainment... After a 9:30 dance performance, DJ takes over... Dance performance is ok, but dancers lack pre- and post-show enthusiasm and the feel to read the audience... That whole experience could be on another level if they would interact more with the guests to boost the atmosphere... Such a great opportunity missed on the hotel... Juana's crew always tries to make up for the lacks of the dance troupe.
DJ can be annoying at times... He is basically having a party for himself and a few of his buddies... Letting them do karaoke, or plays for them only. Not for the guests. In seven days we were there, on two nights only he played only two standard salsa dance songs and one bachata... The rest was what it sounds to me like Latino gang rave, and five other summer hits chart songs, (Señorita, no lo se, gasolina...) Whatever the names of those songs are... I so wished to dance salsa to some standards, but alas... One night, 27 of us were waiting around the dance area until DJ and his buddies had a thing for themselves.
This time, food looked similar in Melia and in Sol. In Melia, buffet for lunch on Monday was so skinny, almost nothing... Other days, so, so... Fruit selection was ok. A colossal minus for Melia was no fish in the buffet during our whole stay there. Not a single little sardine ... One time there were mussels, and that was that... Last time we were here in February, food selection in Melia looked better, but this time it's the same.
The beach... We don't go to textile beaches, so the review is for the nudist beach at Sol. I will remind everyone, especially folks who are not familiar with naturism: Public nudist beaches are only for nude sunbathing and nude swimming.
Public nudist beach is not, and never is, a lifestyle beach, or beach for voyeurs and exhibitionists! It's a public beach! So, all of you with deviant intentions, please do not pollute the beach with indecent explicit behaviour! I encourage everyone to report that kind of inappropriate behaviour to security right away.
Now... About the beach. Fully serviced, large enough naturist beach with great approach to deep water at this rate is a gem. Let's keep it that way, so we can all enjoy it for many years...
Happiness is no tan lines!
Date of stay: June 2024
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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General Manager, Director General at Melia Cayo Santa Maria, responded to this review
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear slobodanf2019,
Thank you very much for visiting Melia Cayo Santa María and commenting on your stay on TripAdvisor. Thank you for the praise you give us and we will also take into account the details you mention in order to improve our service for the full satisfaction of our customers. Regarding the suggestions you give us about the service and the beach at El Sol, I invite you to comment on their page because they are our colleagues and neighbors but the managers are different. Once again thank you very much for choosing us and we hope you visit us again. Kind regards.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
All reviews beach restaurant juan carlos the bus fish snack bar pizza a la carte restaurants buffet restaurant tai chi calamari the grill entertainment staff water pressure water polo air transat santa maria beef
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The beach is to die for; amazing, I rate it this hotel 5 stars for the attention all the staff are doing their best. Amanda, costumer service, the animation team , “maleteros “” ( bags carrier)el Chico de las toallas bar and restaurant staff The place is clean and everyone goes an extra mile to help the guest The food is good and plenty but the quality of the food preparation needs improvement Except for the breakfast that is excellent For lunch is a variety of food where cheeses and ham are abundant as other salads and dishes that I hesitated in tasted Like sleep black beans, I will say sleeping walking beans for the way that slid out of the spoon when I tried to serve them in my plate The rooms at the hotel are big, clean and confortable there were clean towels and toiletries when you need it. One thing though there was no fish 🐟 in the restaurant surrounding by sea and no fish I wonder why
Room tip: Check the air conditioner because sometimes it stops working
Date of stay: June 2024
Trip type: Travelled with friends
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Ask Maria D about Melia Cayo Santa Maria
Thank Maria D
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager, Director General at Melia Cayo Santa Maria, responded to this reviewResponded 4 weeks ago
Dear mariadY234NL,
I thank you very much for your detailed review and comments. All the staff and myself are very pleased to know that you had a great time with us, in Meliá Cayo Santa Maria, and that you enjoyed your vacation here. It will be our pleasure to host you back again in a near future.
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El equipo de aminacion es muy divertido siempre poniendo sonrisas...they are all super great with the guests always kept us entertained! Especially the dancers they are absolutely gorgeous and super friendly...isel Roxana y Thalia are so fun and great dancers! Ariel también es un lindo chico he is amazing!! I definitely recommend coming here!
Date of stay: June 2024
Trip type: Travelled with friends
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Ask Michelle R about Melia Cayo Santa Maria
Thank Michelle R
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager, Director General at Melia Cayo Santa Maria, responded to this reviewResponded June 15, 2024
Dear DayTrip234138,
We really loved to read your review. Thanks a lot for take your time writing on Trip Advisor. For sure that we will share this review with all people you are referring us. It will be a pleasure to receive you again.
Report response as inappropriateThank you. We appreciate your input.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
I'll start by saying that my wife and I are very familiar with All inclusives from Jamaica, Dominican republic to name a few ( 11 resorts). So though I would give my take on this resort to help others. 1st time in Cuba (but knew what to expect going into it) the price was right for a quick 5 day vacation.
Con List :
1) Biggest con was the rooms. Very Tired rooms in need of renovation. We checked in around 10pm and had a nightmare of a check in. The front desk girl was very rude and straight to the point like we were a bother. Gave us a room and said here is a map. Picture my wife and I with suitcases in hand walking in the dark trying to find our room (Asked 10 different people on the way). unlocked door and found the room was infested with bugs! couldn't even see the bottom of the bathtub. so we walked all the way back to reception requesting another room. So the next room was ok but the door didn't lock (broken) and no AC. back to reception (not even an apology or anything). This time she sent us with a worker to go look at two more rooms. one room the toilet didn't flush and the other room was ok (thank god) .
2) Food - Breakfast was great no shortage of eggs, lots to eat. The resort was empty, so the buffet was open on alternate days and the other days was the restaurants (had to book in the lobby). Cuba has many shortages and it show's with lunch and dinner) please do not go to Cuba expecting a culinary treat.
3) Entertainment - Because it was so empty we only had one stage show for the 4 days we were there. the other days they did a game show in the lobby and a twenty min water show. if your looking for excitement this is not the place for you. its more of a relaxing environment
Pro's List:
1) The staff we encountered (other then reception) were incredible people. Always smiling! we became friends with two servers that we saw for every meal and made our stay great. by the end of the second day they knew exactly what we liked and had it ready for us before we even sat down. (Please tip these people they deserve it, make sure you tip with American dollars and not Canadian). We also brought toothbrushes, toothpaste and hats as they simply cant get that in Cuba and handed them out to staff who were very appreciative.
2) Beach Beach Beach - you simply can not beat the beach on this property. like i Mentioned we have been to 11 other resorts around the Caribbean and this beach is the best we have been to. No seaweed whatsoever. the water was the clearest blue I have ever seen. (one day there were no waves, it was like sitting in a pool. ) guys on the beach are incredible and there was no one trying to sell us anything.
3) Pool - very clean and relaxing. It was so empty that some days we were the only ones in the pool.
To make a long Story short, we had a good time. The cost for Cuba is the attraction. but if your going for 5 star food and luxury rooms this is the not place for you. If your looking for the best beach with no seaweed then this is it.
Hope this helps!
Date of stay: May 2024
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Ask TrevorV60 about Melia Cayo Santa Maria
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager, Director General at Melia Cayo Santa Maria, responded to this reviewResponded June 15, 2024
Dear TrevolV60,
Many thanks for give us the possibility to know about your experience. It has felt very good to read your review. We understand you have had a really good time, even when your experience has not been exactly as expected. We will take into account every detail you are referring us and work very hard in the improvement of all our services. Thank you so much for your comments. We will be looking forward to your next visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Place was amazing ❤️❤️ Staff were awesome l,specially Victor and George . Beautiful beach. Hotel is big and spacious. Bars and bartenders we also good. food was good , Especially the food served by the beach was amazing and see well .There’s nothing negative about the location accept one thing, towel. I lost my towel and was told to pay $13 usd. The towel guy said just give him any amount of cash I had on me and it should be fine. I gave him $6 usd . While waiting for the bus to get to airport, The same towel guy coming to the reception and collecting all the lost towels. Definitely b returning back with my family
Room tip: Carry lot of sun lotion and a hat.
Date of stay: June 2024
Trip type: Travelled with friends
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Ask Hello H about Melia Cayo Santa Maria
Thank Hello H
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager, Director General at Melia Cayo Santa Maria, responded to this reviewResponded June 6, 2024
Dear helloh929,
Many thanks for give us the possibility to know about your experience. It has felt very good to read your review. We understand you have had a really good time, even when you had a problem with your beach towel.
We would always be really honored to have you back.
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Just returned from our 5th trip to Melia Cayo Santa Maria and yet again the resort did not disappoint at all. The resort was as always clean and well staffed. The food was good and lots of activity at the resort. From the minute we arrived it was a great experience. We had a late flight so unfortunately our trip from Santa Clara was in the dark. When we arrived at the resort we were immediately recognized by staff and made us feel right at home. Michael took us to our rooms and helped us with our luggage and getting us settled. It was hot but still Michael made us feel right at home. The next morning we were greeted by the lobby staff and welcomed back like we were family. We took some friends with us that had never been to Cuba before and they were also very impressed with how friendly and accommodating the entire staff was. Juan Carlos, Ezekiel, Norge, Ernesto, Micha, and the entire lobby bar staff remembered our coffee order and every morning made sure it was brought to us very quickly. Great job guys. The buffet was good. Lots of variety daily for breakfast lunch and dinner. Our servers Ariel and Yamile were amazing. Always greeting us with a smile and quick to take care of any needs that arose. Frankie Fredy and the entire cook staff at the buffet were always laughing joking and having fun while they worked. Our maid Yanelys always had our room clean and stocked daily. Eduardo kept our fridge stocked and was always pleasant and polite. Luis at the pool was there daily to set us up with chairs table and ashtray quickly and with a smile. He was busy keeping the pool area clean and interacting with everybody.. from kids to adults. Thank you Luis. Alfredo kept our towels switched and every day he said hello and chatted for a few minutes with a smile and always happy. Adriana was amazing. She looked after us and made sure everything was perfect. Always saying hi to us and often stopping and chatting with us with a huge happy smile. Leticia made sure all the a la carte bookings fit our schedule and had many laughs with her. Junior and Alexis the porters worked very hard every day and always made sure we had anything we needed taxis or rides to our bungalow. I wish I could mention every single person at the resort for they all made our trip amazing. A very deep heartfelt thank you to the entire Melia Cayo Santa Maria staff for making our return memorable and our friends first time to Cuba trip amazing. Our friends already have talked about returning with their family and enjoying the resort. Please remember the staff here do absolutely everything to make your visit amazing. We were told by many people about the lack of power in their homes and with the heat made it hard to sleep, but they always came to work with a smile and were upbeat and making sure your needs were met. I cannot say how much we appreciated every staff member at Melia Cayo Santa Maria. You made our trip perfect. If you can help out the staff by changing coin for bills or good bills for ones that the Cuban bank won't accept.. please do so. It's not a scam. The staff just want to be able to take care of their families best as they can. They are all very hard working and kind. Please enjoy the resort.. the Cuban people and their culture.. take the time to embrace it and ask them about it.. everyone is always happy to answer any questions you have. The Cuban people face hardship every day.. but make sure you are enjoying your trip.. please be kind to them and enjoy the experience. We definitely will be returning to Melia Cayo Santa Maria again for our next Cuba trip.. see everyone again soon.
Date of stay: May 2024
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Ask Slasher40 about Melia Cayo Santa Maria
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager, Director General at Melia Cayo Santa Maria, responded to this reviewResponded May 31, 2024
Dear Slasher40, We really loved to read your review. Thanks a lot for take your time writing on Trip Advisor. Everything about your recent experience at our hotel has been described and honest way. For sure that we will share this review with all people you are referring us. We are sure our potential customers will benefit from it, and especially, from your simple and wise recommendations to make their stay more pleasant. It will be a pleasure to have you back in Melia Cayo Santa Maria.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
