A beautiful island nestled on Cuba’s Jardines Del Rey Archipelago, Cayo Santa Maria is a tiny paradise. Located within the serene biosphere reserve, this once uninhabited island is now an idyllic retreat known for its eight-mile-long stretch of cotton-white sand – which is connected to the mainland via a causeway – and a peppering of five-star resorts.
We’ve rounded up the best hotels to stay at in Cayo Santa Maria, each offering an oasis of calm, privacy, and exclusivity upon your next luxury holiday to Cuba.
Melia Buena Vista
Tucked amongst sandy beaches and pristine coves in a private and ecological setting, Melia Buena Vista is an adults only all-inclusive resort ideal for couples seeking serenity. This five-star resort lends itself to wellness enthusiasts, complete with two palm-fringed pools, Yhi Spa offering a menu of pampering experiences and fresh water treatments, a beauty parlour, three a la carte restaurants, and beyond.
Exclusive services and the utmost attention to detail is experienced at The Level, providing guests an unparalleled experience which includes, but is not limited to butler service, pool concierge, a personalised premium bar, a complimentary hydrothermal circuit in the Yhi Spa, and more.
Perfect for: Honeymooners seeking ultimate R&R
Paradisus Los Cayos
Situated in one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes along the north coast of Cuba is Paradisus Los Cayos. This ultra modern five-star ecoresort shares its space with an unspoilt white-sand beach lapped by glistening turquoise waters – which can be admired from many of the hotel’s luxury suites.
Stay in one of the hotel’s opulent suites and you’ll have access to exclusive swim-up pools, while you can also lap up some privacy on one of the hotel’s additional two floors, for Royal Service and The Reserve. Royal Service is an adults only area perfect for undisturbed romantic evenings, while The Reserve is a multigenerational space complete with a family concierge service – a perfect place of respite for those whisking the little ones away.
Featuring eight restaurants and thirteen bars, this all-inclusive hotel has something for everyone.
Perfect for: Couples retreats and family getaways alike
Iberostar Selection Ensenachos
This luxurious five-star resort located on the secluded Ensenachos Beach is an oasis for wellness enthusiasts. This all-inclusive hotel features spacious accommodation including dreamy rooms, suites, and villas, while its close proximity to a 3km clutch of white sands means lazy days soaking up the sun are on the cards.
The hydrotherapy area of Iberostar Selection Ensenacho’s on-site SPA Sensations is famous for its location alone, while guests will have access to a sauna, thermal baths, Jacuzzi, gym, Vichy shower, plus a menu of massage and beauty treatments. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the resort’s five restaurants, where you can savour delicious Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean and Cuban specialities.
Perfect for: A spa and wellness retreat
Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria
Nestled on the north-central coast of Cuba in Cayo Santa Maria, this stunning hotel is the first in the Dhawa chain to call the Americas home. If you’re looking to completely unwind in a contemporary oasis just steps from the tranquil coral-white sands and turquoise waters, this is the place to do so.
Beautifully decorated with chic interiors and well-appointed guest rooms, Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria will make you feel as though you’re a million miles from home. The family-friendly resort perfectly combines natural surroundings with first-class facilities, including four fantastic swimming pools (two for adults and two for children), sports amenities, entertainment with traditional folklore shows, plus a host of children’s activities available at the Kids Activity Program.
Guests can sample a wide variety of culinary options and experiences, whether they wish to visit one of the restaurants or enjoy a more casual affair with a Cuban-style beach barbecue.
Perfect for: Families who want a taste of Caribbean life
Angsana Cayo Santa Maria
This exclusive, ecologically-sensitive resort in Villa Clara is the perfect haunt for adult guests looking to experience authentic Cuba during their travels. It’s easy to immerse yourself in the local culture when you stay at Angsana Cayo Santa Maria, since it’s a stone’s throw from the nearby cities of Caibarien, Remedios, and Santa Clara – perfect if you’re planning a mixture of laid-back beach afternoons and get up and go days during your Cuba holidays.
Cayo Santa Maria’s beaches are a paradise for water lovers, with scuba-diving, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing just a few popular pastimes within the cyan blue waters – while the Dolphinarium is just 10 minutes from the resort. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, discover the resort’s gastronomic delights available across its restaurants and bars, before relaxing into the evening with a cocktail in the Jazz Bar.
Perfect for: Adults seeking adventure and relaxation
Royalton Cayo Santa Maria
The Royalton Cayo Santa Maria is located just steps away from the soft white-sand beach of La Estrella. Offering an adults only escape surrounded by tropical beauty, this all-inclusive resort encapsulates charming island culture and first-class service, having won several accolades by TripAdvisor® including Most Popular Hotel in the Caribbean, Most Romantic Hotel in the Caribbean, and Best Hotel in the Caribbean.
Featuring 112 beautifully-adorned rooms and suites, a fitness center, daily entertainment, plus unlimited reservation-free dining at its restaurants courtesy of its All-In Luxury package – guests of this award-winning property will be taken care of.
Perfect for: Romantic holidays where you won’t have to lift a finger
Melia Cayo Santa Maria
Boasting an exotic beachfront location, five-star Melia Cayo Santa Maria All Inclusive & Spa stands out from the crowd for its enviable natural setting and excellent wellbeing services, suitable for families and couples alike.
As soon as you step foot inside the tropical-inspired lobby, you’ll feel as though you’ve touched down in paradise. Amid its idyllic setting is the hotel’s grand swimming pool (crowned as the largest in the city), while each of the well-appointed rooms are located in two-storey bungalows integrated within their natural environment.
There are six restaurants and five bars to indulge in during your stay and plenty of communal spaces to relax and unwind – when you’re not busy letting your stresses melt away in the YHI Spa, of course.
Perfect for: Families and couples seeking splash-tastic fun and sumptuous spa treatments alike
Meliá Las Dunas
This five-star beachfront family resort serves up natural luxury, nestled within Santa Maria Key, inside Jardines Del Rey Archipelago. Featuring two lively environments dedicated to both families and adults only, this all-inclusive haunt offers the best of both worlds. Plus, it’s a hotspot for those with a love of the water, thanks to the twinkling sea and expansive swimming pools just a short stroll away.
A tourist village full of attractions, life at Meliá Las Dunas centers around the spacious lobby, complete with vibrant Caribbean colours, water mirrors, and traditional palapas, which stretches into a unique boulevard of food and culture in the resort’s main square.
The modern rooms and suites make for a contemporary yet comfortable stay after a busy day at the pool or beach, with all the amenities you could wish for, while Creole and international culinary delights can be sampled at the on-site restaurants.
Perfect for: Water lovers
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