Hotel Royalton Cayo Santa Maria

The Royalton Cayo Santa Maria is a little hidden gem of a resort. We love a small, more quiet place to relax and enjoy and the Royalton did not disappoint. By far, one of the nicest resorts that we've experienced in Cuba. What stands out for us are beautiful people who give the most amazing and genuine service. I have to mention our butlers Maria and Javier are just over the top awesome. Our rooms were spacious and clean, the oceanview so pretty! The food was great and there were alot of different options. The only buffet is at breakfast, everything else is plated with many options. Beach forever, that's what we love. We were happily greeted as we set out on are early morning walk with coffee and Bailey's to start the day. Make sure to experience the quesadillas at the beach bar. We didn't go to the pools at all but they looked super clean and lovely. We made some new friends and had alot of fun at the Japanese restaurant in the marketplace. We wish the people of Cuba all the best as they navigate some uncertain times ahead. We'll be back for sure! Thank you for the memories. We'll done my friends.

Our sixth visit to the Royalton Cayo Santa Maria. It's a complicated and difficult time for Cuba and Cubans, but I'll get to that. first, we return to this resort for many reasons - and just getting there for us is not easy! We have to fly from Saskatoon to Toronto just to get a flight to Santa Clara. But we think it is worth it. Royalton is a small, adults only resort that relies on the relationship between guests and the staff. Even if you have only been here once, you will feel like family, and family is very important to Cubans! So many guests we met have returned multiple times for this reason. the rooms are contained in eight room Bungalows. They are well maintained, clean and nicely designed. It's a fun and often noisy experience at the lower pool but the resort is quiet in the evening. We felt safe and secure, no matter what time of day. The Royalton may not be the resort to chose if you are looking for a wild night life, but the beach - like every one on Santa Maria is fabulous. Sadly we only got to be in the ocean on two days due to sharks and high winds. Food is al a cart, and it's OK. If you want something different you can book thorough your Butler to eat at one of the restaurants in the nearby Market area. (this is a new feature)The 24 hour snack bar by the lower pool is great, and features a grill buffet every day from 1-3. The snack shop at the beach makes great light meals. A few words about the staff! You get Butlers who share the week with you. They check in with you daily and are on hand whenever you want them. The will help you navigate your room, the facilities, your dining bookings and just make sure you are having a good time. Out Butlers were Ariel, who welcomed us warmly on arrival - we've had him a number of times! Then Javier took over, and he is super helpful and engaging. Finally Maria Rosa took care of us in our final few days. Around the lower pool, where we spent lots of our time we were so well looked after by Misbel, the bar tender at the pool bar. Misbel and I saw a lot of each other!! Blanca and Yadian are in charge of pool fun, entertainment, massages and just making everyone fell at home and happy! (See them in the photo section) They can also be found introducing the performers at each evening's entertainment. And you can expect them to just stop by and chat anytime of the day. Thank you to all the staff, and particularly our friends. Due to fuel shortages, staff were working 7 days on, seven days off. This meant we didn't get to see some of our favorite staff from previous visits. Our week ended with a heartfelt farewell party in the lobby; music and dancing and some words from the General Manager of the Resort - who by the way was visible and available all week long. The hotel was closing in the days ahead due to the fuel shortage and the disruption in flights to Santa Clara. We are very concerned for the people of Cuba and our friends at the Royalton and other resorts. They are hoping the crisis passes quickly and they can get back to welcoming you to this beautiful island paradise. Cuba is virtually isolated in the Caribbean, and the reasons are more than this review will comment on. But, we feel for the ordinary people of Cuba who love their country, their homes and most of all their families.

Absolute hotel recommendation! Everything's fine.