Rating8.0Rating8.0Rating8.0Adults OnlyNon-motorized water sports on calm Cayo Santa María waters are genuinely excellent — catamaran rides, kayaking, and sailing are included and the conditions are consistently good. Introductory scuba diving lessons are included, which is unusual. Kids programming runs 9am-10pm for ages 4-12, with a dedicated Baby Club for infants.
2,000+ sq m (21,500+ sq ft) outdoor pool with a shallow section for children. Sunbeds, restrooms, outdoor showers. Hosts organized water activities. The central social hub during the day — expect noise and crowds at peak hours.
Dedicated shallow paddling pool. Sunbeds and facilities adjacent. Separated from the adult main pool area.
Thirty private pools attached to ground-floor junior suites and suites. Each pool is shared between 2-3 adjacent bungalows — not truly private, but significantly more controlled than the main pool. Step directly from your terrace into the water.
Private pool area exclusive to The Reserve guests. Quieter than the main pool with higher service levels. Comfortable sunbeds and facilities.
Adults-only (18+) exclusive pool for Royal Service guests. The highest service-to-guest ratio of any pool on property. Premium amenities and dedicated staff.
Fine white sand with consistently turquoise, calm water — Cayo Santa María's beach is legitimately one of Cuba's best, and the protection of the cay keeps conditions manageable for swimming. Loungers, umbrellas, lifeguard service, and beachfront bar service via El Chiringuito. The shallow, calm entry makes it suitable for children. Book loungers early — the beach gets crowded mid-morning.
A designated section of the beach reserved for Royal Service and The Reserve guests. Enhanced service and reduced crowd density compared to the general beach access.
Calm turquoise water around Cayo Santa María makes this reliable. Included.
Scenic coastal rides. The protected cay location keeps conditions steady. Included.
Available on the calm waters off the beach. Included.
Gear available at the beach. Marine life around the cay is decent; no dive-site-quality reef but worth the time. Included.
Complimentary beginner lessons — included in the all-inclusive rate, which is uncommon. Not a full dive trip, but a useful introduction. Good option if you've been curious about scuba.
Courts with night lighting for evening play. Included.
Multi-purpose court. All skill levels. Included.
On the white sand beach. Drop-in play. Included.
Available in entertainment areas. Included.
Indoor entertainment area. Casual use. Included.
Daily classes. Included.
Modern equipment. Included.
Group sessions, typically morning. Included.
Supervised activities from 9am-10pm. Full daily schedule. Included.
Dedicated infant daycare with cribs, high chairs, padded floors, and wading pool. Included.
Separate activities including billiards and other teen-specific programming. Included.
Nightly shows, live music, themed dinners, karaoke. Cuban cultural performances are a consistent highlight — better than the typical resort show circuit. Included.
Salsa and Latin dance instruction. Cuba is the source of salsa — these lessons have more authenticity than most resort versions. Included.
Basic Spanish language sessions. A useful complement to any excursion planning. Included.
Jet skis and speed boat rides. Extra cost, not included.
Guided full dive trips to the surrounding reef and marine areas. Cuba's north coast has solid diving. Extra cost.
Charter available. Extra cost.
Add-on for families: Paradise Kids Beach Kit, turndown service for children, Funny Bath experience. Extra cost.
Cuba excursions arranged through the tour desk. Santa Clara, Trinidad, and Remedios are the most visited nearby destinations. Extra cost. Book early in your stay — popular trips fill up.