One Cayo, 3 Beaches, Many Hearts
We are back from another vacation at this luscious tropical haven on Cayo Ensenachos, Cuba, which is surrounded by white, powdery sandy beaches and crystal blue waters.
We arrived on Wednesday evening, April 10, and just so you know, even if you are a guest of the Coral Level you do have to check in at the front lobby desk at the main building.
The staff that were on duty Brian and Zulma, gave a warm welcome to all of us as we Checked In. The check in was fast and we were then taken to the Coral level where we were met with refreshing cocktails served by Augustine, my favorite person and bartender, and Alberto, another bartender at the Coral lobby and pool. A light snack was in our Villa, arranged by the Jacobo, who I met in November on our girls trip and is one of the new Spanish management team. His focus is bringing the best that is available at the hotel to the Coral Level. He is an eloquent young man. You will notice there is now premium alcohol available at the Coral level, and we can thank him for these excellent liquors that are now available at the Coral. I think that he is doing a fantastic job with what is available for food and beverages at the resort and keeping the Guest happy.
Everything went off beautifully as we immersed ourselves in the beauty and life of laid back vacation mode.
Breakfast was great, a few of our usual servers were still there, yay! Livan, and Yasmany, who are wonderful servers and their were also some new faces.
Everything was available on the breakfast menu with the exception of salmon but there were many other choices. Fresh pastries and cookies were always available on the table in the middle of the dining area.
Lunch is always my favorite at the resort and I usually just have the homemade soup that Jaime the Chef and Loady, his right hand Chef, prepare daily. If you have not had the daily soup you have no idea what you are missing, sometimes I have two bowls.
At dinner we were so happy to see our favorite young ladies, Betty, Giselle and Yaquenia, who rush around to make everyone happy and keep the beverages and food flowing. The food was deliciously seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Those of us on the Beach on Friday experienced a moment of serendipity. Two little dolphins swam down the beach between guests and just a foot to three feet away from some of us. They swam slowly and were not afraid of people around them.
Everyone was just fascinated by these two baby dolphins. In all the years we have vacationed here this was a first.
Saturday is White Night where dinner is set up out by the pool. When darkness sets in, the lights around the pool make the whole area look magical. Do not forget to bring your white outfits. There was a sumptuous selection of fresh baked goods, salads, meats, smoked BBQ and various choices of delicious desserts and cocktails of your choosing.
Sunday I became ill and was not able to attend dinner for the next few nights but between my Spouse, Jacobo and the amazing staff of Butlers who I treasure dearly, Yandry, Diana, Dismar and Roberto, I wanted for nothing. And thank you Michel. I was amazed that Jacobo actually took time out of the dinner service and went to the main buffet to get me something bland and soft to eat. The Selecion side of the Resort caters to families with children of all ages. So there is a variety of choices available at the Buffet there.
On Tuesday morning I went to the doctor who is available 24/7 on the Resort, for those of us who do not or did not know. A cart came right to the room and by 7:30 am I was being checked over by the nurse Lucia, such a very caring lady who speaks English fluently, so it was less stressful,and Dr. Maria Victoria who was so thorough in her assessment and extremely knowledgeable.
There is International Medical Centre, located nearby, where they can access medication that is not available readily at the Hotel, so they went there to get the antibiotics that I needed. We were shocked that our charge for everything was $83.00 CAD, $50.00 of which was the consultation fee.
The only problem we did have was the lack of toilet paper, and having to ask for more several times as we opted not to have the room refreshed while I was ill.
The last few days when I was on the mend I made sure and made up for the lack of tan by relaxing on the beautiful beach. The weather in Cuba always cooperates. If you have to be sick what a beautiful place to be sick surrounded by stunning scenery, in a well equipped Villa and with caring individuals.
My heart goes out to Diana and Milexis, the two main Coral building and Beach Restaurant cleaners. I commend you for what you do, I could not do what you do and still always have a smile on my face. They kept the common areas immaculate.
Yuniely, a very busy and talented bartender made delicious, yummy, chocolate martinis and Appletini's on our last night.
I also have to say the new staff at the Coral Restaurants…Amanda, Gasket, Yahimi and Dario were all great and I wish them the best in their new jobs. And in the background there is Esther, who keeps the kitchen clean all day.
They are all a great team.
On the last morning before we left, I called at the last minute and asked Yandry, one of the Butlers, if it was possible for us to have a private breakfast down at Casa de Botas. A quiet more private beach. He called back to say it was a go and that Luis stepped up to do it. By the time we got there, the table was set and there was a basket filled with sweet pastries to eat while Luis went and got our order. He was the best. We were so happy to be able to share a meal alone at my most favorite hang out at the Coral.
And last but not least the Hotel Managers Luis Angel and Javier, I think that it is great that they make themselves available and accessible to the HoteI Guests. I think your hands on approach brings positive vibes to the experience at the Resort
Till the next time. Hasta Pronto!
