Best Resort in Cayo Santa Maria
My husband and I spent from Jan 16-23 at this place we call our second home. We had the absolute best vacation once again at Grand Sirenis Cayo Santa Maria. Everyone will have a different experience, a different opinion, and daddy‘s last night on duty different expectations, and that is perfectly ok. Here was our experience.
We arrived in Santa Clara in the morning via Sunwing. Took the bus to CSM with other travellers. Our rep was great to educate everyone on some Cuban culture along the way as well as selling some Cristal Beer to all of us.
We were greeted at the Resort by the entertainment team, public relations, and some managers all dancing in the lobby. Each of us handed a welcome beverage. Check in was extremely quick and went very smoothly for everyone. Thanks to Airan and his very friendly, efficient reception staff. And special mention to Airan for giving us some extra special perks as returning guests.
Our room was in Bungalow #4 overlooking the beautiful white sand beach and turquoise water. There was a bottle of rum awaiting our arrival along with 2 Cristal, 2 sodas, & 2 big bottles of water. There is a Nespresso machine that takes the original pods. We had 2 fluffy face cloths. 4 big white fluffy towels, bath robes, and slippers. There was also some shampoo, shower gel, body lotion, 2 toothbrushes, toothpaste, a razor, shave gel, and a small pkg of Kleenex on our bathroom sink. Our room was cleaned daily, replacing towels every two days, towel art on the bed, curtain art everyday, and nice and cool upon our arrival in the evening. Always plenty of hot water to shower. We did notice that the water was shut off though everyday around 1000 for a little while. but not sure why. The fridge was stocked daily with two soda, two beer, and water.
The beach was absolutely pristine. White sand, turquoise water, some small shells along the entrance to the water, calm water all week, and plenty of beds , palapas, and huts for shade. The beach had entertainment in the mornings until lunch then the team moved to the pool by the snack bar. There is a volleyball net, soccer net, peddle boats, kayaks, hobbie cats and other water sport boats along the beach. The beach has two drink bars and one snack bar that has sandwiches at lunch.
Two pools always very clear and clean. Both pools have swim up bars with plenty variety of alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks. The East pool by the snack bar is the busier pool that has the entertainment team set up in the afternoons. As well there was a churro stand all week poolside. A foam party was held on Tuesday afternoon around 4pm. Plenty of beds to lay on around the pool with no need to get up and reserve this time of year.
We didn't take in too many nightly shows just because we were ready for bed by 930pm when the show was ready to start. The ones we did see were very good. We spent some time at the lobby each evening after dinner where they always have someone singing or a fashion show before the later show.
Each bar always had a variety of different drinks. Think of some different drinks that you like before you go. They had rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, brandy, liqueurs, assorted coffees, juices, slushies, and sodas. Some very awesome bar tenders at each of the bars. The mojitos at the small beach bar were incredible along with the gin and tonic. Iced coffee with chocolate tequila at the lobby bar.
The food this trip was delicious for Cuba. There was absolutely ZERO shortage of it as well. Waffle/pancake/crepe station, egg/omelette station, bacon, tons of bread, cereals, juices, smoothie station, yogurt, soups, full salad bar, cold cut meats and cheese bar, fish grill, beef grill, chicken/pork grill, pasta station, different kinds of rice, different buffet dishes, endless desserts, ice cream just to name some. At the snack bar everyday from 1-3pm they had pizza, and a small buffet set up. As well, anytime of the day you could get french fries, hot dogs and assorted sandwiches. We had every a la carte that they offered and each one was fantastic. Italian, Mediterranean, French, and Cuban. On Cuban day there was a special lunch buffet set up outside in the courtyard by the long shallow pool. They had table and chairs set up in the pool, along the pool and walkway, a chef hand carving pork, a bar set up, entertainment team performing, and a couple of antique cars on display. Was such a delicious meal and afternoon. We had a special dinner our second evening there that was for returning guests, along with a special buffet dinner for everyone on the resort our last evening there.
The grounds were kept well groomed and clean. The employees are constantly cleaning, picking up dishes, and making sure that everything is going well. We were stopped every single day by the General manager, the Reception Manager, Public Relations, Manager of Waiters, Captains of bars, and Concierge guys and asked how our day was, how we were enjoying our vacation, if we needed anything, and if there was anything at all that we were missing or needed to please ask them. We felt like we were treated better than Royalty and we definitely can't wait to return. I would give this resort a 5/5 for everything and highly recommend it to anyone.
We tipped well with Canadian bills at every meal and throughout the day and evening at the drink bars. We left a tip in our fridge and a tip and small gift on our bed for the maid each day.
Good idea to take some bug repellent as the early morning hours and the evenings there are some no see-ums and mosquitoes. Especially if you go to the beach or if you are walking around the grounds. Take some hydrocortisone cream one percent in case you do get some bites. They can be very very itchy.
Before you leave the resort I highly recommend getting the VIP lounge from your rep for the airport on your departure day. Totally worth it. Air conditioned lounge area, free wifi, free food and beverages, and priority boarding. $30US/pp
We would like to give special mention to Airan - manager of reception and his staff, Yinet & Gabriella - public relations, Ana & Jared. - Snack Bar, Vladamir, Thiago, Catain Victor, Yasinel, & Raynel - lobby bar, Adonis, Yasniel, & Alex - beach bars, Dani, Elizabet -waitress, Yaisel - a la carte booking, Ismaikel - concierge, Rollie- manager wait staff & Elmis- housekeeping
