description

Of all Cuba's mainland resorts, Guardalavaca in the southeast of the island has probably the most relaxed feel to it with lush undulating countryside bordering onto some of Cuba's most idyllic beaches. As a resort Guardalavaca is made up of a number of scattered sandy white beaches the best of which is at Playa Esmeralda, just a short drive from the main resort of Guardalavaca. Although most visitors to Guardalavaca come to relax on its beautiful beaches there are plenty of other attractions for those who wish to see a bit more of the region.

Excursions

There are a number of excellent excursions from Guardalavaca; Holguin is the capital city of the province and although not Cuba's most attractive city it has enough to warrant a half day visit; the small port of Gibara due west of Guardalavaca is a charming and largely unspoiled relic of Cuba's maritime past and well worth a visit. For those with an interest in history nearby Bariay Bay is where Christopher Columbus is thought to have first touched foot in the Americas. Chorro de Maita, just a few kms from the resort is possibly Cuba's most important archaeological site, a mass burial ground of the Taino Indians who inhabited Cuba before the arrival of the Spanish. The Museum of Indian Civilisation is at nearby Banes.

Food

All the beach hotels in Guardalavaca are run on an All Inclusive basis so there is little demand for eating out. There are nonetheless a handful of simple restaurants in the main part of the resort.

Getting There

An hour's drive from Guardalavaca is Holguin airport which has daily flights to Havana. We are also able to arrange private road transfers between Guardalavaca and Santiago, Baracoa and Camaguey.

Hotels

Guardalavaca has some of the best beaches and beach hotels in Cuba. In the main part of the resort we feature the slightly ageing but still good value Brisas Hotel. On Playa Pesquero, the Costa Verde is another great value property with a lovely beach. However, the best beach in Guardalavaca is at Playa Esmeralda where we offer 2 further all inclusive hotels, both managed by the excellent Sol Melia Group. The best of these 2 hotels, the Paradisus Rio de Oro, has consistently been judged the best beach hotel in Cuba by past clients while the Sol Rio de Luna y Mares is perhaps the best 4* beach hotel in Cuba.