Melia Jardines del Rey

Melia Jardines del Rey is the chain's largest property in the world, and opened in 2015 with a fresh aesthetic that sets it apart from other much older properties on the island. The resort's massive scale is apparent at first sight, with a huge reception desk in the pavilion-like open-air lobby for a breezy check-in under cathedral ceilings. The space is a hub for guests, who take a seat on wicker sofas with assorted devices in hand. Blue-tiled reflection pools add a touch of ocean ambience to the area. 

A wide, central walkway winds past multiple restaurants and bars, and divides the resort into distinct east and west zones before leading to the beach. Both zones have three-story buildings that contain guest rooms, and several rectangular pools assembled like big, blue Tetris puzzle-pieces. The east pool is typically calm, while the west pool has scores of activities, and becomes a party scene as the afternoon rolls on, with loud music blasting from huge speakers.  

The beach has white plastic sunbeds set in rows under shade palapas, though some guests drag their sunbeds into direct sun. A colorful lineup of pedal boats and sailboats are lined up at one end of the sand, and most guests move between the lake-calm aqua water, the beach bar, and their deck chairs during the day. In the evening, the pools and beach clear out, and people crowd the lobby bar, which spills into an open-air space near the entertainment area, where fun continues into the night. 

Melia Jardines del Rey is located in the Ciego de Ávila Province of Cayo Coco, which is part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago off central Cuba. The tropical island is known for its stunning white-sand aqua coastline, which is a magnet for all-inclusive resorts that dot its northern edge. Many guests remain within hotel confines, but island explorers can take the double decker “hop-on hop-off” bus for five dollars per day. 

Popular Lenny's Bar and Grill -- famous for its fresh lobster -- is a 13-minute drive from the hotel. Playa Pilar, arguably the region’s most beautiful beach, and home to North America’s possible largest colony of pink flamingos, is roughly a 30-minute drive. 

The resort is a 25-minute car ride from Jardines del Rey International Airport for flights from Canada and Havana. Direct flights to the U.S. are offered from Ignacio Agramonte Airport in Camaguey, about a three-hour drive from Cayo Coco. Pricey cab rides can exceed $150. 

Units are distributed throughout the resort in three-story buildings. Classic Rooms are cheerful, with subdued hues of green and pink, white-tiled floors, and taupe furniture, though some are starting to show wear. Beds come in king or twin configurations, and rooms open through glass sliding doors to patios furnished with white plastic chairs and small tables. Views (and price points) are divided into garden, pool, or sea options.

All rooms feature mini-fridges that are (usually) restocked daily with water, soft drinks, and beer. Amenities include air-conditioning, satellite flat-screen TVs, safes, irons and ironing boards, and umbrellas. Standard bathrooms have huge in-room vanities with basins sinks, wide mirrors, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries.

Suites are more beachy and attractive with soft neutrals, crisp whites, wicker furniture, and eye-catching aqua-blue accents and red abstract art. The large layouts offer separate living and dining areas; master bedrooms; walk-in closets; and huge ensuite bathrooms with hydromassage bathtubs. Extra amenities include robes, slippers, and coffeemakers, and patios have sunbeds. Suites can overlook the pool and gardens, or the ocean, and are priced accordingly. 

Guests with limited mobility and those averse to walking too far should request rooms close to the lobby. 

Jardines del Rey packs in as many features as you’d expect for a resort of this size. Five freshwater pools are divided into two separate clusters. Both have pool areas with a kids’ pool, swim-up bar, and plenty of day beds for two, plus deck chairs with shade umbrellas. The west zone is where all the fun and activities take place, while the east zone is known as the quiet pool, and has a laid-back vibe. 

The all-inclusive restaurants get mixed reviews. They're scattered across the resort, and include: Bana (Asian); Hidro Grill (light lunches); Aquas (buffet and light lunches by day, seafood by night); Don Pepperone (Mediterranean dinner); Flamencos (buffet); Fuego (Cuban Creole dinner), and the Sunset Grill (light lunches). Bars include the lobby's La Notte, open 24/7; El Chiringuito, right on the beach; and Carambola (bar and table service until late). 

For wellness, the modern fitness center has a variety of dated (but in good condition) Technogym cardio and strength-training machines. There's an in-house trainer who’s available for workout assistance daily. The spa features its own pool, and offers a range of treatments with Cuban scents and ingredients. 

Outdoor activities include tennis, archery, table tennis, and lawn bowling, in addition to Spanish dance and scuba diving lessons. There's nightly entertainment, which guests really seem to enjoy. Free water sports include catamarans, snorkeling, pedal boats, and kayaks. Scuba diving and motorized water sports cost extra. 

Kids of all ages are well catered to with a Children’s Club and Baby Club, plus a daily activities program for kids and teens. There’s also an outdoor playground, and restaurants have kid-friendly menus. 

Other amenities include an indoor/outdoor convention room with audiovisual equipment for corporate events. Weddings can also be arranged through the Meetings and Events department. Golf carts are on hand to transport guests around the property. Also, coach buses shuttle guests to and from the resort, and taxi service can be arranged at reception.

Several past guests have complained about mosquitos on the property, and Wi-Fi requires purchase of internet cards. Both of these minor annoyances are common occurrences throughout Cuba.