Gran Caribe Club Cayo Guillermo

The resort is set on level grounds with lawns, palm trees, and gardens that meet a long stretch of gorgeous, remote beach. The main lobby is a vibrant space flooded with light, done in sunny orange and yellow hues, accented with plenty of palms for tropical effect. A mural of Ernest Hemingway marks the so-named lobby bar, and large images of kitesurfing give a hint to a popular area sport. The lobby is the gateway to the hotel's family-friendly section, whereas the adult-only Club Prestige section is removed from the original resort. It takes on a totally different feel, with two-story log cabin-style dwellings set around a lovely freeform pool. There’s a distinct boutique vibe here -- the tropical grounds are fairly intimate -- and guests chill poolside and in the hot tub.

Sercotel Club is located on the island of Cayo Guillermo, belonging to the Jardines del Rey archipelago off central Cuba. The tropical island is known for its stunning white-sand aqua coastline, which has proved a magnet for all-inclusives that dot its northern edge. While many guests remain within hotel confines, island explorers can take the double decker “hop-on, hop-off” bus for five dollars per day. Playa Pilar -- arguably the region’s most beautiful beach -- is about a seven-minute drive, and the tour bus stops there. The resort is a 40-minute drive from Jardines del Rey International Airport for flights from Canada and Havana. Greyhound-style coach transportation typically busses guests to and from the resort, but taxis are on hand at the airport, and they can be arranged with reception. Direct flights to the U.S. are offered from Ignacio Agramonte Airport in Camaguey, about a three-hour drive from Cayo Coco, although the cab ride to or from Cayo Coco can exceed $150. 

Guest rooms are located in two sections -- family-friendly and adults' only Club Prestige -- and all have furnished patios or balconies, many with unobstructed beach views. The family-friendly section offers three room types: Standard, Ocean View Bungalow, and Sea Front Suite, ascending in size, views, and features according to category. Bold accent colors, like pistachio-green or tangerine-orange, add a warm, tropical look, complementing matching white-wood furniture. Units are comfortable and get lots of natural light when curtains are pulled open, but overall, they could use a refresh. The adult-only section offers log cabin-style dwellings in Junior Suite, Wooden Bungalow, and Club Room categories. Bare timber interiors blend modern wicker and white-wood furniture with bold pops of orange. Bathrooms in all units are basic yet practical, outfitted with walk-in showers, granite vanities, and a small selection of toiletries. All rooms feature mini-fridges, televisions (old tube-style or flat-screen), air-conditioning, safes, hairdryers, and extra blankets, but there's no in-room Wi-Fi. None of the rooms are fancy or luxurious, and some guests complain of slack maintenance.

The beach along which the resort unfolds is a huge asset, and both the family-friendly and adult-only sections have their own lengthy stretch for swimming and lounging, equipped with plenty of deck chairs and palapa shades. Restaurants and bars in the family-friendly area include Snack Bar Cojimar (poolside snacks), Buffet Los Corales, La Patana (Cuban a la carte), and Lobby Bar Hemingway. The Buffet Prestige Club Restaurant offers mini buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in the adult-only section. 

Only non-motorized water sports are on offer, which include kayaks, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, and pedal boats. A daily program of activities and entertainment is provided by the events team. The resorts has its own on-site kitesurfing school, which is a big highlight, and the coastal conditions on this part of the island are ideal for the sport. There’s a basic gym with LifeFitness equipment and a sauna, plus tennis, archery, a multi-sport court, and bikes available for guest use. Massages are available on request. Wedding and honeymoon services can be arranged, and Wi-Fi is provided in the lobby with purchase of internet cards.