A guide to Best Hotels in Cuba

Like nowhere else on earth, Cuba blends natural Caribbean beauty with the uniquely magical energy of a land frozen in a simpler time. It makes for a genuine charm found throughout Cuba’s elegant coastal resorts. From the enchanting Iberostar Varadero, nestled where the jungle meets the ocean, to the all-action paradise of the Pullman Cayo Coco, hugging its impossibly perfect, private white-sand beach. Wherever you choose, you’ll always find the warmest of welcomes in Cuba.

Brisas Guardalavaca, Guardalavaca, Cuba

Set overlooking the idyllic Guardalaveca Beach, just 700m from the resort centre, this fun-filled, traditionally styled property has a little something for everyone. There’s an excellent range of sports and leisure facilities for all ages, two pools with adjoining bars, indulgent whirlpools and kids’ splash pools, together with a host of inviting restaurants, bars and evening entertainment. With a lovely blend of bungalows and hotel rooms, even the accommodation offers welcome variety.

Playa Pesquero Hotel, Guardalavaca, Cuba

Oozing traditional Cuban style, this beautifully designed hotel is right on Playa Pesquero Beach and caters for all kinds of holidaymakers. There’s a host of sporting activities, including scuba courses, tennis and basketball. When it’s time to wind down, there are two beautiful pools, sun terrace, ice-cream parlour, and a hotel-run kids’ club to keep the little ones happy. Five charming restaurants offer a range of international cuisines, including authentic Cuban, and there’s live evening entertainment.

Sol Rio De Luna Mares Resort, Guardalavaca, Cuba

Ideally located on the magical white sand of Esmeralda Beach, this charming, traditionally styled family hotel is just three miles from the resort centre. There are two elegant pools to explore, a whirlpool and sauna to indulge yourself, sun terrace, multi-sports court and gym. The kids have their own club and pool, too. There are four bars, a Cuban cafe, four restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, with live entertainment to bring your perfect Caribbean day to a close.

Iberostar Varadero, Varadero, Cuba

From the soft white sand underfoot to the breathtaking jungle backdrop, this luxury hotel is surrounded by natural beauty. There’s a swim-up bar and poolside eatery to enjoy, with tennis, volleyball and water sports for the active – there’s even an 18-hole golf course nearby. Kids have a clubhouse with pool, and everyone can refuel in the Cuban, Japanese, gourmet and international restaurants. There’s live theatre entertainment, and Varadero is just a 20-minute cab ride away.

Pestana Cayo Coco, Cayo Coco, Cuba

Imagine unwinding in your very own piece of paradise, on a breathtaking stretch of private white-sand beach. Blending traditional style with modern design, this property features four pools, casual beach bar, tennis, gym, basketball, volleyball, water polo and table tennis. The kids have their own club, pool and playground, there are three restaurants providing Cuban and international cuisine, with live entertainment in the evenings. All just five miles from the airport and around two miles from bustling Cayo Coco.

Ocean Casa der Mar, Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba

This spacious, modern property is right on the stunningly unspoiled Cayo Santa Maria beach, and uniquely caters for a variety of ages and budgets. There are two adult pools, two for the little ones, and a teen club for 13-17 year olds. The hotel boasts 10 bars, six restaurants, fitness centre and water sports, along with weekly Cuban and retro parties. You can also upgrade to the Privilege Section, complete with private beach, bar, theatre area and late checkout.

Iberostar Daiquiri, Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

Traditional in style and laid back in vibe, this effortlessly charming hotel is right on the beach and just 10 miles from the airport. Enjoy drinks by the pool, live music in the evenings, and a variety of bars and international restaurants at any time. There are sauna and massage facilities, with a gym, tennis and water sports for the energetic. The kids have their own pool, play area and club, so there’s something to keep everyone happy and relaxed.

Playa Costa Verde Hotel, Playa Pesquero, Cuba

Your holiday, your way – that’s the ethos of this traditional Cuban hotel, located just 100m from Pesquero Beach. There’s an inviting pool to laze around, massage facilities, seven bars, and a 24-hour snack bar. The kids have their own pool and disco, too. There are sports options for everyone, including water sports, tennis, and a fitness centre. After all that, there’s a choice of three fine Cuban, Italian and Japanese restaurants. It’s just over an hour from the airport.

Pullman Cayo Coco, Cayo Coco, Cuba

This modern beach style property provides an alluring escape on a private white-sand beach. There’s a relaxing spa and three beautiful pools (one is adults-only), with fitness centre, tennis and water sports on offer, too. There are six restaurants to choose from, including the chance to dine under the stars. There’s also live evening entertainment. All just 11 miles from the airport.

Iberostar Bella Vista, Varadero, Cuba

This chic brand-new property is right on a magical white-sand beach surrounded by tropical fauna, and just a short 1950s’ Cadillac ride from vibrant Varadero. Adults have their own lounges, pool and bar, and kids have a restaurant and mini-waterpark. Two further pools stretch up to the beach, there’s a panoramic bar, and seven inviting restaurants. Sports and diving trips are on offer, and evening entertainment includes live theatre performances. The hotel is just 18 miles from the airport.