7DaysinParadise
Cuba => Royal Hideaway Ensenachos => Topic started by: flopnfly on July 18, 2006, 10:57:00 PM
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Price Flash !!!!
Royal Hideaway Ensenachos - Santa Maria
http://www.yourtraveltickets.com// (http://www.yourtraveltickets.com//)
From Toronto - one week
July 22nd = $775 plus
July - Sept 23rd = $862 plus
:eek: :eek:
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With these current temperatures both in the UK and Canada who needs to go to Cuba?
It would have to be a very tempting price to get me there during the months of July and August and with current prices at £1580 for 29th July and £1292 for early August for the PCV I think I'll stay at home and enjoy temperatures that are as hot as Cuba but with the benefit of being bug free.
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Oh Heather, that is so tempting! I would love to spend a week at that gorgeous resort. Have you seen the photos of Royal Ensenachos? Heaven on earth!
Ken, I agree that we are enjoying tropical temps at home now, but it's not quite the same as being oceanside in Cuba with a beach bar a few yards away, someone to clean your room each day, and meals prepared for you.
Do I sound as if I need a trip real soon?
:cubadreamin:
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Originally posted by LauraT:
Do I sound as if I need a trip real soon?
Yes you do Laura.
Go out book one....right now.
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When a deal like this comes up it's not about getting away to the sun, it's all about going to an upscale resort at a bargain basement price!!!
Once this resort is fully finished and established you can guarantee that you won't be able to get a week for under $2500 plus taxes.
Something to think about.
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It sure is something to think about Heather. Unfortunately, life tends to get in the way of vacation planning, preventing us from just packing our bags and going.
Do you think that if you went to a place like Royal Ensenachos, it would spoil you for anything else? I was saying to a friend yesterday that the gorgeous rooms at Melia CSM will make everything else seem so tiny and bland by comparison. And now that I've flown Club Transat, I can't imagine flying in cattle class ever again.
My fear is that after a week at Ensenachos, I don't think I would ever want to go anywhere else!
I can't imagine what else in my price range could possibly compare with that place.
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Laura,
that's one of my fears as well. I really think we would be spoiled if we went there, although I don't imagine I would ever go again and pay full price.
But, it would be nice to see it and see how the other half lives. :D
Some photos of Royal Hideaway (http://www.royalhideawayensenachos.com/photos.html)
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Wow, isn't that tempting *sigh*
This would be the only way I'd be able to go to this resort (unless my 649 numbers come up tonight) :rof:
It is certainly a beautiful resort and the sunquest rep told us the beach was even more beautiful than the beach at the Sol/Melia resorts.
Plus it's sheltered so red flag days would be very rare indeed.
*sigh*
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Thanks for the photos link Heather.
WOW! is all I can say. I'll have to start on messybill now as an anniversary location for next year! :D
In that case, maybe only one trip next year, but it might be worth it! :cool: :cool:
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It looks like a fabulous resort, but if it doesn't have a dive shop we will probably never be there.
I've sent emails to different addresses trying to find out if they do in fact have a dive shop on site and if it is open.
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How about this one:
www.netssa.com/lasbrujas.html (http://www.netssa.com/lasbrujas.html)
or:
Cayo Santa Maria - 24 scuba-diving sites
A necklace of islands with virgin landscapes and long beaches lies just off the northern coast of Villa Clara Province.
The main scuba-diving areas here are near Fragoso, Cobo, Frances Frenchman’s, Las Brujas "Witches", Borracho Drunkard’s, Espanol de Afuera, Los Diablillos "Little Devils" Ensenachos, Santa Maria and Los Caimanes Cays, all of great natural beauty.
The beaches on Santa Maria Cay, 5 square miles 13 square kilometers, extend for 6.8 miles 11 km and are of excellent quality. There are lodgings on the cay, which makes it easier to enjoy other natural attractions, as well.
You can reach it by driving along a stone causeway 30 miles 48 kilometers long which starts at Caibarien on the Cuban mainland. Its virgin seabed is noticed for the many species of coral and fish to be found here, making this favorite spot for both beginning scuba divers and professionals.
This exception underwater area is 37 miles nearly 60 kilometers from Villa Clara and about 220 miles 355 kilometers from Havana.
Diving center:
- Las Brujas Diving, Cayo las Brujas, Villa Clara
Tell: 20 – 41.99
Shall we meet up there in mid-May? June was a little too hot. :D
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hmmmmmm should this be the location for the next 7 Days Trip??
:6:
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hmmmmmmmm - just can't wait - if I'm invited!!!!!!
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Originally posted by bellagio:
hmmmmmmmm - just can't wait - if I'm invited!!!!!!
Of course you're invited!!!! It wouldn't be a 7 Days trip without you. :rof:
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I received a reply to my email from this resort.
Very quick response.
----------------------------------------------
Hello Mrs. Drummon:
Thank you for trusting in OH & Resorts services, specially in ours. It is a wonderful news to know you are planning to visit us . We will be pleased to welcome you in our Royal Hideaway Ensenachos.I guaranty you have made the wisest choice while choosing us to enjoy the paradisiac vacations you are longing for, since this hotel is a Royal Hideaway int he very sense of the words. It is a luxurious five stars plus hotel where the enviroment . Unfortunately, our resort does not have diving shop onsite but if you are divers and are interested in visiting us, you can receive diving sessions in Cayo Las Brujas, a key located very near from the resort which owns the second largest coral reef barrier in the world. We are sure you will never regret the experience. The rates for diving are as follows:
1 diving session is 35 CUC and 2 diving sessions are 55 CUC.
There are instruction lessons prior to the divings which are of no cost and are carried out by certified divers in the pools of the resort.
Thus, we guaranty, in advance, unforgettable holidays among us!! Should you need more information, do not hesitate to ask.
Kind Regards,
Sussett Amador Canova
Jefa de Ventas/ Sales Manager
Occidental Royal Hideaway Ensenachos
Cayo Ensenachos. Caibarién.Cuba.
Tel. (53) 042 350300
Fax : (53) 042 350301
E-mail: jventas@ensenachos.co.cu
www.occidental-hoteles.com (http://www.occidental-hoteles.com)
"Es un privilegio servirle/ It is a privilege to serve you"
------------------------------------------------
:ham:
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I'm liking these guys already. I had sent a request for information to them via their website, and got a response today.
Check out the first part of the message, how personalized can you get? :D
Dear Mr. Nieminen,
Please, find below the answer to your inquiries.Im confident this is the place you are looking forward to spending 7daysinparadise. Should you need further assistance, please, do not hesitate to ask.
Kind Regards,
Sussett Amador Canova
Jefa de Ventas/ Sales Manager
Occidental Royal Hideaway Ensenachos
Cayo Ensenachos. Caibarién.Cuba.
Tel. (53) 042 350300
Fax : (53) 042 350301
E-mail: jventas@ensenachos.co.cu
www.occidental-hoteles.com (http://www.occidental-hoteles.com)
"Es un privilegio servirle/ It is a privilege to serve you"
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jefe de Resevas" <jreservas@ensenachos.co.cu>
To: <jventas@ensenachos.co.cu>
Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2006 9:48 AM
Subject: Re: Water sports-Royal Hideaway Ensenachos
> Hello Mr. Nieminen
>
> Thank you for contacting us. It will be undoubtedly a great experience if
> you ever decide to visit Occidental Royal Hideaway Ensenachos. Here are
> the details you asked for:
>
> We offer non-motorized water sports as catamaran, different kinds of sailing
> boats,windsurf, rowing and water bicycles. As for the scuba diving it is offered in
> Cayo Las Brujas, a key located very near from the resort which supports the
> second largest coral reef barrier in the world. The rates for diving are as
> follows:
> 1 diving session is 35 CUC and 2 diving sessions are 55 CUC.
> There is instruction which is offered in the swimming pools of the resort,
> they are called beginner's lessons and are free of cost.
> We hope you feel satisfied with this information and finally decide to visit
> us.
> Regards
Silvio O´farril
Booking Manager
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That's great flopnfly and JC. It's sounding promising so far. It will be interesting to see what the prices are like for next year.
If I remember correctly, the IV prices stayed low for quite awhile after they opened.
I'm looking forward to seeing more reviews too.
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so far we've only found a handful of reviews and they are all fairly positive.
I'm sure the reviews will only get better as the resort becomes fully functional.
Seriously tempted to try this resort, just for curiosity sake if nothing else.
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Originally posted by flopnfly:
so far we've only found a handful of reviews...
Well I think a FAM trip would be helpful then!!! :D ;)
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I am getting to really like this place. I found some more pics.
http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dorley_blue/album?.dir=/e103re2&.src=ph (http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dorley_blue/album?.dir=/e103re2&.src=ph)
Look at all the palapas!!!
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Found a map (of sorts). It's a bit of an odd-looking place, but interesting.
http://image56.webshots.com/156/1/53/18/2317153180012615578lQNUcF_ph.jpg (http://image56.webshots.com/156/1/53/18/2317153180012615578lQNUcF_ph.jpg)
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Your showing so much interest Millybess, I think you and MB should go and give a first hand account of this resort :D
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Bulldog, I agree with you.
The MB's should go and check it out for us.
We received another email from the resort telling us that the resort will be fully operational for September. They did say that there are dive facilities near by, but no courses are offered.
I wonder if this is the dive shop that Wossa used when he was at the Sol?
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I have stayed at the Cayo Ensenachos Hotel twice already this year, and I have booked another vacation in November. This should say it all.
An excellent hotel with a magnificent beach!
Jude
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Hiya Jude,
thanks for posting about your trips.
can you tell us a little more about the resort, and do you have any photos that you can share?
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As this hotel has previously only been offered out of Montreal, most reports are written in French at the following website http://www.cayosantamaria.info/forum.htm (http://www.cayosantamaria.info/forum.htm)
(There are also some wonderful pictures there)
This hotel has only been partially operational
( no shows, no organised activities) but has completely satisfied our requirements - an out-of-this-world beach,a spectacular pool,a beautifully appointed hotel, a variety of restaurants, room service and excellent staff.
I am assuming , as one of your posters stated, that it should be fully operational in the fall.I am eager to see it again.
Jude
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Thanks so much for the information Jude.
Is there any particular section of the hotel that you would recommend for rooms -- which would be oceanview?
How many a la cartes do they have?
Thanks Jude.
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I didn't realize that so many people had already been to this new resort.
It sounds great, but the diving doesn't sound so good according to Wossa and his experience at Santa Maria. Perhaps Jude can shed some light on the scuba diving at the resort.
The luxury and pampering sound wonderful, and it's good to know that Cuba finally has a true luxury resort with a great beach.
Millybess, so when are you going to do your FAM trip? :D
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Originally posted by flopnfly:
Millybess, so when are you going to do your FAM trip? :D
Can I get the same perks at Shine? :D Hers is paid for isn't it? ;)
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hmmm ... no fams on this YET ... maybe I should be looking for agent deals ;)
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I saw this on one of the selloff sites, and thought how perfect it would. :D
As soon as two people book it, let me know when I can get my free room. :rof:
(http://www.7daysinparadise.com/albums/funstuff/athcayo.sized.jpg)
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Originally posted by flopnfly:
As soon as two people book it, let me know when I can get my free room. :) ).
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I think you should all go together :)
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Originally posted by Bulldog:
I think you should all go together :)
So that you can have a free room? :rof:
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Actually if you did get 3 couples to go: 4 @ 1200, 2 probably would still have to pay the taxes so 5200 taxes in divided by 6 would get you the Royal Ensenachos for under 900 each taxes in :)
Not a bad deal for this place
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Originally posted by millybess:
Originally posted by Bulldog:
I think you should all go together :)
So that you can have a free room? :D
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Originally posted by mojitomiss_cuba:
Actually if you did get 3 couples to go: 4 @ 1200, 2 probably would still have to pay the taxes so 5200 taxes in divided by 6 would get you the Royal Ensenachos for under 900 each taxes in :)
Not a bad deal for this place
that's a great deal for this place, so who's up for it? :D
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Damn you beat me to it ... I got that last night in my mail.
Or get more people and then the 6th room is free too ;)
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Royal Hideaway is showing up for $706 for one week out of Toronto on September 16th on Your Travel Tickets.
That's a steal!!!!
However, when I try to click through on the booking it comes up with an error. :( Can't even book it at the old price of $892 anymore.
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We did it!!! We finally got through with Your Travel Tickets and booked the Ensenachos for Sept 16th.
Our first time booking with YTT, and our first time booking online. Here's hoping it works. :D
Great price for this new resort out of Toronto, $706 plus $199 taxes.
Anybody else tempted?
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Congratulations, flopnfly. I'm sure it will be way superior to Cozumel.
Guess I'll have to wait until April for a get together in Cuba now.
:ham: :ham:
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Wow, that is a great deal on what looks like a beautiful resort. I am a little :D Congratulations!
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We are very happy with the deal we got. It's probably the only time we'll get a chance to go to this resort, so we thought we would take advantage while we could.
There is very little info out there about the resort, so guaranteed I'll be taking tons of pictures and writing a lengthy review when I get back.
Now, what clothes do I pack for a resort like this? Somehow I don't think that capris and t-shirts will cut it? :D
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Dress to the Nines sunshine! You deserve it!!!
Have a Great Time!!! Sounds like a fab holiday!!
F&T
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Dress the way you like, it's your vacation !!
:D
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Heather, you must be so excited to be going to that gorgeous resort! Promise you won't forget "the little people" like us once you've vacationed with the other half.
Sounds like a good excuse to go out and buy some fabulous vacation wear!
:shop:
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thanks Laura, are you tempted to join us? The price is great!!!
Yes, I feel a shopping spree coming on for some great new vacation wear. Any excuse right girls? :D
:shop:
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Am I tempted? You bet!!!
Unfortunately, working at a university, taking a vacation in September is not a good idea. Well, actually it's a great idea, but I don't believe I'd have a job to return to.
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OMG I am soooo jealous!
What an unbelievable price for that resort
Heather.
I didn't see the beach, only the front of the resort, when I was there last november, but our tour rep told us it was the most beautiful beach in the area and is sheltered so no or next-to-no red flag days!
Please take lots of pics. There's finally some more pics showing up on travel sites, but still not that many.
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Wendy, you must have a week's vacation left over, come and join us!!!
If you find anymore pics on the web, please post the link for me. I'm desperate for info on the resort. :D
I will be taking several hundred pics while I'm there. I'm sure that a lot of people are looking for info on this new resort.
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Heather, I actually do have a week left, but unfortunately I have to use a couple of days for other stuff
But I wish I could go :(
check these pics:
http://photoshow.voyagesarabais.com/getshow.asp?ps=689147D615232 (http://photoshow.voyagesarabais.com/getshow.asp?ps=689147D615232)
http://photoshow.voyagesarabais.com/getshow.asp?ps=12EE147D614391 (http://photoshow.voyagesarabais.com/getshow.asp?ps=12EE147D614391)
Beautiful!
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flopnfly and jc, we are over the :)
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thanks Millybess,
yes I take my job very seriously :D
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I can only wish we could be there flopnfly. :)
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Flopnfly
Wait until you see the facilities at the Santa Clara Airport!!!!! You will be impressed!! NOT!!
F&T
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I'm not looking forward to the airport or the bus ride, but I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end.
apparently we have internet access in the room, so maybe we'll take a laptop with us and post some pictures while we're there.
Maybe even a webcam.
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I really wish we could join you, but we can't. I see it's now going for $718 plus tax on sell off vacations.
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Flopnfly; Looks like I'll be flying out to Cuba on the day that you are returning.
It would be fantastic if you could link your laptop up to send back 'live' photos. If not though, it sure will be great to have live postings from your room.
I'm pretty certain you will rave about this resort and the beach is to die for.
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I'm not sure that we will be allowed to take laptops after yesterdays business, but if we're allowed I'll take it.
Assuming that the internet is up and running at the resort, I'll post a live daily update.
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If Marty and I weren't already committed to going to Varadero on Sept 22, we would definitely be interested!
If there is any change in our plans , we will be there!
have done some research on this hotel and it looks fabulous, and such a great price!
Karen and Marty :)
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FlopnFly
What does Johnny think about a "live" webcam in your room???? :D :D :D ;)
;)
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LOL, I think it was his idea :rof: :rof:
I doubt if a webcam would work on dial up connection, so maybe we'll have to forget about it.
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Have a great time Guys!!!!
JC, I'll need a full dive report, as soon as you get back!
I just wish we could join you!
PS... Pls. no more bedroom pics!
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The deal for Royal Hideaway just got better,
Sept 16th out of toronto $663 plus tax !!!
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I really have to stop looking. :(
It's down to $637.50 on YTT today. We paid $707 and we thought we got a great deal. :eek:
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I'm not surprised.
I've just read that someone who returned from there on 13th August said there was less than 100 guests there, although they said the resort was FABULOUS.
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Well it's $1 x $1113.26 for a single... :eek:
:s:
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Bulldog,
even at $1100 it's going to be worth it, I hear that it's a fantastic resort and the beach is amazing.
I'm looking forward to doing nothing more than relaxing and soaking up the sun.
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We have never been to this area of Cuba before, and I'm just wondering what it's like off the resort.
Can you get off the resort by yourself and explore or is it necessary to book an excursion?
Are there any schools or orpahanges to do a drop off? I'm just wondering if it's worth lugging another suitcase full, but, I know the staff would appreciate it regardless.
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Latest prices for 16th September ex YYZ are:
Royal Hideaway $648.19 + $199 taxes
Melia at Cayo Santa Maria $437.11 + $199 taxes
Surely the Melia is a fantastic bargain.
If you could go on the 9th the prices are even better:
Royal Hideaway $586.63 + $199 taxes
Melia $401.93 + 199.00 taxes
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Message for FlopnFly:
Have you seen the latest photoshows on www.voyagesarabais.com (http://www.voyagesarabais.com)
One is dated Aug. 17th and shows some lovely pics and the latest is dated today and shows photos of the food lol. Looks delicious!
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Linda I have not seen those yet.
thanks for the update, I"m off to look at them now. :D
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Heather, I've not been to Ensenachos (just drove by it) but from my experience at Melia CSM, I would say that there is nothing to see immediately surrounding the resort. It is separated from the nearest town by a causeway and even then, you're at least a 30-45 minute drive to anywhere. So I guess your best bet is to book an excursion through the resort. I'm sure there would be school in Remedios that would love to receive any supplies you might wish to contribute.
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Hi Heather
When we were in Santa Clara with Dr. Jorge from the resort we attempted to donate school supplies to the school the Dr. actually attended and with Jorge trying to explain just what it was. They refused the donation, which happens and in this case it was the Dr. attempting to make the donation as we stayed very low key. This area of Cuba is very political (as this is where much of the revolution was) and with Che there, you will likely find it much different than Holguin and certainly Varadero!
With that being said we were able to drop the school supplies off at another location. We also really enjoyed touring the city with the Dr. as our guide and were able to donate 20kg. of medicine to the proper authorities. Also we found Santa Clara to be quite prosperous in the city centre as compared to Holguin, Shops that were full of goods, very modern in a sense! If you get the opportunity to go to Santa Clara you would probably enjoy it, but probably better via cab!
IMHO!
:1: .....Fred
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Heather - hope you guys have an awesome time. CSM is being offered from Halifax for the first time this year and we are seriously considering going. Can you check on the progress of Melia Las Dunas while you're there? It's supposed to open November 6/06 and we're seriously considering going there - prices are really good. Obviously we've never been to this section of Cuba before so again, wondering if 1 or 2 weeks would be better?? Not that I'm trying to hurry your vacation but ...can't wait to hear all about it on your return!! ;) ;)
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Kind of :w:
You must be looking forward to this trip.
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Flopnfly, I have been looking at the photos of Royal Hideaway and cannot wait for your
review of the place. We were lucky enough to get to PP and Sandals Princesa del Mar just after they opened and would love to go to the Royal. Dan F
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One week to go and I'm getting very excited about it.
We received an email from Your Travel Tickets. They had a call from Transat Holidays about the hotel. I thought they were cancelling on us. :eek:
However, they were just letting us know that the hotel is enforcing the dress code in all restaurants.
We hadn't asked anything about it, so I'm assuming that people were showing up in casual attire for dinner and the resort is putting their foot down now??
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Originally posted by flopnfly:
....they were just letting us know that the hotel is enforcing the dress code in all restaurants.
That is a good thing. At IV, you could get in with a wet speedo!
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I was thinking that because of the low occupancy people were not dressing for dinner.
This resort sounds like they want to give it a high end image so that's probably why they are enforcing it.
I agree it's a good thing. :D
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Me too. Maybe I'm old fashioned but I think gentlemen should wear long trousers even to the buffet in the evening.
I know the good Pastor will not agree with me though!!!
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Oh I agree with you too, YOU ARE OLD FASHIONED! LOLOLOL
Debbie
PS I always dress for dinner as well!
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Thanks a bunch Deb. lol
Yes I remember us having a discussion about this topic whilst we were in Cuba.
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Thank-you all for the wonderful chatter about the Royal Hideaway. We are Cuba Lovers.
My son is off High School in late October for a week. I just checked the prices and it looks great. Must convince my wife.
Please advise what weather is like in late October early November. We always try to avoid Hurricane Season and have never visited at this time period
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Avidtraveller,
Congrats on your first post, please jump right in with the rest of us nuts. :D
We've been to Cuba in November and found it quite cool for us. During the day the temps were in the high 20's but the water was cold. The pools were virtually empty all day because the water was just too cold to hang out in. The ocean was a bit warmer, but still not warm enough for me. For this reasona alone I don't think I'll return to Cuba between Nov and April.
We're off to Cuba next week, first time going in September so I'll let you know what it's like. Keep your fingers crossed for us that no hurricanes decide to pay us a visit.
:ham:
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Originally posted by bellagio:
Me too. Maybe I'm old fashioned but I think gentlemen should wear long trousers even to the buffet in the evening.
I know the good Pastor will not agree with me though!!!
I totally agree and think the dress codes should be enforced in the evening, I don't think it's old fashioned it's a case of setting a reasonable standard
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flopnfly:
Thanks for the warm welcome. I hope to join the chat frequently.
The cool temps. in November might keep my wife away, although the kids won't care.
FYI, we travel to Cuba in December and April, the weather is fantastic. December nights can be cool, but never COLD!!
Have a great and safe trip, look forward to your report on your return. Hope the weather holds out.
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Don't ask me why I looked, but I did. :(
I just checked Your Travel Tickets and Royal Hideaway is still available at the unbelievable price of $576 plus taxes !!!!!!
$576 for a brand new 5 star resort!!!!
Any takers??
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You're killing me here!!!!!!
;)
I would LOVE to go! Can anyone offer me "Alternative Employment" starting around the 1st of October???
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Wow - that's about $130 cheaper than you paid I believe.
Great resort it maybe but I think it will still be in the the bargain basement for a while yet, especially when Melia Las Dunas opens.
Too many hotels in this area. Maybe Cuba will have to start closing some of the older places like the Atlantico as they surely can't afford to be letting this resort go at these low prices and so few guests going there also.
You'll have a wonderful holiday Heather - it is a fantastic resort - everyone says so.
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I know I'll have a great time, I always do. :)
I'm really getting excited now as the time draws nearer.
I'm a little concerned about taking the laptop from what I've heard about the airport and how strict they are.
voltage at the resort is 220/60, will the laptop run on that or do I need to take an adapter ??
"Clueless" :D
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Come on Heather - you have the expert in the household.
Look at the back of your computer's AC adapter and it will tell you voltage is 100-240 so basically it will work anywhere.
That's the first blonde moment you've had in ages.
Nearly as bad as me picking up the wrong suitcase at Calgary!!!!
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Mr B,
I am technically challenged. I can't even programme the VCR and I'm not kidding. :D
John wasn't sure about the voltage thing either. We've never taken anything that needs to be plugged in. :roll: