Re: My photos of Melia, Cayo Santa Maria

[bellagio]

Well whilst I have been struggling along writing my review of my trip, which I hope to complete over the weekend, and in between mugs full of my delightful Timmies coffee I have managed to upload 106 of my photos.
 
 I know some of them, particularly of the beach, are rather repetitive, but it was so delightfully picturesque that I just couldn't drag myself away from it - other than when it was mojito time (which was pretty frequent I must admit)!!!
 
 You will notice that there are no photos of guests (even avidmerrion) or hotel staff as I make it a rule that I never post images of other people (unless, of course, they are Bellagio Babes!!).
 
 http://www.7daysinparadise.com/gallery/Melia%2C-Cayo-Santa-Maria

[test]

Super photos, thanks for posting, and welcome back.

[mojitomiss_cuba]

Mr. B is the beach really as beautiful as your pics? Wow!
 Have to consider that area for a future trip  :)

[bellagio]

Originally posted by mojitomiss_cuba:
  Mr. B is the beach really as beautiful as your pics? Wow!
 Have to consider that area for a future trip    :)  

The beach is THAT beautiful, Wendy.
 
 I would give the beach at Cayo Santa Maria 10/10 whereas the PP beach probably only 6/10.
 
 Don't get me wrong the beach and the ocean at the PP are fine, but at the time of my visit it was far, far too crowded for me to enjoy.    You will not have that problem next week I'm sure.
 
 Also spectacular as that beach at CSM was, believe it or believe it not, I would have rather been back at the PP.

[Bulldog]

Nice picture Bellagio..just one question though...where you the only person at the resort..?
 
 Where is the line up for the BB..?
 
   :D  
 Bulldog  :s:

[Freedom Ryder]

Bellagio
 
   Thankyou for sharing your vacation photos with us. Question?. Did you see lots of topless or nude tanning there. I heard that people usually tan in their birthday suits if wanted (women anyway, I have never heard of a man tanning nude). O.M.G. that could be a fright...      :rof:    :rof:  
 
 Freedom Ryder.........

[bellagio]

Originally posted by BF54bulldog:
  Nice picture Bellagio..just one question though...where you the only person at the resort..?
 
 Where is the line up for the BB..?
 
 

In my original thread I did say:
 'You will notice that there are no photos of guests (even avidmerrion) or hotel staff as I make it a rule that I never post images of other people (unless, of course, they are Bellagio Babes!!)'
 
 I follow this policy because whilst at the Sirenis in the DR a couple of years ago some guy (NOT me I might add) was taking photos around the pool area when another guy strongly objected that he was taking photos that included his topless wife.   Things got rather heated between the two (both Brits I might add), so I decided to be very careful in the future with regard to my photography by taking the majority of my photos, particularly those I am making freely available on the internet, early in the morning before people were about.
 
 Those photos that I do have of hotel staff and guests that I met during my visit I also will not post on the internet without their permission.    I know it seems a trifle pedantic but we have a saying in this country that 'There’s nowt so queer as folk' so I feel it is always better to be safe than sorry.

[bellagio]

Originally posted by Freedom Ryder:
  Bellagio
 
   Thankyou for sharing your vacation photos with us. Question?. Did you see lots of topless or nude tanning there. I heard that people usually tan in their birthday suits if wanted (women anyway).

There is a area that is set aside for nude bathing just beyond the beach at the Sol.    I walked down the beach in that direction on one occasion and they were a few people, no more than eight, laying on sun loungers on the bank at the back of the beach.   I can only assume they were nude because they were above my eye level.

[Shine]

WONDERFUL pics, the beach looked so much nicer than Playa Pilar (which is touted as one of the most nicest beaches in Cuba).
 
 Definitely would think about going there, although it seemed to be very open ... much like Guillermo, yes?

[bellagio]

Shine:
 
 Not having been fortunate enough to have visited Cayo Guillermo it's difficult for me to comment. It was far superior to that at Playa Coco in Cayo Coco. All I can say it is by far and away the finest beach that I have been to in Cuba.    AnneM and eeeefarm had both likened it to the beaches in Cayo Largo so I went there expecting great things and I was not disappointed.  
 
 IMHO the beach is at it's best just slightly west of the Melia, exactly where the new Melia is being built, the sand is firmer there and easier to walk on and also there is no drop from the beach into the ocean as there is directly in front of the Sol and Melia (not that steep I might add).
 
 I would give the beach here 10/10 as if you like white sand and clear turquoise water in the ocean as I do, you would need to go a long way to even equal it, let alone beat it.
 
 For sure the beach here at the Melia will remain in my memory for ever!!!

[Bulldog]

THANKS for the explanation Bellagio...and the story about the guy who really didn't want his wife Coconuts to end up on the NET..  ;)  
 
 Bulldog  :s:

[solchica]

bellagio - your pictures are fantastic  :7:  
 
 solchica

[bellagio]

solchica:
 
 Thanks neighbour!!!    Me and you babe off to Gatwick!!!

[Sandy]

Very nice, pics....the beach looks gorgeous!  I tend to keep people out of my public posted pics too cause you just never know...........