Re: Melia Las Dunas

[mister]

Does anyone know anything about this new resort in the Santa Clara area?  I have read that it opened in July, yet also that it doesn't open until November.  The prices are quite good in January when we normally go away, but with my little girls coming, I am not willing to take many chances with quality nor service.  If I don't feel confident that it will be a great experience, I will simply go to the PP again.  Any input is greatly appreciated.
 
   :cubadreamin:    :cubadreamin:    :cubadreamin:    :cubadreamin:

[bellagio]

I believe it's opening around November 6th.  I really don't know how that airport at Santa Clara is going to cope when it has clients arriving to stay in four quite large hotels.
 
 If they are having difficulty in selling the Royal Hideaway I would anticipate the same problems will occur with the new Melia Las Dunas.
 
 What price the Sol and the other Melia hotel?  Surely they have to be cheaper still.  There has to be deals in the offing methinks!!!

[avid traveller]

We stayed a the Sol Santa Maria (right next to the Melia SC) in April 2005. Those were the only two hotels there at that point, the rest were under construction.
 
 
 The area itself is quite "empty", not a lot to see except one gas station with a cafe and a small airport. I would guess that eventually they will open flights directly into Cayo Santa Maria.
 
 The Sol was absolutely beautiful. Great beach (bit windy), good food and staff.
 
 The nearby town of Caibarién (about 50 km) is wonderful to visit and get a taste of REAL CUBAN living.
 
 There is another hotel called Villa las Brujas on the connecting cayo las Brujas which is interesting to visit. It is not in the travel mags. however it is a charming little hotel with individual bungalows that rent for about US$60/nt. not AI. We met lots of people to stay there that are simply travelling thru Cuba by car. It has an unbelievable beach. Worth a visit or a stay.
 
 Check it out at the following link:
 http://www.netssa.com/lasbrujas.html
 
 I am actually considering trying to convince my family to simply fly to Santa Clara and stay at this resort.
 
 
 I would recommend this area.
 
 Happy Travels