古巴

We went to Cuba many times, except the second visit stayed in Veradero, all stayed at Iberostar Ensenachos, Cayo Santa Maria.  This resort is unique that it occupies the whole island of Ensenachos (now you see where the name came from).  It has two beaches: Megano and Ensenachos, white sand, 1.5km and 2km long, and private.  Located at the Northeast end of Megano beach there is a shipwreck within walking reach at low tide.  The view is simply beautiful and stunning.

Service and food are at higher level of average, according to feedbacks from our friends who stayed at Veradero, Cayo Coco and other resort chains on Cayo Santa Maria.

In recent years it was hit by 2018 Hurricane Michael.  In early 2019 during our stay we could still clearly see the damage with months' restoration effort.  

On top of many years US sanction, COVID hit this resort really, really hard.  Late 2021 when we went back there, half of the bungalows near the park and beach side were closed due to extremely low occupancy, food were served with one third of the varieties comparing to pre-Covid years as far as we can remember.  Still very clean and carefully prepared though.  Staff were new, young and under trained, some kitchen staff do not speak English, which is a bit rare given the high-end ranking of this resort by Cuban standard.

But still, we were so happy to see many familiar faces among staff, we have met them so many years.  We became good friends, showing off family pictures, discussing coffee flavours, demo tricks of saving the phone after accidentally dropped into the water.  We know them, they remember us.

Our daily routine includes bare feet morning walk along the beach, pedal boat, snorkeling to observe sea creatures like fish, star fish, lobster and stingray if lucky, walking to the ship wreck on low tide to see fish, drinking directly from coconut then eat the meat afterward.  Absolutely delicious.

And, it is safe in Cuba.