I Love Sol and the Island of Santa Maria. I have been there many times in the past years, and have witnessed many changes under the various Managers. It is apparent every time I return that the resort is aging, like all of us. There are things I would like to see improved, at the same time there have been many improvements. I don't need luxury. I am there to de-stress,

The reason I visit at least 2 times per year is partly because of the precious staff. I have become close to many. This was the first visit that I was troubled slightly by the biting gnats and mosquitos, but the resort treated the walkways twice a day with smoke to keep them down. I think their presence depends on the weather and season.

The food is always wonderful....straight forward, unprocessed, fresh from the fields and prepared with pride. I read so many reviews that condemn the resort for finding a cockroach in their room, or the biting gnats and mosquitoes, or other things that are simply part of this wild island's tropical biome. That the horticulturists and gardeners labour for long days under such hot and humid conditions, yet still afford a friendly Cuban hug/kiss inspires me deeply.

Local musicians are brought in almost nightly to entertain during dinner, and not amateurs, but most are professional and supremely trained with years of experience. You can't not sit there without being influenced by the salsa and traditional tunes. It just gets into you. And stays in you. I have collected many CDs for my collection....it's a great way to help support local talent.

I have seen some of the newer resorts on the island, and have considered staying elsewhere during my visits but the Sol employees just keep drawing me back. Their care and affection is precious. I enjoy visiting the neighboring towns and the city of Santa Clara and recommend visits to 'real' Cuba to gain a clearer understanding of their culture.

My rating has decreased since my last visit, due to the aging and staffing changes :-(. Will I return, of course. I look forward to seeing my good friends again soon....and the beach is wonderful.

The gym I was happy to see has been renovated, and I tried to use this on many occasions, but it was always closed, just like the disco in site. Perhaps it was the slow season and staff was vacationing. I was indeed very happy to see more and more Cuban families staying at the resort.

What I'd like to see improved: better internet connection so when you have to pull money from plastic you can, and 30 minutes of internet actually get you internet access for 30 minutes. An ironing board and iron in every room, often you get either one or none, seldom both and variety of food offered at the pool bar - not that the pressed sandwishes don't rock....especially at 11 p.m. when you have the munchies, endless supply of first water, then cervesa....as there were times that there was a shortage of both. New furniture at the lobby bar.

What I have seen improved: Old wooden railings have been replaced with new metal ones, fresh paint, beautiful well equipped gym, 220 in the rooms, new beach umbrellas….Sol has the best beach on the main island, and free electric buggy transportation to the Pueblo.

XOXO
See you all next time

Weather:
First week of May had perfect weather. VERY warm, low 30's all week, fairly humid, mostly clear skies, was only windy one day and a pleasant breeze the other days. By the time we started noticing mosquitoes they were "smoked". Must be a weekly thing.

Bars:
Bartenders had a variety of yummy drinks. Every bar has lime and Piña slushie which we loved. Beer was always plenty cold. Don't be shocked if they occasionally run out of diet coke or the lime for mojitos. Ron Collins and Havana Special were also great. They have Olmeca Tequila which made for good Margarita's. Staff is very friendly and fun and works hard, even if you don't have tips because your in a swimsuit. Keep in my there is basically no waiters for the bars, pool or beach, except for the piano bar.

Food:
Buffet was good considering my low expectations. Breakfast had tons of fresh cut fruit, omelet station. The steam tray stuff rarely looked good at any meal. There is always hot dogs and fries. Dinner had pasta station, pizza station, pork carvery, good fresh salad bar, chicken, steak, fish and shellfish made to order. It's open for lunch but I would suggest going to the pizza bar or burger bar on the beach. Pizza place had great staff, great pizza's. Pizza oven broke a few days after we got there and 4 days later still not fixed, so at least they still had pasta, but those are just things I expect to happen in Cuba anyways. Burger bar burgers were good, and great poutine. If you need a late night snack there is hot sandwiches at the pool bar and they were surprisingly good. You shouldn't go hungry here, we put on some weight that week. We also didn't get sick.

Beach/Pool:
Never had a problem finding chairs at either, but it's low season. Pool is huge and has quieter area and childrens area. Pool was clean and there was a nice amount of shade around the pools. The pool area really could use some upkeep, it looks tired like the rest of the hotel. Easy to find shady spots to relax at the beach. Sand was clean. Water is fantastic. It drops of pretty fast depending on the tide so not the safest for kids, especially when the wind kicked up and waves got aggressive. You can walk for miles on this beach, we loved it.

Nightlife:
Evening shows were pretty cheesy, even for Cuba. We did our best to sit through them with a few cocktails. Piano bar was pretty nice and it is air conditioned. After the evening show this place is VERY quiet. There would always be a handful of people hanging around the pool bar later at night, that's it.

Rooms were what you see in peoples pictures. Really basic. Deck was nice. Cleanliness not so great. Our bed spread of throw pillows were disgusting. Smelled like it's been in my hockey bag for a year. It went in the corner and stayed there for the duration of our stay. Sheets and towels were clean at least.

Yes this resort is starting to get tired but the staff keep it worthwhile. We would likely return at some point.

I really enjoyed our trip to Sol Cayo Sant Maria, it is a beautiful spot, wonderful people, so kind and helpful. I am handicapped and the whole resort was accessible to me on my scooter. The food was OK, there was lots of it and very well presented, you certainly would never go hungry. The resort was looking a little tired but very clean and they are working in different areas to spruce it up. The pools are imaculate. I would recommend it to anyone and love to go back again.

My BFF and I traveled to Sol Cayo in May of 2011. This resort is huge and very spread out. We were lucky because our room was smack in the middle of the pool and the beach. The pizzeria is the BEST but it's only open during lunch hour....I think from 12-2 or something like that. The pool bar as open 24 hours and the grilled chicken sandwiches are to die for....bring your own McChicken sauce from McDonalds :) The food was good.....my BFF and I have never had any stomach problems and this was our 4th trip to Cuba. The pool guy is awesome but not so good with speaking English but he is learning....bring him some dollar store items for his kids. We always bring extra items for the gardeners as I love fresh coconut and they appreciate the gifts or a simple peso like you would not believe. They work like dogs around the resorts. The gardener that was doing our area left me a fresh coconut every day I was there and all we gave him were a couple of suckers for his kids and fishing hooks. So in your travels....never forget the people who make the resort look the way it does....no garbage, cigarette butts, cups...nothing because of them :) I would recommend this resort.