Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa

“Perfect!”

Everything about this place was perfect! The rooms, food, beach, people and grounds were beautiful. Absolutely no complaints. We especially enjoyed lobster dinners and massages. We would definitely go back!

“Paradisus Rio De Oro: Holguins hidden Gem”

Resort Review It’s long but worth it, please add if you like Having been to the Island over 25 times now, we definitely have the Cuba bug We come for the sunshine, the warm waters, something edible lol, cold drinks but most of all, the people. As a Canadian for what we pay to go to Cuba, we cou… more

Resort Review It’s long but worth it, please add if you like Having been to the Island over 25 times now, we definitely have the Cuba bug We come for the sunshine, the warm waters, something edible lol, cold drinks but most of all, the people. As a Canadian for what we pay to go to Cuba, we could easily spend going away for a weekend locally We frequent two resorts, mainly, the Blau in Varadero and the grand MUTHU Almirante in Holguin and honestly, it took us forever to find a couple of good resorts that we were comfortable with, and we absolutely did not want to switch But Boy am, I glad we did. Enter into the picture Paridisus Rio De Oro We arrived late on a Wednesday night and from the moment we entered that fabulous looking lobby, I knew this place was different. Claudia at the front desk was simply amazing, she whisked us through in 20 minutes or less, and we didn’t even have time to stop at the main bar for a drink, before we were carted away to an upgraded room in one of the Haciendas. Not having time to take the scenery in nor having any daylight, we proceeded right over to the 24 hour snack bar and we walked by the main pool area at night and it was simply stunning. The shape and the sounds were giving a very Spanish vibe, it’s weird to explain, but this resort aesthetically doesn’t remind me of a regular Cuban resort. After a few drinks at the 24 hour snack bar with excellent service provided by Jorge, we went back to our room, which was spacious, clean and the outdoor shower was simply amazing We become creatures of habit at a resort and our habit here was 24 hour snack bar for breakfast, in a little corner nook and the service there was simply amazing. I wish I could remember the ladies name who served us. She was an older lady and I always tried to take the dishes back to her or come get them cause I didn’t want her walking the entire way but when I did miss her, she did so with a smile. The food they made was simply awesome and I’ll skip ahead to what we would usually have for lunch and it was a burger and it was one of the best burgers that I’ve eaten while I’ve been on vacation, the cooks did a great job. Now the weather wasn’t very good the first couple of days and I will always say, if a resort still gives you satisfaction when the weather isnt good, you’ve picked the right one. I remember sitting inside the pool bar while it was absolutely pouring and it was 10 to 12° but everybody was still laughing smiling and talking and we knew better Weather was on the way and the situation would only improve. The buffet was great when we made our way there, we always take the grilled meat options, but the pasta was simply amazing and I did take a few more risky objects than I usually would but I experienced-no side effects whatsoever, as everything was chilled properly, prepared properly and cooked properly. It was simply the best food we've ever eaten in Cuba After our breakfast, we would usually head up to the main lobby, where the girls were in charge and Man did they make some great Spanish coffee, lattes or regular coffees and they always had a smile on their faces. The Al la cartes were good and it’s a good break from the buffet or our 24 hours snack bar pattern and they were accommodating, friendly and we have no complaints. The vibe at night near the main bar was great, a couple of hours of awesome entertainment, drinks ranging anywheres from beer to margaritas, as there are no shortages at this resort in either alcohol or food. We do tip quite generously and I guess it’s our little way of putting a Dollar directly in the hand of the Cuban people without any administration fee, we realize the situation on the islands not perfect, but we all do our part and we have to remember, we are enjoying a vacation as well. The delivery guys for water and beer to our room were simply awesome and all we did was throw them $5 or $10 every couple of days and there was no want for refreshments in our room Overall, the atmosphere at this resort or the vibe was chill, but there were so many friendly people that we were able to talk to from so many different parts of Canada. Most of the staff spoke good English, and although it was a sad situation, knowing that the resort was going to be closed soon, they didn’t let it show one bit and put on a brave face and continue to offer top notch service. The beach is awesome , palm trees, no shortage of loungers , very clean and one of the best restaurants is located right on the beach, which definitely doesn’t get enough attention, but the staff there are absolutely amazing and the food follows suit. Sitting on that top deck having lunch, watching the waves come in is one of our all-time favourite memories. Now we did venture over to the Royal side and it was very quiet, serene, almost too quiet but to break up the hustle and bustle of the day or if you need some stress relief it’s definitely the place to be and we were able to look inside the rooms over there and those things are simply amazing. I wish I could remember all of the staff and their names, but the two at the pool bar, the staff at both the snack bar and the snack bar drink side, the ladies who run the main bar during the day, the customer service desk and the front desk, Basically they’re all amazing And we can’t forget the groundskeepers, who keep the place looking immaculate-everything is perfect and we would honestly give this resort five stars, a true five star not a Cuban five star but a true five star and we can’t wait to come back Shout out to all those who made our time memorable and we wish all our new Cuban friends. The best of luck. Pro tips Well, that starts at basically the Royal side and skirts the shoreline right up until the main beach, excellent for views and walking. On this walking trail, there are a little jetties or huts, which for those looking for pictures of the water, the beach or sunsets or just Caribbean type pictures, these are your spots. The activity people run a great show and they’re not pushy at all. They let you enjoy your day and provide excellent entertainment. If you’re looking for a spot to propose your better half, right at the top of the steps, there’s an excellent sunset opportunity. 😉 Food ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Staff ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cleanliness ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Value ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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“Beautiful stay”

We stayed in the Royal service section in an ocean view junior Suite. The room was wonderful. The view spectacular. The service and food was fantastic. We will definitely return one day. The whole resort grounds are beautifully maintained.

“Love this resort, 6th stay and ready to return!”

We returned last night, Feb 14th on the 16th day of what was supposed to be a 3 wk stay. While incredibly disappointed for our vacation to be cut short, our sadness lies with our Cuban friends. Contrary to some comments below that people giving this hotel *have only ever gone to Cuba*, I can assu… more

We returned last night, Feb 14th on the 16th day of what was supposed to be a 3 wk stay. While incredibly disappointed for our vacation to be cut short, our sadness lies with our Cuban friends. Contrary to some comments below that people giving this hotel *have only ever gone to Cuba*, I can assure you this is categorically false. Quite likely we are more well travelled than that poster, which is not a bragging point, just a rebuttal to a silly comment. Now to the resort~~ Lush, green, overflowing with tropical vegetation and meandering paths. The layout is done in an organic fashion, each building angled to catch views of the greenery or peeks of the ocean. It’s like a hotel in a giant garden. Nothing is very far and it’s easy to get from point A to point B. The beaches are beautiful cove beaches, three smaller ones in the RS area and the larger Playa Esmeralda on the main side, there are some rocky areas entering the water close to the restaurant area on the main beach, but if you walk a few feet towards Sol Rio, the neighbor resort, the entry to water is sandy. The bonus at this beach is very good snorkelling and some decent small reefs. Remember look do not touch! What you think is a rock is coral, if you touch it, it dies. Pools~~ I love the organic shape of the huge pool on the main side, lots of shade if you need it, and small infinity pool area, and different levels with a swim up bar, I personally think it’s a very pretty pool The three infinity pools on the Royal service side are breathtaking, the view is spectacular, honestly so, so, beautiful it almost has me converted to a pool person! This is not a party resort, some music in the mid day at the main pool but nothing obnoxious, if it is, a quick word with entertainment and I’m sure they will turn it down. We do stay on the RS side and it’s exactly as we like it, beautifully quiet and serene, like a boutique hotel, no music, just the birds and the waves, calm and peaceful. This visit thankfully no one played personal music( which is not allowed anyway ). One of the biggest draws for us is the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Bliss. The rooms on both sides are huge and well laid out, sure, is there some maintenance that needs to be done? Yes, but absolutely nothing that affects your stay, impeccably cleaned daily by thorough and attentive housekeeping staff. Food~~ We find the food delicious, eggs daily, bacon daily, fruit was papaya, watermelon, and guayabo ( sp ), delicious! We ate fresh salad daily with a balsamic dressing. We honestly have zero complaints for food, the only complainers are my new dresses I couldn’t fit in by the end of the trip.( true story ) We found the drinks plentiful, and for what we drink maybe too plentiful lol. Rose, sparkling wine, gin tonic( tonic ran out a few days then back ), and delicious margaritas. We never stay awake long enough for entertainment but I hear it’s wonderful! Now to the best part~~ The staff. The staff are probably the reason we return again and again. Each time wanting to stay a little longer. Professional. Welcoming. Kind. Helpful. Courteous. Friendly. Genuine. I cannot sing their praises enough! The list is so so sobs long, Nirma and all the sweet girls( and guys ) in Los Helechos, we love you. Lina, Edgar, Duni, Rolando, Wilmer, Roly, in reception and butler services, the drivers, the gardeners Manuel and Luis, at the bars Julio, Disney, sweet Juan( Jon ), everyone! I know I’m not naming everyone so please, please forgive, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I cannot put gracefully into words how much these people mean to us, how genuine and welcoming they are. The wonderful professionalism. Melia, please take note, your staff here is exemplary. Little notes; please do not tip coin. Please visit little Rancho Naranjo across the lagoon bridge, Lobo charges a treat tax. Birding and local botanical tours with Karlos Ross are not only informative but educational and beautiful. Be kind, be open, be generous, be respectful, be compassionate, be considerate, be courteous. My heart is in Cuba in this moment. We will be back soon, and to Paradisus Rio de Oro We love you. Thank you Faith and Francois ( dos omelettes con todo, y bacon, y tostadas ) Inside joke** xxxxxxxxx

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