6 Varadero All-Inclusive Resorts for Star Treatment in Cuba

Midway up the narrow peninsula, Iberostar Taínos is the place to go for the “best Asian cuisine in Varadero.” Hang out in tropical wall-less dining spaces for a piña colada with a side of sea breeze, or head straight to your airy, cheerily yellow room in this village-style property. Whether you choose a double or a roomy king, drop your bags at the door and switch to your flip flops! If you’re in one of the 17 two-floor bungalows, you’ll be right next to the pool – easy for a pre-breakfast dip in the morning.

If you’re vacationing with children, check out the shaded children’s playground and the Star Camp program. Supervised games, arts and crafts, and entertainment keep kids busy from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Or if you like to keep your little ones close, head to the round paddling pool at the heart of the property, next to the cool, curvy main pool surrounded by palms. And just a short walk through the trees, you’ll find that idyllic white sand on the 22-kilometre Varadero Beach and natural, thatched sun umbrellas for long afternoons with a book and a bev.

From morning until night, the on-site Japanese restaurant serves up soups, seafood and sushi. Stop in with or without your brood for velvety sashimi or juicy salmon roe. La Isabelica Restaurant will be your destination for both local fare and international cuisine – and night owls can dine on until four in the morning!

You’re in for a sensory treat when you enter the lobby of the all inclusive resort, Meliá Varadero. Gaze up at its five-storey-high roof designed in pyramid style in the shape of a six-petalled flower, then take a twirl around illuminated fountains and hanging gardens.

You’ll have seven types of rooms to choose from, all with balconies or terraces overlooking the famously turquoise shallows of Playa Azul. For added luxury, upgrade to The Level Grand Suite, where you’ll get your very own roof terrace for evening cocktails as the sun sets. When the stars come out, ring for a bottle of champagne from your concierge and slip into the bubbling waters of your own Jacuzzi on a shaded deck over the turquoise sea, or just run a luxurious bath in your spa tub next to a sea-facing picture window. And there are perks beyond your room, too: think VIP bar, a personal beach concierge and whopping discounts on massages.

Whatever room you go for, the hotel’s 50-metre-long freshwater pool with hydromassage jets, waterfalls and a splash pad will keep you cool throughout the sunny Caribbean days. The hotel’s own strip of white sand beach – complete with shady palm trees, thatched umbrellas and daybeds – is a great place to reconnect with nature or just chill out with a book. If you’re feeling social, join a game of beach volleyball or borrow a pedal boat with a friend.

Inspired by the Spanish island of the same name, Fuerteventura Restaurant offers a refined dining experience where you can savour Cuban and international cuisine in a comfortable, air-conditioned atmosphere. Naturally, you’ll want a mojito to go with – a good Cuban mojito has finely ground mint!

Maybe it’s the wrap-around pool with swim-up bar that draws sun worshippers to Sol Palmeras. Or maybe it’s the bubbling hot tub set in a rich red-wood deck and surrounded by rustling palms. Or it could be the expansive beach, where perfect white sand runs down to a calm turquoise sea. Whatever your reason for choosing this all inclusive resort, you’ll be kicking off your shoes immediately after check-in and running down to the water.

Let the light stream in through sliding glass doors out to your private terrace or garden patio. And if you really can’t get enough of those life-giving rays? Choice rooms even come with an outdoor shower for sunbathing while you … well … bathe. If you’re a golfer, consider a one- or two-storey bungalow in the resort’s Village for easy access to the Varadero Golf Club, an 18-hole course that sits against the backdrop of the bluest seascape.

Make your own splash circuit around the resort’s three pools, or try your flippers at scuba diving classes, the water gym or water polo. Bring any kids with you to the family zone, where poolside activities, beach games and an electronic games room will work up their little appetites. Once you’re all ready to eat, you’ll find 16 restaurants, bars and cafés to choose from, including Tex-Mex for fusion bites served in an open-air venue in the garden. If you want a change of scene after wolfing down chips and guac, the resort’s conveniently situated near the Plaza América Convention Centre – the spot for cheap Cuban goodies like the famous cigars.

If yachting, lounging poolside and shopping are what float your boat, consider the 423-room Meliá Marina Varadero for your next all inclusive Cuba vacation. This modern 5-star hotel is situated in the Marina Gaviota Varadero close to the tip of the oft-photographed peninsula. You can moor your boat, small or large, at this full-service marina, or simply stroll the docks and gawk at the gleaming yachts.

Mind you, there’s no yacht required to get out on the water back at the resort. Splash around the three freshwater pools –one just for kids – or head to the beach (just a short walk away) to wriggle your toes in the powdery white sand. When you’re looking to get out of the sun and enjoy some retail therapy, visit the seafront shops to bring a bit of Cuba home with you.

For an unforgettable meal, follow the resort’s raised walkway to beachfront El Pescador restaurant, where the open-air seating and salty sea breezes will whet your appetite for grilled seafood straight from the ocean. Then at day’s end, retreat to your private balcony overlooking the glimmering lights of the marina or pool. Just like at sister-resort Meliá Veradero, you can upgrade your room to The Level for extra bougie services like personalized check in, priority dinner reservations and a concierge.

At H10 Ocean Varadero – El Patriarca, you get spa and wellness treatments on tap. Laid out in village style, the resort offers 420 rooms with balconies and terraces overlooking the lush property. Stroll the garden paths between the charming buildings and find hammocks hanging from palm trees. And don’t forget to visit El Patriarca himself – the ancient cactus after which the resort takes its name. At over 500 years old, even a cactus inspires awe and commands respect!

To get into those relaxed Cuban vibes, stop in at the on-site Despacio Spa Centre (no, it’s not quite Despacito), for unique facilities like a salt sauna and ice fountain to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Feel your stresses melt away with a custom massage, or opt for a facial and hairdressing service to help you look your radiant, sun-kissed best in time for the resort’s cocktail hour (surprise, it’s every hour!). Alternatively, plunge into one of the three swimming pools, floating under bridges and over to the swim-up bar to get social with other guests.

When the sun sets, wander into any of the resort’s 12 restaurants and bars, some with enviable beachfront views. Our choice would be elegant Brasilete, where gourmet international meals surprise with Caribbean flair. After dinner, return to your sweetly furnished room for a nightcap from the minibar while the moon rises over your private patio.

The thoughtful children’s turndown service, which includes a nightly glass of milk and two cookies per child, is just one of the reasons for parents to consider a family trip to Paradisus Varadero Resort and Spa. Book into the Family Concierge area and you’ll find the details of your full-family trip taken care of: smiling staff will unpack your bags for you, hand you a cool drink (and always-needed wet wipes) on arrival, and even prepare baths for the kids! To really land yourself in the “cool parent” books, choose a Junior Suite Garden Swim-up room, so your crew can leap straight from your own covered terrace sofas into the pool.

As for travellers without tykes, there’s something for you too. Select the Royal Service package and you’ll be whisked away to an adults-only part of the resort for beach days without babies. From your sea-view suite or garden villa’s sophisticated terrace, bask in views of lush greenery or the adults-only swimming pool. Once you’ve settled into your opulent space – think jetted bathtubs, rich brown and white fabrics and a stocked in-room bar – head down for bite in kid-free gourmet restaurants or a crafted cocktail at the exclusive premium bar.

Kids or no kids, you’ll want to try the Bohío beach-side restaurant, which is open to all guests and just 10 metres from the ocean. Tuck into decadent grilled seafood specialities served in a shaded, open-air setting with ceiling fans to keep you cool while you keep an eye out for playful dolphins in the surf. After your meal, stroll out onto the white sand and watch the sun sink into a flawless horizon.