Playa Esmeralda
Playa Esmeralda
4.6
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
473 reviews
Excellent
328
Very good
109
Average
29
Poor
4
Terrible
3
Alexandra A
Port Sydney, Canada65 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Absolutely amazing weather, water temperature, incredible views. The resort we stayed at was very serene with no party vibe at all.
We did some incredible excursions - we actually significantly preferred all the local excursions to our trek to Holguín.
A fantastic place to stay if you’re looking for a budget friendly trip without the party scene of Veradaro.
We did some incredible excursions - we actually significantly preferred all the local excursions to our trek to Holguín.
A fantastic place to stay if you’re looking for a budget friendly trip without the party scene of Veradaro.
Written May 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lupo
Canada13 contributions
Mar 2025 • Family
Amazing white sand, fabulous, warm, crystal blue water. Catamarans trips available everyday. Ask for Victor! His service is imoacable. We stopped to feed the little tiger fish. Kid was so happy.
Written March 9, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay D
Toronto, Canada88 contributions
Jan 2013 • Solo
The combination of brilliant white sand, limited development (only 2 hotels) and the setting make this one of nicest beaches in Cuba. There is no crowding here and you don't really notice the number of people on the beach. It's a relaxing and peaceful place to unwind.
Written January 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy L
14 contributions
May 2019
I was looking for a place to snorkel right off the beach. Stayed at Paradisus Rio de Oro and awesome snorkeling in different areas off that beach. As of 2019, you get to see lots of fishes (over 50 kinds) that I saw and if you can swim a bit, you will see beautiful corals (always swim in pairs for safety) as you do have to swim out quite a ways at times. Having a life jacket will make that safer and easier. Best snorkeling is done before noon usually as the water seems to be less wavy.
Written May 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
foxinsox
Bournemouth, UK159 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
Ghastly hotel- fantastic views over the bay. Had to be moved from Mares due to strong sewage smell in room and outside in garden. Shower broken and not working. Broken coffee machine. Room dated and looked like a poor bedsit from the 60's. Staff moved up promptly next day to Luna side with fantastic view of sea / lagoon and mountains at the back. Lengthy walk to eat at Mares each day - disabled support very poor with no lifts - we were on top floor.
What is apparent is the poor lack of organisation at both sites. Massive queues at Mares - could have two sittings to ease problem. A La Carte meals mostly poor service and queues except for the French restaurant. Spanish lessons a farce- rely on staff helping out in between their own busy work schedule. Often late - spoke poor English.
This hotel would be rated 2-3 star in UK. We both were ill for 6 days with gastric bug and I'm not surprised given poor levels of hygiene. The beach Cuban bar had one female toilet for the entire hotel - broken and festering for 6 days in 30degree heat.
Male staff at reception Luna side rude and abrupt. Never helpful. Food at Luna limited and always out of items. Where in a supposed 4 star hotel All Inclusive would you be able to have Gin with no tonic? Doesn't exist there! But this is a small moan. Overall staff in restaurants and cleaners were very polite but reception staff at both sides were abrupt/ rude and unhelpful. One would have to question that some male staff in particular came across as contemptuous of foreigners. Probably think we are self indulgent tourists. None more so than when going on trips. Very knowledgeable about Cuban history and the Revolution but non existent personable skills and Lack of basic trip practical advice. A resounding theme from other disgruntled tourists. Trips cost a lot for poor service re: arriving late to venues/ missing promised itinerary visits due to being late. Holiday Place rep does you no favours- we were reliant on the the Thomas Cook rep who was more hands on. Our Rep saw us once and made two cursory phone calls. Not impressed. We were ill for days with no support other than hotel made the effort for one room service meal which they don't normally do.
We won't be returning to Cuba and certainly not to the Sol,Luna Y Mares. We should have booked next door at Rio Paradisos - which I visited and was most impressed with. Our hotel needs a complete revamp and better organisational management. Shame as it boasts such beautiful views.
Finally:sent 20 postcards at hotel stall selling cards and books and stamps. Staff told us they post them but to date not one has arrived in UK.
What is apparent is the poor lack of organisation at both sites. Massive queues at Mares - could have two sittings to ease problem. A La Carte meals mostly poor service and queues except for the French restaurant. Spanish lessons a farce- rely on staff helping out in between their own busy work schedule. Often late - spoke poor English.
This hotel would be rated 2-3 star in UK. We both were ill for 6 days with gastric bug and I'm not surprised given poor levels of hygiene. The beach Cuban bar had one female toilet for the entire hotel - broken and festering for 6 days in 30degree heat.
Male staff at reception Luna side rude and abrupt. Never helpful. Food at Luna limited and always out of items. Where in a supposed 4 star hotel All Inclusive would you be able to have Gin with no tonic? Doesn't exist there! But this is a small moan. Overall staff in restaurants and cleaners were very polite but reception staff at both sides were abrupt/ rude and unhelpful. One would have to question that some male staff in particular came across as contemptuous of foreigners. Probably think we are self indulgent tourists. None more so than when going on trips. Very knowledgeable about Cuban history and the Revolution but non existent personable skills and Lack of basic trip practical advice. A resounding theme from other disgruntled tourists. Trips cost a lot for poor service re: arriving late to venues/ missing promised itinerary visits due to being late. Holiday Place rep does you no favours- we were reliant on the the Thomas Cook rep who was more hands on. Our Rep saw us once and made two cursory phone calls. Not impressed. We were ill for days with no support other than hotel made the effort for one room service meal which they don't normally do.
We won't be returning to Cuba and certainly not to the Sol,Luna Y Mares. We should have booked next door at Rio Paradisos - which I visited and was most impressed with. Our hotel needs a complete revamp and better organisational management. Shame as it boasts such beautiful views.
Finally:sent 20 postcards at hotel stall selling cards and books and stamps. Staff told us they post them but to date not one has arrived in UK.
Written April 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
graham e
Birkenhead, UK599 contributions
Nov 2019
Whether you want a mornings birdwatching around the local hotels or a overnight stay at Cuba's largest waterfall, Saito del Guayabo,Karlos is your man. His knowledge about the Cuban birdlife is superb and will endeavour to show you many endemic species. We used him on numerous occasions and we were never disappointed. He has a passion for wildlife photography too. Add going birdwatching in a classic car it's another tick to the list. Private message me for contact details or check out his facebook page Karlos Ross.
Written November 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navigator391623
2 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
We hired one of the local horse and buggy drivers and had a delightful afternoon! He spoke excellent English as he took us through his nearby village. He went by schools, local businesses, humble homes. Open to answering all of our questions about education, health care etc. When we returned later on the year, two of us hired the same driver to take us on horseback. Again - great tour! Won’t get this in large, organized tours. Look him up on Facebook for contact info. “Tours With Tino”
Written March 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexbz16
London28 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
Beautiful hotel! Extremely clean and the staff there where so friendly and helpful! The beach was simply beautiful and the food was amazing I don't have a bad thing to say about this resort
If you go I would definatley advise to book an excursion to cayo Saetia it's simply beautiful!!
If you go I would definatley advise to book an excursion to cayo Saetia it's simply beautiful!!
Written March 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GratefulOntario
Ontario12 contributions
Nov 2011 • Friends
The food was great in the past, just a little concerned about the future of this restaurant with the change that may come in the future? Where will we find this great place if they build more hotels along this part of the beach??? It's so quaint and away from the hotels. Thats what makes it special!
Written November 22, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dayendayout
Hamilton, Canada21 contributions
Sept 2011
This beach is great for snorkelling and scuba diving. Big reef with lots of fish. Don't forget to bring some bread or a banana to feed the fish.
Written September 25, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola q tal.. como es comparada con Cayo Largo.. cual es mas linda?
Written December 20, 2022
Como llegar a Playa esmeralda desde Holguín? Para pasar el día. Y como hacer a la vuelta, para vovler a Holguin?
Written August 1, 2019
Para ir, te recomiendo que preguntes en Holguín por el punto de salida de "las máquinas", son autos compartidos que usan quienes van a trabajar a los hoteles de la zona y salen super económico. Sino, ahí mismo pelear el precio a un taxi particular. Para volver es más complicado, porque los taxis que están en los hoteles cobran mucho por llevarte a Holguín. Nosotras salimos caminando y llegamos haciendo dedo a un taxi comunitario (un mini bus amarillo). Preguntar siempre a quienes veas con ropa de trabajo, ellos saben los trucos y te ayudan siempre.
Written August 2, 2019
que me recomiendan para ir desde La Habana a la zona de Olguin?
muchas gracias!
Written April 23, 2019
We are travelling with small kids and I was wondering how this beach compares to Playa Pesquero. Do you need water shoes to enter? Is the bottom sandy or rocky? How about the surf? Is the water calm enough for kids to enjoy it or is it too windy? Anything helps
Written January 20, 2019
Hi, I can't compare to Playa Pesquero, however Playa Esmeralda at Sol Luna Mares resort is one of the best beaches in Cuba. The beach is huge, lots of shade lots of available lounge beds. The sand is super fine and very clean, the beach and the resort. On one end you have flat rocks that are not sleepery and our kids didn't mind them, on that side you have snorkeling right off the beach. The rest of the beach is all sand, absolute perfection! Also have mini club right on the beach with big covered front patio and it is very comfortable on a sunny day. The water is generally calmer in the morning but there is always some breeze. The wind gets stronger after 5pm and so there are more waves which can be lots of fun too! If you are traveling with small kids I would highly recommend this resort since is a bit smaller and everything is close and not a long walk...beach, pools, restaurants. Because it is very lush and green with gorgeous gardens you are often in shade when walking around. Hope this helps.
Written June 21, 2019
Hello please could you tell me if this is a private beach? We will be staying at Playa Pesqero but would like to pay a visit.
Many thanks,
Tracy
Written January 17, 2019
What I am not sure of, is how you access this beach from another resort.
Written January 17, 2019
Hi Journey65, the hotel is approx 1 hour from the airport by coach. It can be a little quicker if you use a taxi transfer. Hope this helps
Written November 21, 2018
Marie-Claude G
Laval, Canada
amener mes palmes et masque ou locations et combien $
Written February 8, 2018
Hola me gustaria que escursiones me recomiendsn hacer y si es recomendable alquilar motos para recorrer
Written January 30, 2018
Hola:
Pueden visitar la ciudad de Holguín, unicada a unos pocos kilómetros y el alquiler de motos acuáticas es recomendable así como velas.
Saludos,
Viajerahlg
Written January 30, 2018
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