Cayo Santa Maria

This is our favourite destination, we have been coming to this paradise for the last 8 years, we've had try other resorts to compare, but this is the most beautiful we've ever seen. The combination of the beach, which is unique, and the wonderful people who are always taking such a good care of us it's something we can't find anywhere else.

We enjoyed this resort very much. Everything was great, from amazing beach to modern clean rooms. Food was okay, I assure you, you won't go hungry. Just like anywhere in Cuba , people and staff are amazing. We definitely will be going back soon.

Arrival was smooth, although the check in process was slowed by the patrons who were seemingly unprepared after a 90 minute bus ride... So we went for lunch at the buffet. While we heard of food issues at other places, Ensenachos has always been reliable for fruits, fish, and bread at a minimum. We didn't go hungry. Our room was a ground floor suite on the spa side, which is no longer adults only. The room was pretty standard, and clean considering the environment. The ac worked fine, but for some reason the ceiling fan did not, and there was no remote to be found. I was told that they are being treated as decorative until they can repair or replace them as needed. The room showed its age, but there were no showstoppers. A little patience goes a long way. The grounds looked amazing, full and green. There were workers making improvements and cleaning constantly during daylight hours. The beaches, which are the reason we keep going back - Ensenachos was amazing, nothing to say except they need more lounges, and the snack bar needs to come back! Megano was nice as well, although the last couple hurricanes have taken their toll... Snorkeling and swimming were great at both. Lots of fish and sunshine! As usual, the staff carried the whole experience for us. Everyone was amazing, from concierge staff to cleaners to serving staff and entertainers. The new currency... Some websites suggest using it for tips. Unfortunately, I changed too much $CAD to pesos before finding out that it is not super useful for the staff. They are much better able to save and deposit foreign currency to their banks, and then use debit cards for their personal shopping. You cannot change pesos back to foreign currency! It's not allowed! Lesson learned! Like all of Cuba, the Iberostar Ensencahos is trying to recover after Covid... The grounds didn't suffer too badly, but the infrastructure has aged without constant attention. The team had engineers on the property while we were there, taking notes and starting small projects. I am certain the resort will be like new as soon as they can manage it. We look forward to getting back once more in the future...

We had a fantastic time. Thank you to all the hard workers who made our time so memorable. There are too many to mention. See you in September!

As a travelled person, normally you get what you pay for but here, you get way less... If your only goal is to be drunk on rum, wine or beer all day and sun tan then any all-inclusive will do. However if you need at the very least the minimum standards of ANY hotel, this place is plainly laughable, horrible, poorly managed, under staffed etc. The food...DISGUSTING. Looked like prison food and no variety. Not even a plate with slices of cheese. Fruits (pineapple and watermelon) not ripped. Pastas were tasteless. Always lines to get chocolate ice cream because that stuff was rare and hyenas jumped in when it came out. The kicker? You have children? NOT ONE GLASS OF JUICE anywhere in the buffet restaurant. It simply doesn't exist... Chicken, ok the seasoning was good but I kid you not 80% of the serving scoop was full with scraps, miniature bones to break your teeth and stab your gums, or cartilage. No kidding i lost 4 pounds in 7 days there. Thank god for the 24/7 snack bar. Unattended of course so you wait 45 minutes to get the snack of the day, grilled cheese (a bun with a thin slice of white cheese, no butter no taste) or the amazing chicken sandwich lol (same bun, bits of dry chicken WITH bones inside and that's all folks). A friggin' joke. No elevators, keycards had to be replaced 9 times in 7 days... Toilet seat cover not attached. Slimy showers worse than a gym. The maids have no mops!!! they are given rags and use a stick to drag it on the floor! Had a good talk with our maid and SHE was discouraged. Everyone complained and nothing she can do of course. Felt bad for her and tipped her well. Only I with both hands could open the rusted ungreased patio door. 2023, WIFI should be everywhere. No excuses. The strongest signal was at the lobby and the fastest I was able to get was 6M/sec. Basically if there was an issue with your room like a missing cot for a child well NO ONE was helping. I never saw the cot, asked three times. Finally the beach: you need to take a Kart/shuttle to go there and guess what... it's a swamp. Did you picture yourself jumping on waves? There's none! and it stinks of algae. Never going to that country or Grand Aston hotels again. Not even for free. Keep it!

I travelled here with my family and had a really great time. The staff offers great service and are always willing to assist you - Pedro from customer relations is the person to go to for amazing service and for answers to all your questions The beach is very clean and is crystal clear. The grounds as well as our room were also cleaned on a daily basis. I will definitely be returning with more family and friends in the future.

The hotel was OK. Had some bad things about it but also had a lot of good things. The people were great. The way I feel about it is you make the holiday.

As a smaller adults only resort, the atmosphere was definitely one of relaxation. There are 3 beautiful beaches to choose from, 2 restaurants for dinner, a la cart breakfast/lunch and pizza oven. Staff was amazing.

The staff was very friendly, positive, entertaining, and welcoming. Our view from the room was beautiful, looking over the ocean. The beaches left me speechless, they are crystal clear. The food and drinks were delicious. Everything was fresh and clean. Awesome place for relaxing while also having fun. Lots of entertainment with lovely people. I am definitely coming back to this place! Highly recommend to everyone.

During this time of recession and in recovery from travel restrictions the hotel had some shortages. Some days no cheese, or no white wine or even milk because of the cost of transport across the causeway. The staff still did their best and were always cheerful. The beach is one of the best in the Caribbean. The price is good and I was a return visitor. I suggest bringing your own condiments... small packs of Ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, jam, peanut butter, sriracha etc.Bedding will be changed only by request. The resort was less than 1/2 full, so no scramble for chairs or poolside locations. Some excursions and A la Cartes were cancelled due to low reservations. Pack your patience and leave demands at home.It is an adult only resort, so no whining Good value.