Prior to our trip, we were slightly fearful following horror stories about both Cubana Airways and some negative reports about Breezes. Both worries were unfounded.

Yes, we had delays to and from Havana, but Cubana itself was just fine, plenty of legroom, seat-back TVs and the feeling that you were in a good, solid plane!

The worst part of our trip was at Havana airport - we were first to collect our luggage, but had wait an age for the rep to organise our transfers. We still don't know what he was doing in all that time!

Breezes, though, was just stunning and perfect for us. The food was plentiful, healthy and so good we've both put weight on; the grounds beautifully maintained, with spectacular sea views; and our room was big and airy with plenty of hanging space.

Our only gripe was with the younger generation of Canadians, who sounded like zoo animals by the pool every day. Mixed with non-stop Latin music every day, we didn't know who to tip - them or the waiters!

We took the afternoon walk and saw tarantulas on a real Cuban farm - I've never run so fast in my life! And the nightly cabaret may not be West End standard, but the singers and dancers put heart and soul into it and we loved it.

PLEASE leave tips - we did so daily and the staff were very pleased. The plight of Cubans is a sad and humbling lesson to be learned and all we can do to help is much appreciated by them.

I do not hesitate to recommend Breezes, Cuba and - yes - even Cubana Airways!

We have just returned from a 10 night holiday at Breezes Jibacoa. We had done an enormous amount of homework on the hotel as we wanted to take friends who had never travelled long haul or been to an all-inclusive resort. My wife and I had been fortunate enough to experience the Carribean on two previous holidays so we kind of knew what to expect. However, Breezes was a new resort to us as was Cuba so there was an element of the unknown in our adventure!!

Firstly we arrived on the back of Tropical storm Beta which lashed us with rain for the first 36 hours, not a great start but the weather you have no control over.
The initial welcome after a 2 1/2 hour transfer (the brochure said one hour!!), 3 hours getting through customs and baggage reclaim..just a nightmare..was one of dismay. The bell boy just looked at us, didnt smile, and then walked away...great start. We chose to find our own rooms, BIG mistake; we got lost, and got sent the wrong way by a security guard who spoke very little English (but thats not his fault). Our friends room had large damp stains on the ceiling from the A/C. We had only just arrived and they were already getting short tempered and it couldnt have got much worse after a 9/12 hour flight plus two hour delay at Gatwick etc.etc. So we dragged them to the lobby bar for a stiff drink (or ten). It was getting late and we were hungry. The food laid out for the late snacks just about sufficed; hot dogs, pizza and not much else but we were happy to eat what was available. Many beers later we retired hopeful of seeing the sun the following morning.

The next day it rained and rained with a howling wind but the hotel carried on regardless so we found our way around and amused ourselves in the games room and eating and drinking loads...all we needed now was the sun! The staff were very friendly, the food from the main buffet was fine with a huge choice, mass produced but nonetheless they were catering for the masses!

The following day the sun finally put in an appearance and we started to see what all the fuss about Breezes Jibacoa was really about (its amazing what the sun can do!!) Great pool, if a little cold (they turned the heating up to an acceptable temp. later in the week), the grounds very well kept with maintenance men and gardeners keeping everything immaculate and the beach..well kept, the sand a bit on the coarse side and the sea never really still enough to go sailing...big disappointment, but way better than a lot of European resorts. The rest of the 10 days was filled with eating, drinking and day trips. The restaurants were fine, the Italian by far the best. The Beach Grill was great for snacks but not a huge choice but always hot with quick service.

The entertainment was superb. After reading about "amateurish" productions from other guests we were pleasently surprised at the good quality evenings that we watched. If you want to see the best dancers, go to the Moulin Rouge in Paris, if you want to see the best singers, go to the opera...we thought Breezes entertainment staff did just fine! The disco always seemed to be fairly full late on, contrary to what we had read and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

The piano bar with its a/c was always a welcome relief from the heat of the evening and we had a great time there most nights(thanks Rob and Lynn!!)

We had to use the medical centre twice during our stay and the Doc there was great. Quick efficient service for 25 peso's per visit!!

If there is one gripe we had is that it was very difficult to relax without the sound of music blaring out most of the day around the pool. This enticed some of the guests to be loud too, not what we wanted on our well earned break. The days we went to the beach...music blaring out there too...not much midday kip to be had anywhere apart from your room, but who wants to sit in their room all day??? As for the reports of drinks warming up in plastic cups, may we suggest you drink them quicker!! We ended up taking our insulated water jugs from our room and filling them with beer...problem sorted! Tipping was the norm but we found out the hotel has a no-tipping policy. But when you hear how much the staff earn (or dont earn)you feel like tipping every five minutes.

All in all we had a great time. The hotel was one of the best we have stayed in, only bettered by one in Jamaica which cost a hell of a lot more so we thought Breezes was a steal and great value!! Our friends loved it and would go back in a flash. They have very high standards but still they were very impressed!

One thing I havent mentioned is Cuba itself. NOTHING prepared us for what we saw and experienced but we LOVED it. However we were very touched with the Cuban's lifestyle and plight. Everything we saw and did has had a marked affect on us and life back home will not be the same again. We take so much for granted in the modern world. See the Cuban lifestyle and you will quickly realise how lucky we all are. Remember Cuba is only 150 miles away from Florida,
but it might as well be 15000 miles away such is the difference in the way of life. When was the last time you saw a Cop hitch-hiking to work??

Get to Cuba before things start to change and
things will change in the next 10/20 years.
The locals want what we have in the developed world and its only a matter of time before they get what they want and then Cuba will be a totally different place to visit.

We cant wait to go back!!

I loved everything about this hotel. The staff, location, beach, pool and food. It is relaxing and a great party all in one, "everything is what you make of it" Take insulated mugs for drinks as their cups are small and the drinks get warm before you get to your lounger. I was reluctant to leave everything to the maids as they get so muxh. Think of you grounds keepers and security guards the ones that you have least contact with. I had the opportunity to go shopping with the cubians and please bring underwear (mens & womens) & bras they have the most uncomfortable selection I have ever seen in my life. I inquired further to find out that this was not just one store but the normal selection in Cuba. Went on my side trips email me for more information.

We went to Jibacoa from Oct 17th to Oct 31st. The timing of the vacation was not great with the hurricanes and so we only really had 6 days good weather. The resort itself was well kept (although could do with a face lift soon as the pool was missing some tiles and the paint job was wearing a bit thin!) and the staff were generally friendly (tipping improved the service to no end!). We were impressed by the food which we thought would be the one down side to the vacation but it was always good and plentiful. The activities were hindered by the weather (my husband and I are certified divers but could not get one day out diving as the weather conditions stopped the dive boat from going out) and we found the organised activites not really suitable. Oktoberfest was noisy and felt a bit like a holiday in Benidorm so we steered well away but OK for those who enjoy that sort of thing.

Overall, we enjoyed our vacation for what it was: relaxing by the pool when the weather was good and watching TV in our room when it wasn't. The location of the resort was the best thing about it: beautiful lush trees and forest around and the beach was clean. Still, I doubt we will chose Cuba again or Jibacoa.... it just was not memorable enough for us.