Just returned from Breezes Jibacoa on July 10. The reviews don't quite do the place justice, although everything that is said about the amazing snorkeling (or diving) is true. You need not be an expert swimmer to enjoy the amazing view of the reef. Many non-swimmers put on a vest and swam the short distance to the site. Do yourself a favour and pick up an underwater disposable camera before you go. (Check the pharmacy or supermarket) If you happen to have your own snorkeling equipment you will be able to snorkel past 4 p.m. Otherwise you have to return the resort's equipment by then.
You will notice the picturesque escarpment all along the back of the resort. It hosts many species of birds, trees, plants, flowers and huge crabs. That is a view in itself.
Apologies to the Brits on behalf of Canadians. The beach grill and bar was a popular spot. The food was fresh and welcome after being in the ocean. Cold drinks were served at the table as well.I can understand the temptation to just stay.
The tour operators do not advertise the scooter tours because of liability and some inexperienced riders but we took our family on a scooter tour and it was the highlight of the trip for them. We went on a hot afternoon and did not bring our own water. We had difficulty finding drinks that were not alcoholic in the town so make sure you bring enough water to drink.
Also you may want to visit the east end of the beach and arrange for ah hour horse ride. Mario manages the horses. They are well-nourished and well-trained. The trail is along the coast and again it's a great ride for cheap.
I would have a difficult time complaining about anything related to this resort. We like it just the way it is. Just don't tell too many people. It's good for us when there aren't too many customers.
Enjoy!

Stayed at Breezes Jibacoa in March, 2006 - our 6th visit!!!!!!!!!!!

If you just want to "veg out" no matter what age you are - then this is the place for you.

We started going to this resort when it was only a couple of years old and to see how lush and mature the vegetation is now is amazing. The grounds are kept immaculate!!!!

Beach is not a "long walking" beach however if you go around the point past the Cameleon Jibacoa Resort there is a nice long stretch there.

The beauty of this resort is that there are NO VENDORS bothering you on the beach - there just aren't any vendors. If you want to get a few souveniers take the 1/2 day trip into Varadero to the market - it is an experience. You will also get to see how BUSY Varadero Beach is...... row upon row of hotels. We have spent 4 vacations on Varadero Beach - but nothing compares to Jibacoa.

The staff (take the time to ask questions of your waiter, bar tender, towel boy) they speak fairly good English and you will learn a lot - will also get good service. Even if you just leave a Cuban Peso (equivalent to $1.00) they appreciate it.

Rooms are big and are thoroughly cleaned each day. Only drawback i would say is no mini fridge in the room. Upon our leaving this resort over the past 6 times that has been one of our suggestions.....

Pool is huge - always clean - lots of lounges by the pool. One tip - always keep an eye on your towel (espeically if you have a first floor room) do not leave your towel to dry outside if you are not around to keep an eye on it.

The Activity staff is excellent (you play as much as you want or do not want). DO GO FOR THE HIKE UP THE MOUNTAIN - YOU WILL GET SOME FANTASTIC PICTURES.

AS FAR AS THE DISCO AT NIGHT TIME IS CONCERNED - IT REALLY DEPENDS ON THE CROWD THAT IS THERE THE WEEK YOU ARE AND HOW LATE YOU ARE WILLING TO STAY UP. THINGS NEVER REALLY GET GOING UNTIL MIDNIGHT.


The piano bar upstairs is a terrific place to go for an after-dinner drink or coffee - coolest spot in the resort besides your room.

Do go to Havana - a must see!!!!! Also highly recommned the Rio Canamar River Tour - well worth the $. Going into Santa Cruz, Matanzas are also side trips worth experiencing.

Jibacoa will probably always be one of our favourite places definately because of the food, staff and seclusion.

ENJOY

So much for and against Breezes. We arrived back on the 10th of July after ten super days at Jibicoa. The room was huge, the bed the biggest I have slept in, and clean, sparkling, as is the whole resort. We had an ocean view room and 2128 is one of the best for views. Don't know how anyone can say the staff are un friendly...Try speaking to them might help. From the maids to the beach cleaner all were friendly, polite and did more than thier best to ensure everyone had a good time.

Food, this is a third world country, despite that at every meal there is something for everyone. The omeletts in the morning are brill. I love fruit and the choice was great, coffee at breakfast a bit weak but the juice lovely. We ate most lunch times at the beach bar, friendly service, good food, chicken, burgers, pizza, salad, fruit all freshly cooked.

Beware of thunder storm or wet days, the Candaians (sorry guys) took over the beach bar and played scrabble and other games so those who wanted to eat could not. The only bad food night was the tuesday outside Cuban one, even then we did not starve. Do try the other two Taberna more French than Cuban and Italian one super service, lovley food.

We took large thermos cups, (small in comparison to the Candain ones) a must for this hotel or you will get thirsty quickly. Serivce at the bars first class. The pool warm water but sparkling and clean. Beach is cleaned twice a day, and sorry the sand is white with coral grains to be expected so near a coral reef. Its not a large beach but not crowded so room for all. Do take bread rolls and bananas just out by the reef, and you will be surronded by coulourful fish a daily must.
The gym is quite good but lacks tredmills the weird space walker refused to work for me.

We joined Manuel for four super hobbie cat trips, the last was bumpy and great fun we seemed to surf back. If one of the hobbie cat crew ask you to go get a burger to go from the beach bar please do. The kyaks, and noddy type peddelo are fun and free good way to spend time too.

No one told us about the free internet so we paid please make sure you have your free session. We too found the internet a bit slow.

We took a trip to Havana and unless you want to take the tropicana night one do the historical cuts out all the things you don't want to see and concentrates on best things. The Friday Varderero shoping trip if your shop till you drop person is not worth doing, but if like us you want to see some more of Cuba then go, enjoy the countryside its amazing.

Tipping and gifts, we took things for the cleaners, and gave small tips to the beach bar and other bar staff. You don't have to tip all tips are pooled but they do apperciate it. We gave the beack cleaner a small tip he was almost in tears, no one tips him and he works so hard all day from day break to dusk. Do take small tubes of face cream, feminine things for the cleaners they are hard to obtain in Cuba, wages are very low, so thoughtfull items are more than welcome. Chewing gum goes down well its banned in Cuba, tee shirts too and colour pencils.

For all night party owls the resort may be a bit quiet, but friends we meet stayed out until 2am+ each night. We wanted a relaxing break in a great location and Breezes is just that, you can join in walks, water aerobics, volley ball games or just chill in the sun or on a kyak.

We read trip advisor before we left and all of the good postings are correct. If you have never been out of Majorca then maybe Cuba is not for you, and if you want 6* go to Sandals. Breezes is a super resort, clean, plenty of activities, and enough food at every meal for everyone.

We would recomend the hotel, and had a great time there, Cuba is an amazing country lets hope it never has wall to wall hotels along the coast. One last thing Jelly fish can be seen between December and March if you worried about them go see Manuel he will advise you and they don't have any sharks either..

We are just back from a week at Breezes It was our first time all inclusive and it was even better than we expected.

The resort was in a beautiful location, rather isolated, which suited us following our week long tour of Cuba (which I would really recommend) as we had seen the sights and wanted to unwind

The beach was lovely with plenty of shade and loungers and the pool was great too

The snorkelling was great with lots of colourfull fish (that enjoyed being fed) and life jackets available for nervous swimmers, although the reef is close to shore in places so you don't have to go out far. Diving was available too

The food was fine with lots of choice and we enjoyed both the al la carte restaurants. The beach bar/grill was fantastic and we ate there at lunchtimes, the pizzas and burgers with chips made a change!!
The all inclusive drinks include international brands with Havana Club rum. Thanks to all those who advised bringing the thermo cups as it saves trips to the bar and keeps the drinks cool and sand-free
We found the reception staff a little cool but all the rest of the staff were really friendly, especially the dive centre, entertainments staff and security guards

There was lots of things to do if you wanted to join in. We went on the morning hike (watch out for the spider!) and scooter tour, both of which were worth doing.

The other guests were really friendly too and all the nationalities mixed well. We took our 20 year old son and there seemed to be a lot of parents with older childer of around that age and he made friends with other English, Canadians, Dutch and Danish guests of his own age and had a great time too
Book now!!