Arrived with very low expectations and had an absolutely wonderful week. Safe waves, exceptionally warm and clear Gulf Stream water was an amazing treat. Ignore all negative comments in previous posts. Pool, Activation staff, beech etc are in terrific shape. Anything cosmetic will be addressed during the massive renovation scheduled starting May 2008. So enjoy the mangrove reserve setting, beech and proximity to Havana while it remains affordable.
Food was good on 3 of 7 nights. Don’t be afraid to step off the resort. On the other side of the abandoned car bridge is a world to be discovered. Drop net crab fishing from the bridge, first building serves pizza by day and an excellent lobster ($14) by night. Well stocked mini-grocery and spirits store about 5 blocks further, then things get really interesting. Car/bike/moped rental, bars, then further along see how the locals live and the Havana crowds rental cottages.
Wonderful thing about the beech is that it is not subject to tourist apartheid –locals make use of the beech on weekends and particularly during the summer. Shortage of garbage cans makes for a bit of a mess towards the end of the day, but is cleaned up daily.
Bring pillows, bug spray, universal bath plug, and contents of your medical cabinet. Anyone who brought benedryl cream our week would have been the resort hero 3 times over.
Cubans are starved for goods we take for granted. Bring coloured pencils, pens, paper for children. Old gamboys, computers, watches, pocket knives were also greatly appreciated. Dollar store reading glasses, fancy pantyhose and high end hair products???
If buying rum/cigars at the airport, buy prior to going through customs. As everywhere, prices go through the roof once in the waiting area.
Enjoy an authentic Cuban experience.

Been there before and read the negative reviews and wonder where these people have stayed in Cuba, The last one talking about old men picking up dancers? Get a life. They couldn't bring them to a room at any hotel in Cuba so all they could get would be the pleasure of their company. I am trying to imagine what a nothing day I would have to have to be going to a 10:00 p.m. Amateur "gong show" instead of bed.

The tips for Cuba

1) Exchange whatever money you plan to spend at the airport on landing.

2) Schedule 30 minutes to open and read email and send two replies. Yahoo is beyond slow. There must be some bare bones email account for developing countries

3) Take whatever you might need with you. Getting anything there is a production number allowing selection has come a long way over the past 20 years it has a long way to go

Great value for money. The pool was emptied cleaned and painted with a 10 day period of my stay in October / November so weeks on end would be a push.

Booked online through a big Canadian online firm. Everythign was perfect. Less than $800 all inclusive from Montreal ...... Like reality check time. I have read negative reviews and am thinking these peopel shoud stay at the Four Seasons in Ottawa in mid May at $399 a night ......... and pay for food and booze as they go .......

Like it was clean

The beds were clean

The food was decent and varied

The staff was warm and friendly without being overbearing

The pool was great

The beach was great

Secutiry was obvious witghout being obtrusive

Like a trip without issues.

Havana was a 10 minute free bus ride away twice a day ...

and I am thinking value for money, this is like Brazil without the crime 20 years ago

the Cuban staff are SO kind, but even their hard work could not overcome the disasterous infrastructure of this decaying property.
Doors falling off hinges, pools closed for weeks on end, no managemnt accountability, old men picking up 'dancers' in the nightclub, etc etc etc.
The local taxi drivers keep their lips shut when delivering the unsuspecting! Do yourself a favour....run in the opposite direction! Anywhere, but here.