Trip date; Feb.10-17
Flight; Westjet
We left Ottawa on time for an early morning flight. No delays this year unlike the last two which were Skyservice . Very good flight with good service from flight attendants and roomier seating. Screens on each seatback . Meal was provided by our tour company, Nolitours. This was a first. Coffee ,tea and soft drinks offered as well as a light snack of cookies or party mix. Flight landed on-time around 10;15 am. Through passport control and luggage was soon ready for us. We were bringing four cases of Not Just Tourist Medical aid. Unfortunately these cases were tagged for inspection and we had an hour delay leaving as they were inspected thoroughly by customs. Many airport staff were involved and it was only after a doctor came into the inspection room and gave the okay were we able to leave and get to the resort. This took about an hour. As there were only four of us going to the Cameleon we had a van. The trip is about 50 minutes and we were happy to be on our way. Arrived to a lovely sunny and warm day after the week previous which was quite cold. Registered and to our rooms very quickly. We had requested a villa room and were given just that. It faced away from the pool area so was quiet. We had had this before and had found this...Trip date; Feb.10-17
Flight; Westjet
We left Ottawa on time for an early morning flight. No delays this year unlike the last two which were Skyservice . Very good flight with good service from flight attendants and roomier seating. Screens on each seatback . Meal was provided by our tour company, Nolitours. This was a first. Coffee ,tea and soft drinks offered as well as a light snack of cookies or party mix. Flight landed on-time around 10;15 am. Through passport control and luggage was soon ready for us. We were bringing four cases of Not Just Tourist Medical aid. Unfortunately these cases were tagged for inspection and we had an hour delay leaving as they were inspected thoroughly by customs. Many airport staff were involved and it was only after a doctor came into the inspection room and gave the okay were we able to leave and get to the resort. This took about an hour. As there were only four of us going to the Cameleon we had a van. The trip is about 50 minutes and we were happy to be on our way. Arrived to a lovely sunny and warm day after the week previous which was quite cold. Registered and to our rooms very quickly. We had requested a villa room and were given just that. It faced away from the pool area so was quiet. We had had this before and had found this very much to our liking.
The room is quite large and clean with two twin beds which we simply pushed together. The maid kept everything very clean and neat and we received towel art each day. Left a small assortment of gifts on the pillow each day and always had fresh towels and toilet tissue. No issues with the room.
The buffet serves a good breakfast and we found that the resort was quite full this week with guests so made our way there earlier rather than later to have some choices. Bacon was only offered once during our stay. Freshly squeezed orange juice was served each day.
Lunch was very good as well when we were there to eat. Soups and pastas, wonderful breads, fish and either pork or chicken and a good variety of salads with lots of lettuce and tomatoes which we didn't see last year. Of course there is pizza and fries and that lovely ice cream. Some days there wasn't any ice cream offered.
Dinners were ample with fresh grilled meats and pasta again. Various casseroles of veggies and meats, soups and salads and lots of those little fancy cakes. Fruit was hit or miss. Sometimes nice and ripe and other times not. Some canned fruits as well.
The staff is quite attentive and we had good service throughout our week. Some staff recognized us from last year.
We had two meals at the a la carte. One was a dinner for returning guests and a nice surprise. Ten courses and champagne. Very good.
The other one was good as well with fresh fish and a nice beef offered.
Our week was perfect weatherwise. Hot and sunny in the low thirties.
Unfortunately the "towel" game is in full force here. Many of the beach loungers were tucked up at the rooms. It seems that folks were hoarding them there to be able to sunbathe outside their rooms and use them for drying the towels and bathing suits. This left much too few on the beach and those that were there were"saved" with various articles and not in use for hours. I took it apon myself to liberate a few of the ones that were outside of the rooms on the lawns and patios etc. I would hope that others would do the same as this is not usual here. Sure you can use the towels on the sand but you risk bringing the sand fleas back to your room as the towel hut is on "cuba time" and you cannot change them daily. This was something new for us as usually there are sufficient loungers for the beach and I hope the resort nips this in the bud before there are altercations. This is a very relaxed and friendly place and hope it can stay this way without guests getting territorial.
The beach was lovely and clean and the snorkeling was good. One day of a red flag only...mostly yellow and green. Some churning of the sea which reduced some visability but still saw lots of fish. Did not feed them.
The entertainment was the same as last year. Recorded music by the pool in the day, bingo and activities there for those who wanted to take part.
Families and middle agers are the majority here. We did see some disappointed groups of single girls who were probably rather unhappy with the lack of young guys to meet. Should have done their research...and hope they took a tour to Varadero for some romance.Not too thrilled with the laid back atmosphere at all!
Most guests were well behaved save for a few pushy types who felt that waiting in line for the food stations did not apply to them. As well, the few who think that it is perfectly fine to place their hands on all the bread and grab half a loaf and return the rest really get to me. We have learned to use hand sanitizer at our table before we eat to reduce the passage of germs from the tongs and utensils that everyone touches. Learned that from watching folks pet the dogs and cats on the way into the buffet., and then use the serving implements. We were not sick and think this is a wise habit...if a bit neurotic! Just a hint.
We rented a car for a few days and went to Havana again. Noticed much more aggressive begging this time. A simple no, lo siento, did not suffice. They tended to latch on and continue as you walked on. This was new. Very crowded in Havana but loved seeing it all again. Got lost there and throughout the countryside as always. Maps help but the signage is so poor that invariably you end up stuck in the traffic and having to make decisions quickly. Go with the flow and leave plenty of time to return before dark as the roads are not great once off the main highways.
Delivered the medical aid to some villages where it was well received although rather perplexing to the cuban people once you are away from the tourist areas. We had a man who translated for us in Madruga and we gave him some shoes which he was very grateful for. The people are very warm and inviting and we had many good encounters off resort.
Explored off resort and visited Hershey Gardens near Santa Cruz area. A bit rundown but lovely setting. I think they may serve meals there now so ask around the resort. It is an outdoor settling and would be a lovely change for a lunch outing. As well we drove into Villa Loma and went up into the lighthouse for a Mojito. It is a cuban resort but last year my husband and sister had gone and were welcomed so this year we all went. The menu had some lovely offerings but as it was mid afternoon we were not hungry. I think they offer a sea food platter with lobster tails for around 8;50 cuc. We will certainly plan on going there next time for a romantic dinner in the lighthouse watching the ocean and open to the breezes. It's a gorgeous spot.
The nightly shows were the same as last year. Kind of amateur and ho hum. Did not attend the disco.
The lobby bar with Rudy and Pablo Pedro serve the best coffees and caps....we always miss those the most.
The drinks were fine. The pina coladas were made with powder so not so creamy but the chocolate monkey and banana mammas were super. Bring your travel mugs folks...no problems getting those filled for the beach.
No bugs to speak of except a few cockroaches which we dispatched with. No scarier than the black beetles we sometimes get here in Canada.
Tipped for good service each meal and every few drinks. Service was excellent and friendly as always.
Took part in the walk to the farm and took the catamaran for a ride beyond the reef. Walked the beach both ways and got a tour of the campismo to the left. Gave another pair of shoes to a cuban who was more than happy to show us around.
Some topless sunbathing this time. This was a first as well and not offended. Was done discretely and didn't bother us.
Exchange was 70 cuc for 100 canadian. They were very picky re torn or damaged bills and those who did not know this were unable to change these at the resort. We knew this from last year so had brought only crisp ones from the bank. The staff said that the cuban banks were not honouring any that were damaged so they were not able to take anything that wasn't almost perfect. Be warned of this policy as it can put a damper on spending. Kills their tips though as if you can't change it you cannot tip!
The week flew by quickly and the bus gets you to the airport with around three hours to kill. We checked our luggage and went outside again to soak up a bit more sunshine. No trouble with overweight scams and found prices at the duty free much the same as last year.
There is more security this year as you must go through passport control again apon departure. This was new. Other years you went to the far right for carry on x-rays and up to departures.
As well there were three security staff at the stairs leading to the plane to check your ticket and remove a part of that before you boarded. This was new as well.
The tourist card is much simpler with no need for your resort name and address.
Flight back on time as well.
We had another lovely week at the Villas and hope to return again. Feel free to ask any questions I may be able to answer. Hope this has been somewhat useful and enjoy your holiday at the Cameleon.More
- Free parking
- Pool













