Thanks Jay for sharing. I visited Santa Maria in 2018 and I really enjoyed walking along the beach. The bus ride is an hour and a half which is scenic and interesting. There is a long causeway to go over.
I loved your full tour your video has convinced me and my girlfriend to go. Just reserved for $1,535 per person (Sunwing) for 2 weeks in end of August 2023. Thank you very much keep up the good work.
This video was well detailed, I'll heading down in a couple of months, although this video is a year old the food options from your video seem more promising! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!
Beautiful everything there. I've seen several videos about Cayo Santa Maria and I'm impressed, in my next vacation I think I'm going to visit that beautiful Cuban hotel
Hello Jay! I am going to this same resort in a few weeks and found this video extremely helpful. Thank you so much. Just a couple of questions that I hope you can help with since neither Sunwing nor the Hotel has been able to provide me a proper answer - Do they accept USDs for tips at the resort? - For booking Excursions on site could we pay in Canadian credit cards - The excursion you mentioned in one of the comments, assuming that it was the Jeep Safari trip, were all the jeeps manual transmission or were there any automatic transmission ones? Thanks so much
Hello Damithri, thanks for the kind words. They accept USDs at the resort/excursions for tips. When you purchase excursions online with SunWing/AirTransat, all prices are in Canadian dollars. I didn’t do the Jeep safari trip. It was a trip to a nearby city. I believe all the vehicles are manual transmission. I’m not 100% sure. Have a wonderful trip!
Thank you for making this video, it helped me choose this resort over another! You were so thorough :) To be respectful to the staff would it be appropriate to tip in USD or CUP? And if it is CUP what would be an appropriate amount ex. Per drink, etc
Thank you. I used both during my stay. I brought a lot of $1 USDs for tipping and when I ran out I switched to CUPs. 1 USD = 24 CUP. I tipped approximately $1-2 USDs per drink. If I used my large bubba cup than I tipped more. Have a great trip!
Canadian money is just fine. I used loonies and toonies. And I’d buy it back from them a couple of days in. Cuz they can’t exchange Canadian coins at the bank. So I’d buy their Canadian coins every other day.
Hi Jay! I'm visiting in April and I have a few other questions I'd like to ask if thats ok with you. By chance do you know if theres a hot tub or something akin, at the resort? Also, if you left the resort, are there any experiences that you recommend seeing or doing? Lastly, I know you previously answered a question regarding the covid testing costing 30 dollars. Do you have to make an appointment for your test or do they take walk-ins? and following up on that, are these rapid tests or tests that must be done a day or two before leaving? I appreciate any information you can provide, thankyou in advance :)
Hello! I didn’t see any hot tub during my tour. They might have one inside the spa. I can’t be certain. I went on one excursion during my stay. It included a stop at a cigar factor and to a train museum. To be honest, I thought it was kind of boring. I should have picked something a little more fun. For me, I had to take a PCR test (at the time of my trip) to get back into Canada. My PCR test had to be taken no later than 72 hours of my return flight. On the day that it was scheduled everyone lined up outside the make shift clinic. It was first-come first-served. Testing requirements have changed for my country and maybe yours. Double check to see what requirements are in place for your return trip and ask your resort representative. Enjoy your trip - Jay Travels
I am now checking out this resort. I may need a cart sometimes because it is hugh. Do they have enough carts? I will have to not over do it with walking. Very good video. You did a good job. I may try it for a change although I have my favourites.
One of the best videos on RUclips, Thanks for uploading the Complete Tour of Playa Cayo Santa Maria, i booked a room in this resort in november, I have Couple Question 1. July to Aug are Holiday season, too many people visit the resort, But I am traveling on the 1st week of November in this resort , anyidea about how many people visit in november compare to july/aug? 2. In your Video , You showed San Juan Restaurant @16:00. not sure its lunch Buffet or a la carte restaurent, I went to the melia dey jardin rey resort in 2018, they also have Small Lunch Buffet close to the beach. Is it same thing, how mnay Buffect restaurent they have it, just one or 2?
Sorry for my late response! Thank you for the kind words. 1. November to April is the dry season. The most popular months to visit Cuba are January, February, and March. If you’re looking for a less crowded time, than November would be a good option. July and August are part of the off season and less expensive. 2. This resort has only one buffet restaurant. It does have a snack bar that offers hamburgers, fries, and hotdogs. The San Juan restaurant is an “a la carte” restaurant.
Very nice video , appreciate all the details, the resort looks cool; we’re going in Aug to this resort and we were wondering if there are a lot of mosquitos during this period, how was it during your stay?
Thank you! I went with my parents in December and we don’t remember being bit. It was a nice resort and had a good time. I hope you have an amazing time for your trip.
When you go to the tropics always carry your bug spray and afterbite creams. I stayed at the Sanctuary on the same island and at night outside there were a lot of mosquitoes. They also have a season when there are more of them.
Hi Rose, at the time of travel, I didn’t require a PCR test to go to Cuba. They just wanted to see my vaccine papers. I did require a PCR test to get back to Toronto.
Hi Bobby! Thank you. Each resort would have its own policy for allowing locals. You can ask the resort if they offer day rates for guests. Dollars would be best for paying. You can still tip in the local currency or buy items at the gift shop.
@@jaytravel is the exchange rate decent? I can bring $100 CDN and they'll give me singles in their currency? Is that typical of all the all inclusives in cuba? i've only been to mexico
No, resorts don’t offer favourable exchange rates. You can go to the “Cadecas” (government currency offices) at the airport or around town and receive better rates. At the exchange offices, ask for the denomination that you want in the local currency.
Hey thanks so much for this im headed there this Friday from Toronto! 3 Questions if you don't mind helping me out.. 1. Was the WIFI free or was it paid? 2. Approximately how long was the drive from the airport to the resort? 3. Did you need a plug adapter to charge any of your appliances (i.e laptop/phone) ? Or does regular North American plugs work? Thanks!
Hi Bryson, Each guest was given complimentary wifi. Which was plenty for my stay. There may be a charge for additional time. It took approximately 90 minutes to get to the hotel. I didn’t need any adapter for my stay. My Canadian devices work without any issues. Enjoy your trip!
@@jaytravel thanks for the answer. and did you use HDR? color grading or straight out of the camera? we have been there 2016, great resort, was nice to see it again in your video!
No Problem! I filmed using my DJI Osmo 3. I had it set at 4K 60 FPS. I didn’t colour grade and just used the auto settings. I edited with LumaFusion. It was a nice resort and would like to go back one day.
@@jaytravel Thanks for the answer. I just asked because i have nearly the same equipment and i have problems in Lumafusion with HDR footage from the Iphone in combination with non HDR footage from other cams.But your footage looks great for me!
Hi Jay, I have a couple of questions if you don't mind. 1. You mention complimentary wifi. How long is it for? Does it cover the whole resort? Do you know much wifi cost ? 2. Did you see any rooms with a swim up pool? 3. Is there 24hrs room service? Like for food? Is it free or paid? 4. Do you know if they will drive you around? I will be super pregnant and the resort looks huge 5. Do you think it's great for kids? 6. Did you ask for am extra bed for your room or did it come with the 3 beds? Great video by the way!
Check the ketchup and other sauce bottles they were all moldy when I was here. The beds here felt like sleeping on a pile of rocks and they kept running out of pop and alcohol. And the pizza cheese tasted like they mixed it with cow poop... and get used to eating hot dogs that have been re cooked 4 times... long story short stay clear of cuba its in a bad spot right now for the same price you can get so much more in a different country
Hi Yvonne, Thanks for the kind words. Sorry for the late response. 1. The complementary wifi was around 6 hours. It was more than enough for me. I didn’t need any extra and can’t remember what the cost for additional time was (if any). 2. I don’t believe there were rooms with a swim up pool. 3. There would be an additional cost for room service. 4. You can ask the reception and see if they would be able to drive you around. Or see if they have a wheelchair available? 5. I think kids would enjoy this resort. However, I went with adults. I can’t really answer this question. 6. This room had the extra bed in it.
Hi Jazz, I only used wifi at this resort. Bell and Rogers offer affordable plans starting from $14/day. Call your service provider and see what they can offer you. Have a great trip!
Hi Jay, can you tell me about the mask/covid policies and if any activities/amenities were closed down because of covid? The place seemed so empty but that may not necessarily be a bad thing.
No problem. Masks are mandatory in the buffet/restaurants. Masks are required for ordering drinks and at reception. During my stay, no activities were cancelled due to Covid. I filmed early in the morning and it had to be the reason it seemed so empty.
Check the ketchup and other sauce bottles they were all moldy when I was here. The beds here felt like sleeping on a pile of rocks and they kept running out of pop and alcohol. And the pizza cheese tasted like they mixed it with cow poop... and get used to eating hot dogs that have been re cooked 4 times... long story short stay clear of cuba its in a bad spot right now for the same price you can get so much more in a different country.
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Thanks Jay for sharing. I visited Santa Maria in 2018 and I really enjoyed walking along the beach. The bus ride is an hour and a half which is scenic and interesting. There is a long causeway to go over.
No problem. I also enjoyed strolling the beach. Yeah, the causeway was definitely a long ride. It was fun.
I loved your full tour your video has convinced me and my girlfriend to go. Just reserved for $1,535 per person (Sunwing) for 2 weeks in end of August 2023. Thank you very much keep up the good work.
Thank you very much! Have a safe and fun trip.
Thanks for telling me what you are looking at and not playing some sort of music ,very well done video
This video was well detailed, I'll heading down in a couple of months, although this video is a year old the food options from your video seem more promising! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!
Thank You! Have a great time and enjoy your trip.
I’ve been to Cuba 6x and Cayo Santa Maria has been on my 🪣 list since ‘16. Nice video, thx.
Thank You!
Beautiful everything there. I've seen several videos about Cayo Santa Maria and I'm impressed, in my next vacation I think I'm going to visit that beautiful Cuban hotel
Thanks Maykell, It was a fun video to make and I had a good time making it. Enjoy you trip!
Fantastic walk through the resort. Thank you
Thank You!
Great video and I now the resort very well thanks 👍
Thank You!
Nice video December looks windy at the beach, I don't see beach chairs at the beach, Thanks for sharing
Thank you! They didn’t have many beach chairs at the the beach. You need to come early and grab one.
Thanks for the great video, very informative!
I'll go there in March with my family. Can't wait!! 😍
Than you! Im glad you enjoyed the video. Enjoy your family trip in March.
We were there Sept-2019. Beautiful place, Santa Maria is the place to visit. Clean and clear Ocean plus beautiful sceneries.
It was. The beach was relaxing and had little to no seaweed.
Nice vidéo, i was there the 2nd week when the hotel open , big difference with the vegetation
Thank you! I bet the vegetation has changed over the years. It was a fun video to make.
Great video, thanks for sharing. Haven’t been since April 2018, booked for November, can’t wait!
Thank You! Enjoy your trip. It was a nice resort with amazing staff.
I am also going In November 2022, Just want to ask , rush in resort in month of november. Less people or too many in november?
I was here before a month, I really like it too much. I will be back again ❤
Hello Jay! I am going to this same resort in a few weeks and found this video extremely helpful. Thank you so much.
Just a couple of questions that I hope you can help with since neither Sunwing nor the Hotel has been able to provide me a proper answer
- Do they accept USDs for tips at the resort?
- For booking Excursions on site could we pay in Canadian credit cards
- The excursion you mentioned in one of the comments, assuming that it was the Jeep Safari trip, were all the jeeps manual transmission or were there any automatic transmission ones?
Thanks so much
Hello Damithri, thanks for the kind words.
They accept USDs at the resort/excursions for tips.
When you purchase excursions online with SunWing/AirTransat, all prices are in Canadian dollars.
I didn’t do the Jeep safari trip. It was a trip to a nearby city. I believe all the vehicles are manual transmission. I’m not 100% sure.
Have a wonderful trip!
@@jaytravel Thanks for the info Jay! Really appreciate it.
Thank you for this video! I haven’t been to Hotel Playa Cayo Santa Maria since 2018 and I miss it so much
Thank you! It was fun to film. I hope you can get back next year.
Beautiful video,very nice job,I went four times in that resort 👍🍻
Thank You! I had a fun time at this resort. I plan to go back.
Good work Jay!, might be going there in April
Have fun! Enjoy your trip
Hi am Cuban and live in Cuba.In March go to hotel thanks for the video.Sorry for my English jjjj
Thank You! I had fun making it. 😁
Thank you for making this video, it helped me choose this resort over another! You were so thorough :) To be respectful to the staff would it be appropriate to tip in USD or CUP? And if it is CUP what would be an appropriate amount ex. Per drink, etc
Thank you.
I used both during my stay. I brought a lot of $1 USDs for tipping and when I ran out I switched to CUPs. 1 USD = 24 CUP. I tipped approximately $1-2 USDs per drink. If I used my large bubba cup than I tipped more.
Have a great trip!
Canadian money is just fine. I used loonies and toonies. And I’d buy it back from them a couple of days in. Cuz they can’t exchange Canadian coins at the bank. So I’d buy their Canadian coins every other day.
Hi Jay! I'm visiting in April and I have a few other questions I'd like to ask if thats ok with you.
By chance do you know if theres a hot tub or something akin, at the resort?
Also, if you left the resort, are there any experiences that you recommend seeing or doing?
Lastly, I know you previously answered a question regarding the covid testing costing 30 dollars. Do you have to make an appointment for your test or do they take walk-ins? and following up on that, are these rapid tests or tests that must be done a day or two before leaving?
I appreciate any information you can provide, thankyou in advance :)
Hello! I didn’t see any hot tub during my tour. They might have one inside the spa. I can’t be certain.
I went on one excursion during my stay. It included a stop at a cigar factor and to a train museum. To be honest, I thought it was kind of boring. I should have picked something a little more fun.
For me, I had to take a PCR test (at the time of my trip) to get back into Canada. My PCR test had to be taken no later than 72 hours of my return flight. On the day that it was scheduled everyone lined up outside the make shift clinic. It was first-come first-served. Testing requirements have changed for my country and maybe yours.
Double check to see what requirements are in place for your return trip and ask your resort representative.
Enjoy your trip - Jay Travels
@@jaytravel - Thank you for helping out another ontarian with your prompt response Jay, Much Appreciated!!
Thank You!
Just wondering, did you find that there were enough shade locations along the beach?
Hello Ann! There was around 40 palapas along the beach. They could use a few more and could have been closer to the ocean.
Very beautiful resort but missing lots of umbrellas around the pools for shade
Hey Jay, thanks for the great video! Do you think the safe in the room is big enough to fit a 13” MacBook?
Hi Meg, thank you. A 13” MacBook might be a tight fit. A smaller iPad would be better.
I am now checking out this resort. I may need a cart sometimes because it is hugh. Do they have enough carts? I will have to not over do it with walking. Very good video. You did a good job. I may try it for a change although I have my favourites.
Thank you! You can ask if they have enough carts or reserve one ahead of time. I hope you enjoyed your stay.
One of the best videos on RUclips, Thanks for uploading the Complete Tour of Playa Cayo Santa Maria, i booked a room in this resort in november, I have Couple Question
1. July to Aug are Holiday season, too many people visit the resort, But I am traveling on the 1st week of November in this resort , anyidea about how many people visit in november compare to july/aug?
2. In your Video , You showed San Juan Restaurant @16:00. not sure its lunch Buffet or a la carte restaurent, I went to the melia dey jardin rey resort in 2018, they also have Small Lunch Buffet close to the beach. Is it same thing, how mnay Buffect restaurent they have it, just one or 2?
Sorry for my late response! Thank you for the kind words.
1. November to April is the dry season. The most popular months to visit Cuba are January, February, and March. If you’re looking for a less crowded time, than November would be a good option. July and August are part of the off season and less expensive.
2. This resort has only one buffet restaurant. It does have a snack bar that offers hamburgers, fries, and hotdogs. The San Juan restaurant is an “a la carte” restaurant.
Nice! Did you experience shortages?
Thank You! Just at the bar with beverages.
Can't wait to walk this in April!
Awesome! Enjoy your trip.
Very nice video , appreciate all the details, the resort looks cool; we’re going in Aug to this resort and we were wondering if there are a lot of mosquitos during this period, how was it during your stay?
Thank you!
I went with my parents in December and we don’t remember being bit. It was a nice resort and had a good time. I hope you have an amazing time for your trip.
When you go to the tropics always carry your bug spray and afterbite creams. I stayed at the Sanctuary on the same island and at night outside there were a lot of mosquitoes. They also have a season when there are more of them.
I'd love to travel with my children. Is a PCR test required to go to Cuba from Toronto?
Hi Rose, at the time of travel, I didn’t require a PCR test to go to Cuba. They just wanted to see my vaccine papers. I did require a PCR test to get back to Toronto.
@@jaytravel yay... I appreciate your response. Thank you so much. Cuba here we come!!!!
Enjoy your trip! I can’t wait to go back.
@@jaytravel Hola, como estas, me puedes dar tu numero de telefono para reservar hoteles?
@@jaytravel Hola, como estas, me puedes dar tu numero de telefono para reservar hoteles?
Hey Jay, Did the resort provide PCR testing? and if so at what price?
Hello Emelia, the resort provides on-site testing and it costs approximately $30 USD/person.
Was the drive long from the airport?
Hi Cris, it was approximately 90 minutes from the airport.
Can you invite locals to the resort ? Day rates ? Can you pay in pesos ?Great vid Jay , thanks.
Hi Bobby! Thank you.
Each resort would have its own policy for allowing locals. You can ask the resort if they offer day rates for guests. Dollars would be best for paying. You can still tip in the local currency or buy items at the gift shop.
@@jaytravel can you exchange canadian dollars for local currency at the hotel?
Yes, they accept Canadian Dollars at this resort.
@@jaytravel is the exchange rate decent? I can bring $100 CDN and they'll give me singles in their currency? Is that typical of all the all inclusives in cuba? i've only been to mexico
No, resorts don’t offer favourable exchange rates. You can go to the “Cadecas” (government currency offices) at the airport or around town and receive better rates. At the exchange offices, ask for the denomination that you want in the local currency.
I've stayed there, not sure I'd return to that resort. I'd give a solid 6 outta 10. I found the Valentino to be a nicer resort
so, which was better, this or vista sol punta cana?
Hello! Thanks for your comment.
Here’s the breakdown:
Resort: Vista Sol
Room: Playa Cayo SM
Beach: Playa Cayo SM
Food/Drinks: Vista Sol
Hey thanks so much for this im headed there this Friday from Toronto!
3 Questions if you don't mind helping me out..
1. Was the WIFI free or was it paid?
2. Approximately how long was the drive from the airport to the resort?
3. Did you need a plug adapter to charge any of your appliances (i.e laptop/phone) ? Or does regular North American plugs work?
Thanks!
Hi Bryson,
Each guest was given complimentary wifi. Which was plenty for my stay. There may be a charge for additional time.
It took approximately 90 minutes to get to the hotel.
I didn’t need any adapter for my stay. My Canadian devices work without any issues.
Enjoy your trip!
@@jaytravel Thanks!
@@jaytravel HolaHola, como estas, me puedes dar tu numero de telefono para reservar hoteles?
Nice video! Which camera did you use?
Thanks!
Hi Dominik, I used my iPhone 13 pro max for this video.
@@jaytravel thanks for the answer. and did you use HDR? color grading or straight out of the camera?
we have been there 2016, great resort, was nice to see it again in your video!
No Problem!
I filmed using my DJI Osmo 3. I had it set at 4K 60 FPS. I didn’t colour grade and just used the auto settings. I edited with LumaFusion.
It was a nice resort and would like to go back one day.
@@jaytravel Thanks for the answer. I just asked because i have nearly the same equipment and i have problems in Lumafusion with HDR footage from the Iphone in combination with non HDR footage from other cams.But your footage looks great for me!
Great vid! Does this place have a club/area for dancing?
Thanks. When musicians are performing in the lobby bar, patrons were dancing and having fun.
@@jaytravel Hola, como estas, me puedes dar tu numero de telefono para reservar hoteles?
How much
That depends! The price will vary depending on the time of the year, how many people in the room and room type.
Thanks for the video! Looking to book, did you find it was mostly families? Debating between this place and an adult only resort
Hi Molly, it’s mixed. The main pool and the ‘relax” pool have plenty of children. I didn’t see any children at the east and west pools.
Hi Jay, I have a couple of questions if you don't mind.
1. You mention complimentary wifi. How long is it for? Does it cover the whole resort? Do you know much wifi cost ?
2. Did you see any rooms with a swim up pool?
3. Is there 24hrs room service? Like for food? Is it free or paid?
4. Do you know if they will drive you around? I will be super pregnant and the resort looks huge
5. Do you think it's great for kids?
6. Did you ask for am extra bed for your room or did it come with the 3 beds?
Great video by the way!
Check the ketchup and other sauce bottles they were all moldy when I was here. The beds here felt like sleeping on a pile of rocks and they kept running out of pop and alcohol. And the pizza cheese tasted like they mixed it with cow poop... and get used to eating hot dogs that have been re cooked 4 times... long story short stay clear of cuba its in a bad spot right now for the same price you can get so much more in a different country
Hi Yvonne, Thanks for the kind words. Sorry for the late response.
1. The complementary wifi was around 6 hours. It was more than enough for me. I didn’t need any extra and can’t remember what the cost for additional time was (if any).
2. I don’t believe there were rooms with a swim up pool.
3. There would be an additional cost for room service.
4. You can ask the reception and see if they would be able to drive you around. Or see if they have a wheelchair available?
5. I think kids would enjoy this resort. However, I went with adults. I can’t really answer this question.
6. This room had the extra bed in it.
They say that whatsup is not working in Cuba even when you have Wi-Fi, does somebody know for sure?
Hello! I searched TripAdvisor to see if anyone else is having issues with WhatsApp. There doesn’t seem to be any issues using it there.
@jaytravel Thank you very much
❤️👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻🇹🇯
Thank You!
The beach looks ok but kind of cold
Hi Jay, Hows the canadian cell phone reception at this spot?
Hi Jazz, I only used wifi at this resort. Bell and Rogers offer affordable plans starting from $14/day. Call your service provider and see what they can offer you. Have a great trip!
So there’s only 1 gift shop and I need a credit card to buy stuff there?
Hello Aye Jeh! There was only one gift shop. At the time of this video, you had to pay with a credit card.
Thanks
Hi Jay, can you tell me about the mask/covid policies and if any activities/amenities were closed down because of covid? The place seemed so empty but that may not necessarily be a bad thing.
No problem. Masks are mandatory in the buffet/restaurants. Masks are required for ordering drinks and at reception. During my stay, no activities were cancelled due to Covid. I filmed early in the morning and it had to be the reason it seemed so empty.
is there a night club?
Hi, There is no night club. Live music was being played in the lobby and guests were dancing there.
Check the ketchup and other sauce bottles they were all moldy when I was here. The beds here felt like sleeping on a pile of rocks and they kept running out of pop and alcohol. And the pizza cheese tasted like they mixed it with cow poop... and get used to eating hot dogs that have been re cooked 4 times... long story short stay clear of cuba its in a bad spot right now for the same price you can get so much more in a different country.