Twitter
YouTube
Facebook

About cubatravel

cubatravel has been a member since February 27th 2014, and has created 18 posts from scratch.

cubatravel's Bio

cubatravel's Websites

This Author's Website is

cubatravel's Recent Articles

History of Jardines del Rey Cuba

Jardines del Rey Cuba

The Jardines del Rey dream began on the 26 of July 1980 when the then president of Cuba, Fidel Castro, addressed the city of Ciego de Avila during the commemorations on this national holiday in Cuba.

During this visit to Ciego de Avila, Fidel Castro and a group of about 20 engineers visited the remote islands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo. The president promised that these very islands would one day become Cuba’s most sought after tourist destination. The planning began when Fidel returned to Havana and, hastily, the same group of engineers proposed several plans to build a causeway from Ciego de Avila to Cayo Coco, an initial length of about 30km.

Pedraplen Fidel Castro Cuba

After much discussion and amendments to the plan, the construction of the pedraplen (Spanish word for causeway) from the mainland finally commenced in 1988. The revised causeway measured 27kms (16 miles) and ended up connecting Cayo Coco to the mainland of Cuba in just 3 years. The time having been reduced, due to the use of a small key called Isla de Turiguano, as the foundation for a long stretch of road which had previously been planned to traverse over the sea. In 1992 another section of seven kilometers was built to connect Cayo Coco with Cayo Guillermo and, with it began the meteoric expansion of hotels and resorts on the Jardines del Rey Islands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo. The man responsible for the road is called Evelio Capote Castillo, he was both the principal engineer and architect of the plan. He also oversaw every meter of its construction. A special thanks goes out to the family of Evelio Capote Castillo.

Pedraplen Causeway Jardine del Rey Cuba

Based upon the success of the Pedraplen Causeway to Cayo Coco, on December 15th 1989 work began on a second causeway between Caibarien and Cayo Santa Maria. Considered an engineering marvel, the causeway incorporates:

  • 46 Bridges over the sea
  • Total length of bridges 2298 Meters (7539 feet)
  • Longest single stretch of bridge 350 meters (1148 feet)
  • Highest bridge 7.67 meters (25 feet)

The causeway connects to Cayo Las Brujas first at 41km (25 miles) from Caibarien. Then Cayo Encenachos at 48km (29 miles) and finally, Cayo Santa Maria at 51km (32 miles).

The first hotel built in Jardines del Rey Archipelago was on Cayo Guillermo in 1992, with the opening of the Hotel Gran Caribe Club Villa Cojimar, followed by the first resort called Guitart Cayo Coco (now the Hotel Colonial), opened in 1993 on the neighboring island Cayo Coco. Since then the expansion has been incredible with (2014); 14 Hotels on Cayo Coco, 10 Hotels on Cayo Santa Maria, 4 Hotels on Cayo Guillermo, 1 Hotel each on Cayo Ensenachos and Cayo Las Brujas. Jardines del Rey now offers over 10,000 rooms in total.

In 2005 the Jardines del Rey International Airport opened to accommodate direct flights from around the world. Then in 2008 the ex-military airport on Cayo Las Brujas was upgraded to take larger planes and domestic flights. Despite the existence of the airports, the causeway remains a key route for supplies to the hotels and also vacationers visiting the Cuban cities on the mainland.

Cuba Jardines del Rey Beach

It’s quite feasible to incorporate a visit to the Jardines del Rey Islands into a broader tour of Cuba. The distances between main cities are shown below:

  • HavanaCayo Santa Maria 386 km (240 miles)
  • Varadero – Cayo Santa Maria 292 km (181 miles)
  • Havana – Cayo Coco 508 km (315 miles)
  • Varadero – Cayo Coco 414 km (257 miles)
  • Trinidad – Cayo Santa Maria 198 km (123 miles)
  • Trinidad – Cayo Coco 247 km (153 miles)

Click to Chat with us about creating a unique vacation package to tour Cuba, including a stopover on the idyllic Jardines del Rey Islands and visits to other cities in the region.

Visiting Jardines del Rey is an amazing experience. No matter which island you choose the experience is sublime. The beaches are simply outstanding and the natural beauty simply irreproachable. To think that these islands were uninhabited 3 decades ago, to what they have become today, is a marvel in itself.

Millions of people from all around the world have visited Jardines del Rey, now it’s your turn!

Jardines del Rey Guide

Cayo Las Brujas Hotels Jardines del Rey Islands

Cayo Las Brujas Jardines del Rey

This is an easy one. The Jardines Del Rey island of Cayo Las Brujas has just one hotel so, not much choice here! The Cayo Las Brujas Key is simply stunning in all respects and because this hotel is one of the cheapest in the whole Jardines del Rey Archipelago you better act quick! Click below to see; reviews, photos, latest information and check rates and availability for your Hotel in Cayo Las Brujas.

Looking for a perfect island hideaway? Hotel Villa Las Brujas could well be it! Located on the north coast of Cayo Las Brujas in the UNESCO biosphere reserve of Jardines del Rey. The accommodations are nicely spaced individual villas, connected via natural gardens and suspended bridge wooden walkways. Each Cabaña is configured into a two level duplex design offering utmost privacy for guests. With just 24 rooms, this could be considered one of the most exclusive hotels in Cuba, having the whole island of 6.7 km² to itself. The property has been built on a natural coastal cliff overlooking the turquoise waters below. 19 of the 24 rooms guarantee unhindered views of the coastline and sea. Villa Las Brujas is probably the bargain of the century. If your desire is to relax on its virgin beaches and wander around this idyllic island, the Hotel Villa Las Brujas ticks every conceivable box.

As a 3 star property the accommodations are basic but functional, including tea and coffee maker, hairdryer and satellite international TV. However, the basic fixtures are easily forgiven when you consider that your room measures 35 m² (367 ft²). This tiny resort has a 24 hour reception desk and the room rate includes breakfast. There is also a good onsite restaurant if you want to stay close to base one evening. The hotel is also part of a small yacht marina which typically has one or two international seafarers spending time there and can be great for exchanging stories and socializing.

Nevertheless, if you enjoy exploring, there’s ample opportunity to visit the immediate area. Cayo Ensenachos is just 8km away and Cayo Santa Maria only 18km. Both are easily accessible either by shuttle bus or, you can rent scooters and bicycles at the hotel. On Cayo Santa Maria you’ll find the large shopping, entertainment and food courts of Pueblo La Estrella and Pueblo Las Dunas where you can do (and eat) almost anything. From, taking a Spa treatment to 10 pin bowling, these centers are simply amazing considering their remote location.

Overall the Hotel Villa Las Brujas remains quiet due to its exquisite Jardines del Rey location and the fact that it is not sold in most countries, major operators from Canada and Europe preferring to sell the hotels of 4 and 5 star in Cayo Santa Maria or the ultra 5 star of Cayo Ensenachos. This is of course a blessing, because Hotel Villa Las Brujas is exquisite and you can still book it here.

Once you’ve compared the rates, finalizing the booking at the Jardines del Rey Villa Las Brujas Hotel takes just seconds and an immediate confirmation is provided in real-time. But wait! Why not check our other Jardines del Rey Hotels before making your decision?

Hotel Reviews – Rate Comparison – Availability Check

Jardines del Rey hotel Reservations

Cayo Santa Maria Hotels Jardines del Rey Islands

Jardines del Rey Hotels Cayo Santa Maria Cuba

Finding it difficult to choose which heavenly Jardines Del Rey island to visit? To make your decision simpler, we are listing every hotel in Jardines del Rey. Yes, on this page you will find every hotel in Cayo Santa Maria. Click the link to each hotel to see reviews, photos, latest information and check rates and availability for your Hotel in Cayo Santa Maria.

This list of Hotels in Cayo Santa Maria only includes those hotels which are on the island however; hotels in the near vicinity are also shown when you visit the link to each hotel.

We’ve made it simple, you can check rates on all Jardines del Rey hotels, on this page its Cayo Santa Maria. Yes, for the first time you can compare rates across all suppliers in almost any currency.

All Jardines del Rey – Cayo Santa Maria hotel Reservations are 100% guaranteed as confirmed with the hotel and a confirmed booking code is issued directly from the hotel. Below is a list of every hotel exclusively in Cayo Santa Maria.

You are guaranteed the lowest rate on your Cayo Santa Maria Hotel stay along with payment in 32 currencies including USD, Euro, CAD, Yen, and much more.

Hotel Melia Buenavista *****

Hotel Melia Cayo Santa Maria *****

Hotel Melia Las Dunas *****

Hotel Sol Cayo Santa Maria ****

Hotel Husa Cayo Santa Maria Beach *****

Hotel Memories Azul Beach Resort *****

Hotel Eurostars Cayo Santa Maria *****

Hotel Royalton Cayo Santa Maria *****

Hotel Memories Paraiso *****

Hotel Playa Cayo Santa María *****

But hold up! Why not check hotels in other Jardines del Rey Islands before making your mind up?

Cayo Ensenachos Hotels Jardines del Rey Islands

Hotels Cayo Ensenachos Jardines del Rey

Choosing a Hotel on the Jardines Del Rey island of Cayo Ensenachos is easy. Why? Because there is only one! Click the “Reserve” button to see reviews, latest information and check rates and availability for your Hotel in Cayo Ensenachos.

Iberostar Cayo Ensenachos in Jardines del Rey has the whole Ensenachos island to itself thus, taking the name for the Hotel! Separated by the Ensenachos Beach, the two divisions of the hotel are split by a slither of land which incorporates not much more than the road and the aforementioned beach. Hotel Iberostar Cayo Ensenachos has 506 rooms, divided into 270 accommodations in the Park section (for families), 190 rooms in the SPA section (adults only) along with 46 luxury duplex villas. These two bedroom villas offer 1 King bedroom and one 2 bedroom with double beds. All villas boast private terrace with a decked Jacuzzi.

Iberostar Cayo Ensenachos Jardines del Rey Spa

The Ensenachos Spa & Wellness Center features state-of-the-art technology throughout, offering a complete range of luxury Spa treatments, including; a lap pool, professional-level fitness gym, multi-person sauna, Jacuzzis, and beauty salon.

Iberostar Cayo Ensenachos Jardines del Rey Restaurants

Iberostar Ensenachos proposes an epic 6 restaurants to its visitors! First, there’s the Azia Japanese restaurant featuring a sushi bar and spectacular Teppanyaki live cooking show. Try the Maki sushi, Soba Soup, Nigiri-sushi, Ikura Sashimi and more Japanese delicacies. Next up, another firm guest favorite is the Palazzo Italian Restaurant with its mouth-watering pasta Puttanesca, fresh ricotta meatballs, Spaghetti Carbonara, home-made pizzas followed by maybe a fresh Tiramisu or Ricotta Almond Cake? Italian wines are also available with a mesmerizing assortment of Pinot grigio, Vermentino, Arneis, Moscato and many more whites. The reds include top favorites like Tuscan Sangiovese, Sagrantino from Umbria or the delectable Dolcetto from Piedmont.

If you’re looking to eat quickly, the quality of Ventanas Buffet is beyond reproach. Serving a delicious range of various dishes during lunch (12:30 PM – 02:30 PM) and dinners (06:30 PM – 10:00 PM). The Ventanas also caters to breakfast, from (7 to 10am).

For a meal with some true Mediterranean flair then try the La Punta del Pirata Restaurant where you can savor broiled freshly caught Caribbean fish, shellfish, crustaceans and delicious fresh salads. For guests lucky enough to be staying at the Grand Village there’s the El Colonial Gourmet Restaurant offering a delicious a-la-carte menu with amazing variety and 5 star table service.

Fancy a steak? Then the adults-only Atizador Steakhouse serves some of the best; sirloin, filet mignon, tenderloin or T-Bones you have ever tasted. The accompanying jacket potatoes are to die for…

Iberostar Cayo Ensenachos Jardines del Rey Entertainment

The startling amphitheater nighttime shows are simply out of this world. Cabarets, Live bands, Theatre and Broadway type shows compel you to spend the night glued to your chair. For the kids it’s a magical time at the Iberostar Ensenachos with fun packed games, live shows, dancing lessons and much more. From dawn till dusk your children will be in heaven. Everyday there’s a new adventure. For the youngest guests there’s the Mini-Club and a childcare facility featuring painting, supervised pool time, games, Ping-Pong and much, much more.

Iberostar Cayo Ensenachos Jardines del Rey Beaches

If you want to revel very own paradise then the virgin beaches of Playa Ensenachos, located between the two areas of the resort, or the smaller Playa Megano near the Spa Center are simply outstanding. These beaches are simply incomparable with any we’ve ever seen or may ever see. Fine almost powder-like brilliant white sand, natural palms leaning towards the beach surrounded by lush exotic vegetation. One word? – Idyllic.

Overall the Iberostar Cayo Ensenachos (previously the Royal Hideaway Ensenachos) is an outstanding venue for a relaxing vacation. You can sense that great care has been taken to ensure that the resort not only makes use of, but also takes full advantage of these untouched natural surroundings. The wildlife is beyond belief; you won’t have any problem discovering; flamingos, herons, cormorants and many others just stood within yards of you, blissfully aware but unperturbed by your presence. If you take into account the crystal clear waters, swimming, snorkeling, diving and water sports, allied to the world’s second largest barrier reef, starting just a few meters from the soft white sandy shores and teaming with marine life and natural corals, this is one truly unique vacation heaven.

Our booking process is unique because it shows the best rate from all of these for Iberostar hotel in Cayo Ensenachos and the types of rooms available. Our Iberostar Cayo Ensenachos rate comparison is an industry first for Cuban Hotels.

Once you’ve compared the rates, finalizing the booking at Iberostar Hotel takes just seconds and an immediate confirmation is provided in real-time. But wait! Why not check out all the other Jardines del Rey Hotels before deciding?

Hotel Reviews – Rate Comparison – More Photos

Jardines del Rey hotel Reservations

Cayo Guillermo Hotels Jardines del Rey Islands

Cayo Guillermo Hotels Jardines del Rey

Finding it hard to choose which idyllic Jardines Del Rey island to visit? To make your decision easier, we are listing every hotel in Jardines del Rey. Yes, on this page you will find every hotel in Cayo Guillermo. Click the link to each hotel to see reviews, latest information and check rates and availability for your Hotel in Cayo Guillermo.

Cayo Guillermo hotel Reservations are 100% guaranteed as confirmed with the hotel and a confirmed booking code is issued directly from the hotel.

You are assured the best deal on your Jardines del Rey Cayo Guillermo Hotel stay, allied to payment in 32 currencies including USD, Euro, CAD, Yen, and more.

The list of Cayo Guillermo Hotels below is a complete list of every Hotel in Cayo Guillermo. Immediate confirmation of all Hotels is assured if available during your chosen dates..

Hotel Melia Cayo Guillermo *****

Hotel Iberostar Daiquiri ****

Hotel Sol Cayo Guillermo ****

Hotel Allegro Club (Villa Cojimar) ***

Remember, the decision is hard so check out our other Jardines del Rey Islands before deciding!