Canadian World Traveller Fallr 2016 issue American World Traveler Fall 2016 issue | Page 80

S t a y

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P l a y

M e l i á

H o t e l s

C u b a

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Finally - a high-end family resort in Cuba
Article and photography by Johanna Read, www.TravelEater.net

C

uba can be a bit of a dilemma. The beaches are gorgeous and the people are
wonderful. But many resorts lack
quality and services. While several
new luxury resorts catering to couples have opened, there are very few
places for families looking for an
ultra all-inclusive holiday.
Enter Meliá’s Family Concierge service. Family Concierge provides the
same sophistication as Meliá’s
Paradisus resorts, but aimed at what
a family needs and wants.
Meliá’s first Family Concierge hotel
will be fully up and running for winter 2016-17, at Meliá’s gorgeous
five-star Paradisus Varadero resort.
Situated within Varadero’s ecological reserve, the resort sits on a stunning long white crescent beach with
calm waters perfect for young children.
Surrounding its own set of pools and
restaurants is the exclusive Family
Concierge section of the resort -- a
hotel within a hotel.

American World Traveler / Fall 2016

Family Concierge caters to both the grownup and not-so-grown-up members of your
family. Adults will appreciate the gourmet
dining (in-room too, at no additional cost),
premium bar, and well-appointed rooms for
the whole family (or connecting rooms if
you’d like even more space). Butler service
takes care of spa bookings, excursion
arrangements and babysitting services. Still
a rarity for Cuba, there’s even free wifi in the
rooms, so no need to trek to the lobby to
send that one important email.
Family Concierge has different activity
menus catered to babies, toddlers, kids and
teenagers. Thoughtful touches include childsized bathrobes, towels and slippers, and
even cookies and milk with turndown service. Kids love the mini-buffet and juice bar in
the restaurants with everything at their
height.
Guests can even pack light, knowing that
the complimentary express laundry service
will take care of the inevitable spills and
messes.
If you’re not travelling with kids, Meliá’s
Paradisus Varadero is still a great resort to
choose. Whether staying in the exclusive
Royal Service section or elsewhere in the
resort, the views, accommodations, food
and service will certainly impress.

For those who prefer a luxury adults-only
resort, you’ll adore Meliá’s Paradisus
Princesa del Mar. Particularly ideal for scuba
divers, Paradisus Cuba stays include a free
daily one-tank dive and Meliá’s Marina
hotel (from which the dive boats depart) is
right across the street.
Paradisus Princesa del Mar is a beautiful
resort with coveted Balinese beds surrounding its meandering pools. Staying in the
impressive Royal Service section, guests
have their own Balinese beds right outside
their own private patio, with swim-up pool
entry. Royal Service guests have exclusive
access to two restaurants with cuisine to rival
top hotels in any city in the world. All rooms
at Paradisus Princesa del Mar are suites, and
there are two beach sections with soft white
sand and inviting gentle waves.
Meliá has hotels in Havana too, in case you
want to add a little culture to your stay and
see the UNESCO site of Old Havana in the
capital.

Sunwing Airlines has Champagne Service
flights to almost a dozen Cuban locations from
cities all over Canada.
www.melia.com
www.sunwing.com