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Playa Pesquero 01/11/03
Reviewers Rating:  Great
3 Stars Plus - Will be 4 Star when it irons out some concerns and probably 5 Star for Cuba when it matures. We just returned from two weeks at this new resort. This will be long but I know you are all starved for info. >By the way, just found another website that features this resort - http://www.iglutropical.com/property.cfm?pid=2430 > >It is certainly beautiful. An amazing beach, very well groomed, sand has been trucked in to add to what was there. The best part of the beach in our estimation was down to the left as you face the ocean - a little bay or cove- you can walk out a couple of hundred feet from shore and underneath your feet is very soft, not rocky at all. Some areas are a little shelly as you enter the water on other parts of the beach but only for about 6 inches or so then nice sand. We didn't feel you needed beach shoes unless you are very sensitive to shelly areas but you can certainly avoid them. > >good winds for sailing but not too strong some days for swimming and kayaking. Lots of snorkelling going on. The catamaran ride was neat a fellow traveller said,we didnt' get a chance to try it. > >Pool is beautiful and goes on forever - is is designed in the shape of the Bahia de Naranja. Lots of shade if you want it, palapas both by the pool and on the beach. A large whirlpool near one part of the pool where the swim up bar is. That seems to be the busier noisier part of the pool, but it is so big there are quiet areas of you want that. Lots of loungers, never have a problem but bear in mind only about 200 people there when we were there last week (for 2 weeks) and about 400 right now. Only half the resort is ready in terms of rooms. > >Beer garden is great for beer, soft drinks and snacks such as fries, shrimp, sandwiches, and ham - burgers (yes ham burgers - burgers made from ham!) Karenia and Rebecca who work there are the best. Karenia used to work at the Japanese a la carte at Super Clubs next door. If you are going and have English murder mystery novels to give away she loves them and of course can't get them in Cuba. And if anyone has Pantene shampoo products to take and/or leave behind she loves them too. Just mention this email to her. Ice cream parlour is across from the beer garden. A few gift shops and market vendors everyday to shop for souvenirs, rum and cigars. > Pastries at all restaurants and the baked breads are wonderful, lots of bottled spring and mineral water available at all bars, restaurants and in your mini bar. Soft drinks and beer stocked daily in your mini bar and if you get missed just phone the front desk and they will send someone to replenish. The maids will also replace your bathrobes when you are there for two weeks. Don't forget to bring gifts for the housekeeping staff - nail polish,cosmetics and health products, toiletries, candy etc. Small plastic toys, balloons, crayons, colouring books, and children's books are appreciated too. Don't give them anything from the resort as they will have it confiscated when they leave. their purses and persons are searched when they leave each day but anything including books, magazines and clothing is appreciated. If they can't use it someone in their family can. School supplies for the area schools are appreciated to. There is a school nearby in Freyne (on the road to Guardalavaca) you can get to on a scooter - they love to have visitors. >Two a la carte restaurants open to date - Italian and Romantico - Hugo Rafael who works both of them and Mariet are especially nice people and will make the dinner special for you. A trio of musicians plays cuban folk music during dinner. Ask for Hasta Siempre - it is a homage to Che Guevera and very beautiful. > >Buffet is a work in progress - lots of fish and salmon and shrimp for you seafood lovers. A pasta bar was added while were there - word of caution - check that the meat is well cooked - we had a few problems but hopefully that will be under control soon. The administration is very responsive to suggestions and attempt to implement them if possible, bearing in mind this is Cuba. The toaster for the buffet is apparently 'in transit'. The servers are wonderful. English is spoken by almost everyone, very caring and helpful friendly staff. They love to receive English magazines to help them read, write and speak the language. Some of them speak French, German and Italian as well. > >Mojitos at the lobby bar are the best when the mint is in. It comes and goes according to when they get some from Holguin but worth it when they have it. Diet drinks are now being stocked behind the bar in the lobby but you have to ask at this point for them as they have a limited supply. > > We were teaching them how to make blueberry tea at the lobby bar but they didn't have Grand Marnier there, it was at the a la carte restaurant only at that point. > >Nice touches such as bathrobes in the rooms, cd players in the rooms and room service (for $5.00 U.S.) - no coffee makers as of Friday the 10th of January but manana. The medical service is great, nurses and doctors always available. If they don't have something they will send to the international clinic in Guardalavaca which takes about an hour to be sent back to the resort. Ask for receipts and claim if you can or wish to upon return. > All in all we love Cuba and this place will be 5 star when it is all together. >Enjoy all of you who are going and say hello to Luis Masi the bellperson who will look after you like your mother. Look at the archives of January 11th to receive pictures.
G. Morris
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