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Blau Varadero

Varadero, Cuba

4.6(4,274 reviews)

Adults Only

Blau Varadero is the best-rated adults-only resort in Cuba's most popular beach destination, and the ocean views from its rare high-rise tower are legitimately one of the differentiating features in Varadero. Every other resort on that beach is a low-rise pod complex where most rooms stare at other buildings - Blau's elevation means you actually see the turquoise water you came for. It's a romantic, calm property that Travelers describe as a solid choice for a first Cuba trip or an affordable anniversary getaway. And in 2026 it picked up a distinction nobody planned for: when the big foreign chains fled Cuba's sanctioned state hotels in June 2026, Blau's three Cuban properties - which have no Gaviota ties - were unaffected, leaving Blau among the last international operators on the island alongside Melia's remaining hotels, Iberostar's six, Barcelo, and Muthu. Its main adults-only rival, Royalton Hicacos, lost its Blue Diamond international management in that exodus, which only strengthens Blau's positioning.

Before you book in Cuba

73% of Cuba's hotels are closed, every international chain but one has pulled out, and no card from any country has worked there since June 2026.Read what actually changed →

Traveler Insights

Pros

+Top-rated adults-only resort in Varadero, consistently scoring 89.0 on aggregated reviews - higher than Royalton Hicacos, Memories Jibacoa, and most other Cuba options
+One of the only high-rise hotels in Varadero, giving ocean views that the low-rise pod-style resorts scattered around the beach simply cannot offer
+Adults-only policy creates a notably more peaceful atmosphere than family-heavy Cuban resorts - romantic, quiet, and unhurried
+One of the last international chains still operating in Cuba - Blau's three Cuban hotels have no Gaviota ties, escaped the June 2026 sanctions exodus, and the official Blau site still takes bookings while competitors lost their international management
+Private beach access with soft white Varadero sand, one of the best stretches of Caribbean beach anywhere
+Friendly, attentive service that multiple Travelers describe positively, consistent with a smaller adults-focused property
+Geared toward a romantic and relaxed vibe rather than party atmosphere, making it a legitimate honeymoon or anniversary option in Cuba
+Manageable resort size means you're not hiking across a massive compound to reach the pool or beach

Cons

−At least one detailed travelers report describes a genuinely terrible experience: no butter for 5 of 7 days, extremely limited buffet items, persistent gastrointestinal issues, and an unhelpful front desk - the Cuba food supply problem at its worst
−Cuban resort food is universally limited in variety and heavily dependent on supply chains that are genuinely unreliable - and Cuba's 2026 crisis, including a nationwide blackout in July 2026, has made supply even tighter
−No WiFi or very limited connectivity, typical of Cuba - if you need to stay connected, this is a real issue
−Being adults-only means it's a non-starter for families with children of any age
−Varadero as a destination has virtually no authentic Cuban cultural experience nearby - it's a beach resort strip, not a cultural immersion
−Visa and Mastercard have been rejected island-wide in Cuba since June 2026, so all travelers - not just Americans - must bring enough cash for the entire trip
−The cheap Canadian package pipeline collapsed in mid-2026 - Sunwing suspended all Cuba packages indefinitely and Air Canada, Air Transat, and WestJet paused Cuba flights, so the budget flight-included deals this resort was famous for are largely gone
−Blau's own CEO acknowledged in early 2026 that operating in Cuba is 'becoming very complicated' - the chain is staying, but supply and logistics pressure on the island is real and growing

The caveat is Cuba itself. Food quality at Cuban resorts is an industry-wide limitation caused by real supply chain issues, not management failure, and Blau is not immune - Blau's CEO admitted in early 2026 that conditions were becoming very complicated. Reports range from 'the food was fine, nothing special' to one detailed account of days without basic items like butter, limited buffet options, and gastrointestinal problems throughout the stay. This variance is the Cuba resort experience, and Blau represents both the best and sometimes the worst of it. Go knowing that this is a beach vacation, not a food vacation.

Blau Varadero makes the most sense for couples who want a calm romantic week on a genuinely beautiful beach without the chaos of Mexican spring break resorts, and Cuba-curious travelers who want the best baseline option before venturing to more adventurous Cuban destinations. The historic value proposition - sub-$900 CAD weeks with flights included - took a major hit in mid-2026 when Sunwing suspended all Cuba packages and the Canadian carriers paused Cuba flights, so getting here now takes more planning and likely more money. The official Blau website still accepts bookings; just verify your flight options carefully before committing.

Common Questions

Why is Blau Varadero one of the only resorts with ocean views?

Most Varadero resorts are built as low-rise pod complexes spread back from the beach, meaning rooms face other buildings, garden areas, or pools - not the ocean. Blau Varadero is one of the very few high-rise structures on the strip, so upper floor rooms have actual panoramic ocean views. Travelers consistently call this out as a real differentiator worth paying for.

Is Blau Varadero still open after all the hotel chains left Cuba?

Yes. The June 2026 exodus hit foreign chains managing hotels owned by Cuba's sanctioned GAESA/Gaviota military conglomerate - Blau's three Cuban hotels (Blau Varadero, Blau Las Morlas, Blau Arenal Habana Beach) have no Gaviota connection and were unaffected. Blau's official website shows a live booking engine for Blau Varadero as of July 2026, making it one of the last international-chain resorts you can still book in Cuba. The harder problem is flights: Sunwing and the major Canadian carriers suspended Cuba service in mid-2026.

How is the food at Blau Varadero?

Variable and Cuba-dependent. Reports range from 'fine for what it is' to genuinely bad experiences with supply shortages, limited buffet options, and food safety issues. Cuban resort food is a known limitation across the entire industry due to supply chain constraints - even the best-rated resorts in Cuba get marked down on food, and the island's 2026 crisis has tightened supply further. Come with low expectations and see it as a bonus if the buffet surprises you.

How does Blau Varadero compare to Royalton Hicacos?

Blau rates higher on aggregated scores (89.0 vs 86.3) and has the ocean view advantage. Royalton Hicacos is a larger, more activity-focused property with livelier entertainment - but it lost its Blue Diamond international management in the mid-2026 chain exodus from Cuba, while Blau remains fully chain-operated with a working booking engine. For travelers who want the reassurance of international management standards in Varadero's adults-only segment, Blau is now the clearer choice.

Is Blau Varadero actually good value?

Historically, exceptionally so for Canadians - recent low seasons saw 5-day all-inclusive packages under $900 CAD including flights. That math changed in mid-2026: Sunwing suspended all Cuba packages indefinitely and Air Canada, Air Transat, and WestJet paused Cuba flights, so the bundled cheap-flight deals are largely gone for now. The resort's own pricing remains modest by adults-only Caribbean standards, but factor in more expensive and complicated flights when comparing against the DR or Mexico.

What should Americans know before booking Blau Varadero?

Cuba travel restrictions for Americans remain in effect and pure tourism to Cuba is prohibited under US law. And as of June 2026, the card problem is universal: Visa and Mastercard are rejected island-wide, so every traveler - American or not - must bring cash for the entire trip. This resort is primarily marketed toward and booked by Canadians and Europeans. Americans interested in Cuba should review current regulations carefully before making any plans.

What's nearby

Varadero Beach
4 min drive · 1.9 mi
Cárdenas
35 min drive · 18 mi
Cueva de Ambrosio
4 min drive · 2.2 mi
Mansión Xanadú
7 min drive · 3.6 mi
Cueva de Saturno
35 min drive · 21 mi

More things to do (23)

Catamaran trip to Cayo Blanco · excursion11 min walk · 0.6 mi
Matanzas · town50 min drive · 31 mi
Marina Chapelín · marina11 min walk · 0.6 mi
Varahicacos Ecological Reserve · nature3 min drive · 1.5 mi
Marina Gaviota Varadero · marina8 min drive · 3.7 mi
Museo de Varadero · museum11 min drive · 6.1 mi
Varadero Golf Club · golf11 min drive · 3.9 mi
Parque Josone · nature12 min drive · 6.3 mi
Marina Dársena de Varadero · marina20 min drive · 9.5 mi
Varadero Skydiving Centre · adventure park20 min drive · 10 mi
Varadero West Beach · beach25 min drive · 11 mi
Museo Oscar María de Rojas, Cárdenas · museum35 min drive · 18 mi
Museo Batalla de Ideas, Cárdenas · museum35 min drive · 18 mi
Playa Coral · beach35 min drive · 20 mi
Museo Central Azucarero José Smith Comas · museum40 min drive · 24 mi
Museo Memorial El Morrillo · historic site45 min drive · 26 mi
Teatro Sauto · historic site50 min drive · 31 mi
Museo Farmacéutico, Matanzas · museum50 min drive · 31 mi
Cuevas de Bellamar · nature55 min drive · 29 mi
Ermita de Monserrate · viewpoint55 min drive · 32 mi
Yumurí Valley viewpoint · viewpoint55 min drive · 32 mi
Castillo de San Severino (Slave Route Museum) · historic site55 min drive · 33 mi
Yumurí Valley viewpoint · viewpoint60 min drive · 35 mi

Amenities

Beach

Style & Rooms

Atmosphere

Bay ViewGreat View

Seaweed & sargassum

Varadero gets sargassum, typically worst May through August, in heavy bloom years.See the month-by-month guide →

Every all-inclusive in Varadero →

Google Reviews★ 4.6 · 4,274 reviews

jonathan b.

2 weeks ago

“The Blau is on the older side as far as hotels go un Varadero, 20 years this year. But it is surprisingly well maintained, clean and very pleasant. The beach is absolutely fantastic, the pool is perfect, and the food! There is abundance at the Blau....”

an K.

a month ago

“Very beautiful and fun resort for adults. Lots of activities from recreation staff. Food was better then expected. There is no chocolate in any of the dessert so take your own. Service was great. Elevator are slow sometime. Wife looses connection...”

Angel R.

2 months ago

“The overall experience was excellent. The service in general the best I have ever experienced in Cuba. Mainly from the restaurant attendants ,bartenders and beach staff. The entertainment group was excellent as well. Hotel in general is kept very...”