Grand Aston Cayo Paredón Beach Resort
Family-friendly resort in Cayo Coco. Ocean View, Mid-Range.
Things to Know
Atmosphere
Amenities
Traveler Insights(290 discussions)
Grand Aston Cayo Paredon is the most interesting new resort development in Cuba in years, and it opened in late 2022 to genuine excitement from travelers who follow the island's hospitality market. The location is a genuinely pristine stretch of the Jardines del Rey archipelago - the same chain of coral keys that includes the more established Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, but quieter and more remote. The beach here is the best on the key by most accounts: the sand is strikingly fine and white, the water is extraordinarily calm and clear, and the absence of crowds makes it feel like a private beach even when the resort is full. The new construction quality is a specific advantage in a Cuban market where aging infrastructure at other resorts creates recurring frustrations.
The dining setup is the resort's strongest differentiator within Cuba. Seven à la carte restaurants covering an unusually wide range of cuisines give guests real choice across a week-long stay, and the Club section's dedicated service and facilities elevate the experience further. The main buffet draws more criticism, with guests noting that the flavors can feel uninspired - a common theme across Cuban all-inclusives tied to supply chain realities rather than kitchen skill. Staff across the board are described as warm, attentive, and genuinely hospitable, which matters in Cuba where the service culture in tourism is a point of national pride.
Grand Aston Cayo Paredon is the right choice for beach-focused travelers who want the most pristine Cuban coastal setting available today, with modern infrastructure to back it up. It is emphatically not the right choice for travelers who want to experience Cuban culture, history, or urban life - the resort is 30 minutes from the nearest airport and functionally isolated. Compare it to the neighboring Melia resorts on Cayo Coco and it wins on beach quality, modernity, and dining variety; compare it to Havana-adjacent properties and those win on cultural access. Know what you're paying for.
Pros
- +Some of the finest beach in Cuba - guests consistently describe Cayo Paredon's sand as ultra-fine, white, and powder-soft, with water that's described as 'calm as a swimming pool'
- +Brand new construction (opened November 2022) means everything from rooms to plumbing to air conditioning actually works as intended - a genuine differentiator in Cuba
- +Seven à la carte restaurants including Brazilian steakhouse, Cuban seafood, Italian, Pan-Asian, tapas, Tex-Mex, and healthy/vegetarian - exceptional dining diversity for Cuba
- +Club section offers an elevated experience with dedicated pools, upgraded service, and concierge staff who travelers describe as 'courteous, friendly, and professional'
- +Swim-up bar and large main pools create a social atmosphere that guests enjoy - the pool area is designed for lingering, not just laps
- +Free Wi-Fi and modern room amenities that feel genuinely comparable to international 5-star standards, which stands out sharply in the Cuban market
- +Kids Club and babysitting services make this one of the more family-capable resorts in the Cayo region, which is dominated by couples-focused properties
- +Nightly entertainment program with live music and performance-style shows that tap into Cuba's genuine cultural depth in music and dance
Cons
- −The remote Cayo Paredon location means there is absolutely nothing to do outside the resort - no village, no shops, no independent restaurants within reach by foot or short taxi
- −Food quality in the main buffet draws complaints - guests report bland flavors and limited variety that doesn't match the quality of the à la carte options
- −Cuba's supply chain constraints mean that specific dishes, drinks, or amenities can be unavailable at any time without notice - this is a structural Cuba issue, not specific to this resort
- −Getting here requires a 30-minute drive from the nearest airport (Cayo Coco), and Cayo Paredon itself is a newly developed causeway island still far from any urban infrastructure
- −Limited excursion options given the remote location - guests looking for cultural immersion in historic Cuban cities will need to budget for long drives or arrange tours in advance
- −The resort is large at 635 rooms, which means it can feel impersonal despite the new construction quality - the scale works against the intimate experience some travelers want
- −Tennis courts and beach sports facilities are present but staffing and equipment availability can be inconsistent - guests report showing up to activities that aren't functioning as described
- −Currency and payment logistics in Cuba remain complicated for international visitors, particularly Americans - bring sufficient cash in accepted currencies and manage expectations around card access
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“6th time!!! This is my 6th time at the resort so far wonderful like always. I just want to mention the hard work of a few people that makes my stay better. 1st I have Yoelbi the Lobby Loco. The best one at the lobby and the one that recommended this...”
“I had a wonderful stay at the Grand Aston Paredón, a modern and beautiful beachfront resort in Cuba. The rooms are clean, stylish, and comfortable—our Deluxe Ocean Room had stunning views. The food throughout the resort exceeded expectations, and the...”
“I just got back and I want to highlight how wonderful the staff was. Honestly, it’s the first time in 6 years that I travel to Cuba and find a team so friendly, warm, and attentive. Every day they made us feel good, and every night it was a party wi...”