Adults-only resort in Cayo Coco. Romantic, Green.
Atmosphere
Amenities
Traveler Insights(137 discussions)
Meliá Cayo Coco has earned a unique position in Cuba's resort landscape: it's the one property that travelers regulars who've experienced Cuba's shortages and frustrations still recommend without hesitation. The own power grid is the key differentiator - while other Cayo Coco resorts cope with blackouts, Melia runs its own electricity, which means the food stays cold, the AC works, and the lighting stays on when the national grid fails. Recent guests have specifically noted no shortages while travelers at neighboring properties reported butter running out for days and limited alcohol options.
The beach at Cayo Coco is the real argument for choosing Cuba over Mexico or the Dominican Republic for beach-focused travelers. The water is pristine and turquoise, the sand is white and fine, and the remoteness of the cayo means far fewer people sharing it than you'd find at Varadero or any Mexican resort strip. Multiple guests describe it as the best beach they've seen in the Caribbean. The isolation that limits excursion options also keeps the peace and quiet intact.
Melia Cayo Coco works best for travelers who have a specific reason to be in Cuba - budget constraints from Canadian flight pricing, an affection for Cuban culture, or repeat visitors who know what they're getting and value the beach above all else. For first-timers trying to decide between Cuba and Mexico, the honest answer is that Melia Cayo Coco is the best Cuba has to offer, but Mexico's best properties offer more food variety, better entertainment, and comparable beaches for similar or slightly higher prices.
Pros
- +Highest user-rated resort in all of Cuba - consistently tops every aggregated ranking with the top user rating in the country
- +Own power grid means significantly fewer blackout incidents than other Cuban resorts - a critical advantage given Cuba's electricity situation
- +No shortage reports from recent guests - multiple travelers specifically note 'no shortages at this resort' while other Cayo Coco properties struggled
- +Beach is described as spectacular - fine white sand, clear turquoise water, calm conditions that rival the Caribbean's best beaches
- +Adults-only atmosphere attracts a quiet, relaxed crowd - Cayo Coco's geography isolates it from mass tourism bustle
- +Clean to an exceptional degree - 'cleanest resort they have ever been to' according to one parent who's done both Mexico and Cuba
- +Repeat visitor rates unusually high - many guests are on their 3rd, 4th, or 5th visit specifically to Melia Cayo Coco
- +Staff quality consistently praised as among Cuba's best - warm, attentive, and clearly proud of their property
Cons
- −Cuba's supply chain realities still apply - alcohol variety is limited (no vodka on one visit, limited mixers) and food variety is below Mexico/DR norms
- −Remote location requires a causeway drive and is more isolated than Varadero - fewer off-resort excursion options
- −Sand fleas / mosquitoes cited in multiple Cayo Coco threads - bring DEET-strength repellent as these are noticeably worse than Varadero
- −Limited drink selection at bars - Cola variants and fruit punch rather than full cocktail menus reported on at least one recent visit
- −Food is 'ok' by Cuban standards but still limited variety and subject to supply availability
- −Cuba's broader political and economic situation means conditions can deteriorate unpredictably between bookings
- −Higher price than many competing Cuban resorts given its top-tier reputation
- −Nightlife entertainment is limited compared to Varadero or Mexican resort entertainment calendars
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“This was our 14th visit to the Melia Cayo Coco and it has been the best. We stayed for three weeks and were given an upgrade on arrival - a room with a sea view overlooking the Ranchon. The management team and reception staff are great and were very...”
“Really pleased with this resort. Clean rooms and resort, good food - three restaurants, buffet, snack bar. Always something delicious to choose from. Coffee in the morning is exceptional - any kind you want. Just loved the lady who usually made t...”
“Our stay at Melia Cayo Coco was awesome! The staff are very friendly, kind, and accommodating. The staff is able to make quick rapports with the guests to elevate their stay and add additional fun to games on the beach and by the pool. The evening sp...”