Meliá Jardines Del Rey
Family-friendly resort in Cayo Coco.
Amenities
Traveler Insights(230 discussions)
Melia Jardines del Rey represents the premium tier of Cuban all-inclusive travel on one of Cuba's genuinely spectacular beach destinations. Cayo Coco and the surrounding Jardines del Rey archipelago have the kind of coral-white sand and shallow turquoise water that travel magazines put on covers, and the Melia brand's operational investment means you experience it with better food, more reliable service, and cleaner facilities than Cuba's state-run alternatives. For Canadian and European travelers specifically, this is a well-known and well-regarded Cuba option.
The Cuba-specific limitations apply here as throughout the island: food supply unpredictability, internet restrictions, limited off-resort options, and the general infrastructure gap compared to Dominican Republic or Mexican alternatives. Travelers who've done Caribbean all-inclusives in the standard markets and want something genuinely different will find Cayo Coco's isolation and natural beauty rewarding. Travelers who want predictable food quality and resort infrastructure consistency should look elsewhere.
Melia Jardines del Rey is right for Canadian and European travelers who specifically want Cuba's best beaches in the Cayo Coco/Guillermo corridor, couples seeking a destination that feels genuinely off the beaten path compared to Cancun and Punta Cana, and travelers who've already done mainstream Caribbean destinations and want to experience Cuba before the political and commercial landscape changes further. American travelers face OFAC restrictions that complicate this booking.
Pros
- +Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are among Cuba's most pristine beach destinations - the coral sand beaches and turquoise shallows rival anything in the Caribbean
- +Melia brand delivers a significantly higher quality operation than Cuba's state-run resorts, with genuine investment in service training and food quality
- +The Jardines del Rey causeway approach through flamingo-inhabited flats is a spectacular arrival experience unique to this part of Cuba
- +Adults-only option within the Melia portfolio makes it viable for couples wanting the Cuba beach experience without families
- +Large resort scale means more restaurant variety and activity options than smaller Cuban properties
- +The surrounding Jardines del Rey archipelago has excellent snorkeling and diving accessible via organized excursions
- +Cayo Coco's relative isolation means less tourist-corridor crowding than Varadero - a more exclusive-feeling beach destination
- +Melia's operational standards ensure cleaner facilities, more reliable food safety, and better-maintained rooms than the average Cuban all-inclusive
Cons
- −Cuba's supply chain limitations affect food availability even at Melia properties - ingredient shortages and simplified menus are a real risk
- −Getting to Cayo Coco requires flying into Jardines del Rey Airport (CCC) which has limited international connections - charter flights from Canadian cities are the primary access
- −Internet access is limited, expensive, and unreliable as with all Cuban resort destinations
- −US citizens face OFAC restrictions on travel to Cuba that require specific authorized travel categories and specialized booking
- −The causeway location means limited off-resort options - Cayo Coco's tourism infrastructure is minimal beyond the resort corridor
- −Currency exchange complexities and limited ATM reliability in Cuba create financial management challenges
- −Medical evacuation options are significantly limited compared to Caribbean destinations with robust international tourism
- −Some Travelers report notable service inconsistency based on tipping patterns - staff prioritize guests who've already shown generosity
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“I dont have the words to say how much I loved my week there! Food was amazing the restaurant and the buffet was always good and service was fast! The staff there is really kind and caring regarding of the guest. The entertainment at the pool was so f...”
“First of All, Big Thanks To Ailyn, She is the best. Just had an amazing stay at Melia! 🌴✨ From the moment we arrived, the service was truly next level. The staff went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. I even forgot my sunglasse...”
“I had the most amazing time at Melia Jardines Del Rey.....the staff is amazing...the entertainment was spectacular and the food is very delicious. I will definitely be returning. We came with wonderful friends who are return guests and they showed u...”