Family-friendly resort in Cayo Largo. Romantic, Charming.
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Traveler Insights(340 discussions)
Memories Cayo Largo makes sense to understand on its own terms: it is not a typical Riviera Maya or Dominican all-inclusive beachfront hotel. It is a resort on a remote Cuban cay accessible only by small aircraft, surrounded by waters that are among the most pristine in the Caribbean, with wildlife encounters and empty beaches that larger-destination resorts simply cannot replicate. Sea turtles nest on nearby beaches. Flamingos and iguanas wander into view. The snorkeling and diving around the cay are genuinely exceptional, and the full-day catamaran excursions with a lobster lunch are one of the better included-optional experiences in Cuban tourism. For travelers who are specifically seeking that kind of natural isolation, Memories Cayo Largo has almost no competition.
The resort infrastructure exists to support the island experience rather than compete with it. Dining gets mixed reviews with a meaningful split between guests who find the buffet solid by Cuban standards and those who arrived expecting something more. The rooms are basic and aging, a recurring theme across Cuban beach resorts regardless of brand. Memories replaced the former Sol Cayo Largo, and veteran Cuba visitors frequently note the Sol had better food quality and more consistent service - an honest expectation-setter worth knowing before you book. Supply shortages, slow internet, and limited alternatives when things go wrong are all part of the Cuba travel reality that applies here in magnified form because the island offers literally no workarounds.
This resort is ideal for nature-oriented travelers, families with older children who will appreciate wildlife and water activities, and couples looking for a genuinely off-the-grid Caribbean experience. It is not the right choice for guests who need resort variety, reliable connectivity, or a polished luxury finish. Budget-wise it sits in the mid-range of Cuban all-inclusives, but factor in the supplemental flights and optional excursions when planning total cost.
Pros
- +Cayo Largo del Sur itself is the main event - an isolated cay with some of Cuba's most pristine white sand beaches and calm, clear shallow water
- +Exceptional full-day catamaran excursions with fishing, snorkeling, and a lobster lunch included make for a genuinely memorable day-trip for a reasonable supplement
- +Sea turtle nesting beaches within easy reach of the resort - a nature encounter that guests consistently call one of the best experiences of the trip
- +The small, remote island setting means no cruise ship crowds, no day-trippers, and a quieter, more natural environment than Varadero or Cayo Coco
- +Kids Club gives families with children genuine supervised programming while parents have meaningful time to decompress on the beach
- +Nightly entertainment draws consistently positive reviews for effort and variety - Cuban music, dance shows, and themed nights that feel authentic rather than generic
- +Gym is functional for an island resort and gets positive mentions from guests who want to maintain a routine during longer stays
- +The buffet dining has drawn real praise from travelers who come with appropriate Cuba expectations - variety and freshness are above average for the destination
Cons
- −Cayo Largo is accessible only by a short charter flight from Havana or Varadero - this adds both cost and planning complexity compared to mainland Cuba resorts
- −Supply shortages are the most common complaint: beer, bottled water, towels, and specific food items have all been reported as intermittently unavailable
- −The beach in front of the main resort has eroded noticeably, and some travelers report the sand and waterfront do not match the resort's promotional materials
- −Rooms are basic and showing their age, with dated furnishings and bathrooms that do not match what guests expect from a resort marketed at this price point
- −Being marooned on a small island means zero options for off-resort dining or activity variety beyond what the resort itself organizes
- −Internet and connectivity are minimal even by Cuba standards - guests heading to Cayo Largo should plan to be fully disconnected
- −Reviews are split on whether the current Memories management represents an improvement or a downgrade from the previous Sol (Melia) operation - many veteran Cuba travelers lean toward the latter
- −Excursion pricing can add meaningfully to the all-inclusive cost, particularly for families who want to do multiple boat trips or rented vehicles during the week
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Google Reviews
“Paradise on earth. What a fantastic experience staying at Memories Cayo Largo! The rooms are welcoming and spacious with most having a balcony. The pools are well maintained and clean as well as the hotel’s landscape. But the staff is what made my st...”
“Memories Cayo Largo — Review (Aug 27 – Sep 3, 2025) 1. Location & Surroundings The hotel has its own beach with multiple access points. After a recent storm, seaweed was present, but it didn’t spoil the scenery. On-site there is a souvenir shop, and...”
“room 0413 may 21-may 28 2025 .. went on my own . room a bit rustic but comfy bed and ac worked very well . plus cleaned daily . food good variety i loved the buffet you can always find something . 2 snack bars one by the sea with a beautiful view and...”