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Rio de Luna y Mares

Guardalavaca, Cuba
4.4(1,695 reviews)
FamilyBrand: Melia

Reopening Date & Status

Rio de Luna y Mares is temporarily closed — Temporarily Closed (Cuba energy crisis) - no reopening date announced.

Email me when it reopens

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Rio de Luna y Mares is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Guardalavaca, Cuba with 464 rooms. Amenities include Babysitting, Beach, Buffet Dining, Diving and Fishing. Travelers rate it 4.4/5 across 1,695 Google reviews.

Things to Know

  • Formerly Sol Rio de Luna y Mares
What travelers said before it closed

Traveler Insights

Pros

  • +The beach is regularly described as one of the most beautiful in all of Cuba — soft white sand, turquoise sea, mature shade trees, and rarely crowded
  • +The resort divides into two sections: the quieter Luna side and the more active Mares side, allowing guests to self-select their preferred atmosphere
  • +Cuban staff warmth is the defining guest experience hallmark — described as genuinely among the friendliest and most personable resort staff in the Caribbean
  • +Seven restaurants offer genuine dining variety for a Cuban resort, with a la carte options going well beyond the standard buffet-dominated all-inclusive

Cons

  • −Cuba's structural food supply challenges mean that menu items may not always be available and variety can be limited regardless of the resort's quality
  • −Hot water reliability is inconsistent — some guests report periods without reliable hot water that affect shower quality
  • −The resort is in Guardalavaca, a remote area of Holguin province — logistics involve multiple flight connections or a domestic Cuba flight
  • −US citizens currently face legal travel restrictions to Cuba — American travelers must verify current US government rules before booking

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares at Guardalavaca earns its status as one of Cuba's most popular all-inclusive resorts through a combination of exceptional beach quality and the warmth of its Cuban staff — two attributes that reviews emphasize above all else. The beach is stunning even by Caribbean standards: wide, long, soft white sand with mature trees providing natural shade and calm turquoise water. The staff's genuine hospitality, described as among the most authentic and warm in any Caribbean destination, creates memorable connections that drive the resort's remarkably loyal return visitor base.

The practical Cuba caveat applies here as it does to all Cuban resort travel — supply chain realities mean what's on the menu may not always be available, infrastructure operates differently than in Mexico or Jamaica, and internet access is a real limitation. These are characteristics of Cuba as a destination rather than the resort's individual failings, and guests who understand and accept Cuban resort travel conditions consistently rate Sol Rio de Luna y Mares very highly. The dual-personality layout between the quieter Luna and more active Mares sections is a thoughtful design that lets different travel styles coexist on the same property.

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares is ideal for experienced Caribbean travelers seeking authentic Cuban culture, exceptional beach quality, and genuine local hospitality within an all-inclusive framework. It competes with Iberostar Bella Costa and Meliá Rio de Oro as the top properties in Guardalavaca. US citizens must verify current legal travel status before booking. For non-US travelers, particularly Canadians and Europeans who make up the bulk of Cuban all-inclusive visitors, this resort consistently ranks as one of Cuba's very best beach experiences.

Common Questions

Can Americans travel to Sol Rio de Luna y Mares in Cuba?
US citizens face legal restrictions on travel to Cuba under US law and must travel under an authorized category rather than for pure tourism. The legal and practical situation can change with US government policy — always verify current State Department guidance and legal requirements before booking Cuba travel as an American citizen. Non-US citizens face no similar restrictions.
What is the difference between the Luna and Mares sections of the resort?
The resort is divided into two distinct sections. The Luna section is quieter and more tranquil, suited to couples and guests who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. The Mares section has more activity and energy with more direct access to entertainment programming. Guests can use amenities across both sections, so the choice affects your room location and immediate environment rather than access to any specific facilities.
How do you get to Guardalavaca from major international airports?
Guardalavaca is accessible via Holguin's Frank País Airport (HOG), which receives charter flights from Canada and Europe during peak season. From Havana, travelers can take a domestic flight or multi-hour road transfer to Holguin. The Holguin airport is approximately 60 minutes from Guardalavaca. Most package tourists from Canada and Europe arrive on direct charter flights to HOG — this is the most practical access route.
Is Wi-Fi available at Sol Rio de Luna y Mares?
Wi-Fi is available at the resort but operates under Cuba's national internet infrastructure, which is slower, more limited, and more expensive than what travelers expect elsewhere. Internet cards must be purchased separately and connectivity can be unreliable. Guests who need consistent reliable internet access should treat Cuban resorts as near-disconnected experiences and plan data needs accordingly.
How does food quality at Sol Rio de Luna y Mares compare to Mexican and Caribbean all-inclusives?
Cuban resorts operate under different food supply conditions than Mexican or Dominican Republic all-inclusives and direct comparisons aren't entirely fair. Sol Rio de Luna y Mares is considered among Cuba's best resorts for food variety and quality, with seven restaurants and genuine a la carte options. By Mexican standards the variety would be seen as limited; by Cuban standards it's exceptional. Guests who arrive expecting Mexican all-inclusive food variety will be disappointed, while guests who appreciate genuine Cuban cuisine will be pleasantly surprised.

What's nearby

  • Playa Esmeralda
    Playa Esmeralda
    3 min walk · 0.1 mi
  • Bahía de Naranjo Natural Park (Cayo Naranjo Aquarium)
    Bahía de Naranjo Natural Park (Cayo Naranjo Aquarium)
    4 min drive · 0.8 mi
  • Guardalavaca Beach
    Guardalavaca Beach
    10 min drive · 4.9 mi
  • Bariay National Monument Park (Columbus landing site)
    Bariay National Monument Park (Columbus landing site)
    35 min drive · 19 mi
More things to do (10)
  • Chorro de Maíta Museum and Taíno Village · ruins20 min drive · 7.0 mi
  • Playa Pesquero · beach20 min drive · 9.4 mi
  • Marina Boca de Samá · marina20 min drive · 9.6 mi
  • Boca de Samá · town25 min drive · 11 mi
  • Playa Blanca, Bariay · beach35 min drive · 18 mi
  • Playa Don Lino · beach35 min drive · 18 mi
  • Banes · town55 min drive · 25 mi
  • Museo Indocubano Baní, Banes · museum55 min drive · 25 mi
  • Holguín · town55 min drive · 35 mi
  • Loma de la Cruz, Holguín · viewpoint60 min drive · 37 mi

Amenities

Known for Great Food
Fishing
Babysitting
Nightclub
Diving
Tennis
Kids Club
Swim-Up Bar
Show 6 more amenities
Snorkeling
Nightly Entertainment
Buffet Dining
Spa
Gym
Beach

Style & Rooms

Atmosphere

QuietFamily

Room upgrades

Family Suite

Google Reviews★ 4.4 · 1,695 reviews

Sabrina P.
2 weeks ago

“Spent a week at this resort, and it was wonderful. Great beach, very private (only 2 resorts have access) with clear water. Did beach yoga every morning (special shout out to my amazing instructors Geidy and Carlos!!). The entertainment team was very...”

Katie L.
3 weeks ago

“Just got back from the Sol Rio. This was my husband and I’s 2nd trip there. We had a beautiful oceanview room and we enjoyed the beautiful beach. The food was good, I loved the pumpkin, Yuca and the beef brisket. The only thing they were lacking is f...”

Ela N.
3 months ago

“Another Incredible Stay at Sol Río Luna y Mares, Holguín, Cuba! This was my third time returning to Sol Río Luna y Mares, and it truly never disappoints. From the moment I arrived, the amazing vibes, superb weather, and the breathtaking beauty of Pl...”