
Starfish Cayo Guillermo
Family-friendly resort in Cayo Guillermo.
Amenities
Traveler Insights(175 discussions)
Starfish Cayo Guillermo sits at the far tip of Cayo Guillermo, a causeway-connected cay off Cuba's north coast that remains almost entirely unknown outside of dedicated Cuba travel circles. That obscurity is the point. The beach here - wide, shallow, calm, and washed by water in shades of turquoise that look like a screensaver - is what every traveler who visits remembers most. Because the water is so shallow and so calm, guests who have never felt comfortable swimming in the ocean find themselves wading out a hundred meters and still only waist-deep. It is a genuinely rare beach experience, and guests who have been to better-known Cuban beaches consistently rank Cayo Guillermo above them.
The staff at Starfish Cayo Guillermo are the property's second defining feature. In a country where resort hospitality can feel rote, guests describe the team here as authentically warm - the general manager is present and accessible, the beach attendants learn names quickly, and the overall culture is one of genuine care rather than performed service. Dining is the honest limitation: the all-inclusive buffet is adequate but not exciting, variety is constrained by Cuban supply realities, and guests spending more than five nights will feel the repetition. The gala dinners are a highlight precisely because they break that pattern.
Starfish Cayo Guillermo is best for travelers who have a specific interest in Cuba, who can embrace a genuinely off-grid experience, and for whom an extraordinary beach with warm service outweighs dining variety and entertainment programming. Families who want calm ocean water for children, kitesurfers who want access to one of the Caribbean's best wind-sport locations, and couples seeking a completely undiscovered Caribbean alternative will all find this property delivers. It is not the right choice for anyone who needs reliable internet, nightlife, or the polished infrastructure of a Mexican or Dominican all-inclusive.
Pros
- +Cayo Guillermo's beach is routinely cited as one of the most beautiful in the world - shallow, calm, impossibly blue water extending far from shore
- +Staff are frequently described as the warmest and most genuine in Cuba, with a sense of personal investment in guests' enjoyment that stands out
- +The resort's remote location on the tip of the cay means no outside traffic, no vendors, and no noise beyond the ocean and the birds
- +Kitesurfing access at the International Kite Center on Cayo Guillermo is a rare specialty draw for wind sports enthusiasts
- +All-inclusive plan covers food, drinks, activities, and non-motorized water sports around the clock without nickel-and-diming guests
- +Shallow, calm, warm water ideal for families and non-swimmers who want to actually enjoy the ocean rather than just look at it
- +General manager Sabine is specifically praised by name in guest reviews for being present, engaged, and responsive to any concerns
- +Gala dinners and special evening events are highlighted as standout dining experiences that break up the standard buffet routine
Cons
- −Food variety is limited and repetitive after a few days, a reality tied to Cuba's supply chain constraints rather than the resort itself
- −The resort is extremely remote - there is nowhere to go outside the property, and the nearest town requires a long transfer
- −Signs of deferred maintenance are visible in some areas; the resort was closed for several years and not everything has been fully restored
- −Bar stock can run short mid-stay, with certain beers, spirits, or mixers becoming unavailable without notice
- −No-see-ums (biting midges) are present near the natural marsh environment, especially at dusk, and can be a serious nuisance without repellent
- −The beach, while beautiful, is very natural and shells underfoot in the shallows can be uncomfortable for barefoot wading
- −Internet connectivity is extremely limited given Cuba's infrastructure - guests should plan to disconnect fully
- −Entertainment options in the evenings are modest and on-property activities are limited compared to larger Cuban all-inclusives
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Our stay in paradise was exceptional thanks to the excellent service at this all-inclusive southern hotel. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by courteous and attentive staff, always ready to meet our needs with a smile. The room ser...”
“I recently stayed at this amazing resort and had an incredible experience. The location is stunning, with beautiful views and easy access to the beach. Enrique was super nice and amazing; he went above and beyond to be helpful, making my stay much ea...”
“Starfish Guillermo was an exceptional experience with great customer service. The workers are sooo friendly and down to earth. The food was good was so much variety to choose from. Enrique from customer service made our stay worthwhile by going abov...”