Guardalavaca, Paradisus Rio De Oro

This really is a 5* resort in my view. The second week of our holiday the louder sort of holiday makers arrived, but it's far too hot for them to become too roudy (grin). I don't think they can get round the damp smell in the rooms as I think this is due to the high humidity of the island, however, do get yourself a good stock of your favourite incense burners and the room takes on a really healthy smell after about 2 days. (sandlewood was good).

Take and wear as much insect repellent as you can, and also some spray for your room - the maids leave the doors open when they are cleaning so that is when the blighters get in.

Do not leave designer T shirts in your room - some of our party had them removed by an unknown person.

If you want to be really kind - take some old childrens clothes, sanitary wear, soaps and smellies as these are sought after items in Cuba.

Other than that, its a fantastic place to stay and will certainly be returning!

We were very disappointed when it was time to leave the Paradisus Rio De Oro in Guardalavaca, Cuba. We spent 15 nights there, and we would have happily stayed on. It's not total luxury. The rooms are adequate, but not much more. But this place has the most relaxed feel. The food in the four a la carte restaurants is great - half lobsters etc., and the food in the main buffet restaurant is also good fare - lots of choice, huge prawns and fresh fish cooked in front of you. The sweet section is too tempting! We didn't really pay much attention to the entertainment, but they are very professionally put on cabarets if you like that sort of thing. The pool area did get a bit noisy with the mix of ages on wedding parties, but we are beach people, so it was no problem for us, especially the second beach, which we had to ourselves at times!

We came back very, very chilled, and we may, for the first time ever, be tempted to return to somewhere I have already stayed.