Cuba Resorts with Baby Clubs

Cuba Resorts with Baby Clubs, Resorts in Cuba with Baby Clubs

As a Canadian I feel fortunate to be able to easily visit Cuba for family vacations. And I often tout Cuba as a fabulous destination with kids. However, I will grant that there are a few shortcomings when it comes to amenities that we take for granted at other places. 

But there is no disputing Cuba‘s family-and baby-friendliness. And there are quite a few Cuba resorts with baby clubs throughout the island.

Resorts with Baby Clubs, Not Just Babysitting…

Most hotels offer babysitting services at an additional cost for children of all ages. But the bonus of a baby club means you can often just pop by for an hour or two when it suits your schedule and/or your baby’s routine.

If your baby is an easy napper, you may want to drop them off at naptime. They’re supervised while they sleep, and you can steal a few moments to yourselves. Or perhaps you’d feel more comfortable letting your baby play in a safe, supervised, and air-conditioned area during awake time so you could hit the beach for a snooze or a snorkel. Either way, if you’re comfortable enough to leave your little one in the care of others, it’s nice to have that option.

Baby Clubs at resorts vary widely in terms of amenities and services available, and also – cost. The baby club at Beaches resorts is included, where Club Med’s Baby Club (at Ixtapa Pacific or elsewhere) is extra – roughly $100 US per day. Both brands offer excellent resorts in beautiful destinations, but are priced significantly higher than comparable vacations in Cuba.

cuba resorts, cuba resorts with baby clubs, resorts with baby clubsCuba Resorts with Baby Clubs…

Information for resorts in Cuba can sometimes seem inconsistent.

I reached out to hotel brands and waded through all the most recent and current information to find the Cuba resorts with baby clubs that will care for infants and toddlers 0-4 years of age.

However, sometimes amenities are scaled back during low season, and sometimes resorts change their services without warning. Please confirm with the resort of your choice that a baby club is still on offer if it will be an important component of your vacation.

See Also:

Cuba Resorts with Baby Clubs: Cayo Coco

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Melia Jardines del Rey, Cayo Coco

Melia Jardines del Rey

Firstly, although you’re a little remote from the rest of Cuba, one of the great things about going to Cayo Coco is how close most resorts are to the airport. Melia Jardines del Rey calls itself a 5-star family paradise. Rooms are in an assortment of bungalows and low-rise buildings throughout the property.

The Cubamigos Children’s Club at the offers a daily activity program for children. There’s an active games gallery (for 4 to 8 year olds), board games, a games room, and another rest room for children  0-4 years of age. In addition, there are children’s bathrooms, a paddling pool just 1 foot/30cm deep, an outdoor play area, and a covered platform with a rest area, slides, rubber seated swings, climbing frame, and a see-saw.

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 4 months to 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
Melia Jardines del Rey at TripAdvisor

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Memories Flamenco Beach Resort, Cayo Coco

Memories Flamenco

The Memories Flamenco is a trusted family favourite in Cayo Coco. Reviews of the resort are almost always decent, and the suites offer plenty of space for privacy. The beach is beautiful, with lots of shade (no need to pack your own baby beach tent) and a previous lack-of-shade issue at the baby pool has been addressed. 

Cayo Coco is an easy trip with a baby, as most of the resorts are very close to the airport. And the nearby public beach, Playa Pilar, is possibly one of the nicest I’ve ever visited. However, there are no Cubans on Cayo Coco – merely hotels. The closest town, Moron, is on the mainland at the other end of a 45-minute drive along the causeway. We felt like movie stars as we walked around there. We were gawked at as there were truly no other tourists.

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 6 months to 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
Memories Flamenco at TripAdvisor

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Sol Cayo Coco, Cuba

Sol Cayo Coco

The Baby Club at Sol Cayo Coco is called Club 4 (for those under 5, natch) and is open daily from 10am to 5pm. This is an easy resort to get around, with not a lot of stairs. The beach has plenty of palapas for shade and there are lots of umbrellas dotted round the pool. The kids’ pool has a large covered area next to it.

The Trip Advisor reviews for Sol Cayo Coco are almost entirely positive, which is almost unheard of (never mind for Cuba!)

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 4 months to 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
Sol Cayo Coco at TripAdvisor

Cuba Resorts with Baby Clubs: Cayo Santa Maria

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Melia Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba

Melia Cayo Santa Maria

A drawback about going to Cayo Santa Maria with a baby is the big bus ride from the Santa Clara airport. But after a snack my guys slept for most of the journey. That’s a bonus for a super-early morning flight, I guess. The Melia Cayo Santa Maria is a newish resort with spacious rooms and an absolutely glorious beach.

The resort is small by Cuba standards–less than 400 rooms–which may be a plus for those who tend to shy away from giant mega-properties.

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 4 months to 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
the Melia Cayo Santa Maria at TripAdvisor

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Melia las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria

Melia Las Dunas

The Melia Las Dunas  is also quite a haul from the Santa Clara airport. We had a bit of a snoop here when we stayed next door at the Sol Cayo Santa Maria (listed below) next door (which we loved).

Melia Las Dunas is advertised as a 5-star, and gets good reviews for both the hotel itself and the baby club (which I peeked at when we walked through to check it out but it wasn’t open when we were there).

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 4 months to 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
Melia Las Dunas at TripAdvisor

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Memories Paraiso, Cayo Santa Maria

Memories Paraiso

Cayo Santa Maria‘s Memories Paraiso is one of the three Memories properties that offers baby clubs. As with the Memories Flamenco in Cayo Coco (listed above), Memories Paraiso is a family-friendly favourite that sees many repeat customers.

The rooms are spacious (mostly Junior Suites) and the gradual slope of the beach is easy for new walkers to navigate. But it is a large resort; it’s great for long stroller walks with resistant nappers. However, that’s maybe less great if your room is way far away from everything.

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 6 months to 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
Memories Paraiso at TripAdvisor

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Paradisus Los Cayos, Cayo Santa Maria

Paradisus Los Cayos

The Paradisus resorts are the fanciest member of the Melia family (Sol being the least-fancy) and their family resorts offer a huge amount of amenities geared towards those with small children.

One of their newer locations, photos of Paradisus Los Cayos look like the trek to Cayo Santa Maria is worth it. In addition, online reviews seem to confirm as well.

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 12 months & up (no eating/feeding in the club until 3)

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
Paradisus Los Cayos at TripAdvisor

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Sol Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba

Sol Cayo Santa Maria

We stayed at the Sol Cayo Santa Maria in November of 2010. We had a wonderful vacation that we paid almost nothing for, but the hotel was in dire need of refurbishment and that included the baby club. The women who ran it were very nice, but the club itself was not air-conditioned, and the collection of outdoor toys and small climbers were all run down and broken. We did not use the baby club, and I would have been disappointed had we counted on using it.

At the time, management promised an extensive renovation, and it looks like they succeeded. Recent photos of the resort look beautiful and the reviews seem to reflect that as well.

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 4 months to 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
Sol Cayo Santa Maria at TripAdvisor

Cuba Resorts with Baby Clubs: Holguin

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Playa Pesquero Resort, Holguin

Playa Pesquero

I have heard only rave reviews of Playa Pesquero and the baby club. It is listed as a 4-star hotel, and apparently is the largest resort in Cuba.

And according to online reviews, the villas are THE best room options.

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 24 months to 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
Playa Pesquero at TripAdvisor

Cuba Resorts with Baby Clubs: Varadero

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Melia Marina Varadero, Cuba

Melia Marina Varadero

The Melia Marina Varadero is located next to the Punta Hicacos Ecological Park. Probably the biggest complaint for this resort is it being a tad mosquito-y.

However, it’s a bit further from Varadero airport than most Varadero resorts.

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 4 months to 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say
the Melia Marina Varadero at TripAdvisor

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Melia Peninsula Varadero, Cuba

Melia Peninsula Varadero

I have several friends who swear by the Melia Peninsula Varadero as an excellent choice for those traveling with babies and toddlers, and that includes the service and amenities at the baby club.

Though it’s listed as a 4-star, the online reviews are mixed at best. However, you always need to take those with a grain of salt if they’re not vetted beforehand.

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 4 months to 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
the Melia Peninsula Varadero at TripAdvisor

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Memories Varadero Beach Resort, Cuba

Memories Varadero

The Memories Varadero resort is listed as a 4+ star, has a beautiful stretch of beach and is one of the few resorts in Cuba to have a water slide. Since it is a large resort, that can be good or bad… Good for long stroller walks, bad for tired little legs heading for dinner.

Reviews seem to be mostly positive. And it really seems that the Memories brand is living up to its family-friendly hype! We absolutely LOVED our stay at Memories Holguin.

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 6 months to 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
Memories Varadero at TripAdvisor

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Paradisus Varadero, Cuba

Paradisus Varadero

The Paradisus Varadero is one of the very first 5-Star resorts in Cuba, and though we know we need to temper our expectations regarding star ratings and Cuba, this resort consistently receives very positive reviews from all who stay.

And, most guests seem very satisfied with the quality and care received at the baby club. And the resort looks absolutely beautiful.

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 12 months & up (no eating/feeding in the club until 3)

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
Paradisus Varadero at TripAdvisor

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Sol Sirenas Coral, Varadero

Sol Sirenas Coral

This is a friendly and casual resort in Varadero with lots of repeat guests who appreciate the laid-back vibe.

Sol Sirenal Coral‘s Club Cubamigos offers a daily activity program for children, a special area for families with a kids’ pool (with paddling pool area), the baby club (for children aged 1-4), a mini club (for children 5-12), and mini disco in the evening. Lastly, there is also an electronic games room and inflatable slide.

Baby Club Basics:

  • Cost: Included
  • Age: 4 months to 4 years

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about
Sol Sirenis Coral at TripAdvisor

I’ve been to Cuba seven times with my family, and our very first family vacation was to Varadero. It is true that the star ranking differs from other Caribbean destinations. But it truly is a wonderful place for a holiday in the sun with your baby. In other words, if you’re thinking about a family vacation to Cuba you won’t find a more affordable or safer choice.

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56 Responses to Cuba Resorts with Baby Clubs

  1. Jill at #

    Hello

    Great website with alot of information. We are travelling with our daughter 20 months and thinking of Melia las Dunes. We are travelling at night so the long ride i’m hoping will not be a problem. i love the fact they have a pizzeria not only for her but for me :-).

    Im looking for a clean room, nice beach and and good kids entertainment

    Liek to hear from you

    Thanks Jill

    • Corinne at #

      Have definitely heard great things about this property – would love to know what you think of it!

  2. Marina at #

    Hi there,
    I’m thinking to go to Playa Cayo Santa Maria…in Cuba,my son 5 yrs, what do you think? Could you advice the best one for you please 🙂 Tks!

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Marina!
      I know two families who’ve stayed at Playa Cayo Santa Maria, and they both loved it. I haven’t been there personally, so I’m afraid I can’t offer any more information than that!

      • Tae at #

        Looking for an all inclusive resort for myself and my 12 month old daughter… hoping to have a couple of hours to myself in the day or evening.. no more than 1200.. where do you recommend

    • Donna at #

      Hi Marina,

      My family wants to go to Playa Cayo Santa Maria this summer with my 20 month old (at the time we travel). Did you go there and what were your thoughts?
      Thanks!!

      • Corinne at #

        Hi Donna! I’m not sure if Marina can see your message, but I have friends who went to that resort last year and absolutely loved it. Their youngest was a bit older, though, in case you were looking for infant- or toddler-specific info. Let us know how your trip goes!

  3. Joy at #

    hi Corinne,
    we will be travelleing to cuba in october with an 8 month old :0) for a 2 weeks holiday!! can you help me choose a resort please…
    thanks

  4. Roger at #

    Hi All,

    We frequent Playa Pesquero in Holguin Cuba with our son who has been there at 5 months, 7 months 12 months and 16 months. He has participated in the free daily baby club during all our visits. The staff are great and have played, fed and changed him on a regular basis. They also offer evening babysitting at a very cheap rate…remember to tip!

    • Corinne at #

      Thanks for the great info, Roger! I know many people are curious about that resort.

  5. Nia at #

    Hello
    We have a 20 month old and are looking for a transat all inclusive in the carribean.
    Any suggestions would be nice!

  6. Mary at #

    Hi! This is a fantastic site, thank you for all your information.

    We are looking at going to Memories Flamenco soon and I was wondering about the baby club. I have a 16 month old and have never left him at a baby club before so I’m a little nervous. I’ve read good things about this place, so we may consider it so hubby and I can have some time to ourselves for an hour here and there.

    Do you tip people in the baby club? or just for babysitting?

    Thanks!
    Mary

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Mary!

      I’m not sure if Memories Resorts have a company-wide ban on tipping (like Beaches/Sandals do) but if they don’t, I would certainly tip! Have a great trip and please get in touch when you get back, we love to hear about your experience!

  7. Lindsay at #

    Hi there –
    Planning on heading to a friend’s destination wedding at the end of November this year. In Varadero at the Ocean Varadero. Wondering if you’ve heard anything about it? We’re travelling from Western Canada and want to be sure it’ll be worth it for us to bring our daughter with us, who will be 18 months by the time the trip would roll around.
    Thanks! You’re website has been very useful and informative thus far.

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Lindsay!

      I say go for it. So long as your friend is cool with having your baby attend the wedding, I think you will have a wonderful vacation with your friends and family.

  8. Sana at #

    hi there,
    Looking at travelling to Cuba with a 10 month old and a 4 and half year old. Any recommendations?

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Sana!
      It really depends on your budget and your expectations. If it’s your first time to Cuba, I really recommend Varadero. It’s the most built up and has the biggest tourist infrastructure.

  9. Nancy at #

    Hi,
    My husband and I are traveling to Cuba in 3 weeks to see family. Our son will turn 1 year old when we are ther, so I am less inclined to roughing it like we used to do. We need a place with air-conditioner in the room, cribs upon request, and hopefully a baby club or baby-sitter available. I am having trouble figuring out a good place IN HAVANA. We will be staying in the city and then visiting family during the days in Santa Fe. Do you have any advice for us??

    Thanks so much. I love this website!
    Nancy Cruz

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Nancy!
      Off the top of my head I don’t know of any place in Havana, but I’ll check around.

  10. Mya at #

    HI, I am thinking of taking my children (6 & 7) next year to cuba for a family holiday, I would like it to be beautiful and on a stunning caribbean beach, but I would also like to experience some of the local culture, rather than being tucked away in an all inclusive resort… what would you recommend. i would also really like kids clubs, so that we too, get some down time!

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Mya!

      I would recommend you try Varadero. Fantastic beach but only 90min from Havana–perfect for day trips. Another option is Trinidad. Playa Ancon is awesome (on the Caribbean side) and only five minutes from Trinidad. A little tougher to get to (90min on bus from the airport) but worth it, in my opinion. Have a great trip!

  11. Misty at #

    Hi there, I’m not sure if this page is current or not, but we are looking for info on a great Cuban resort that is toddler friendly for a 3 year old and a 20 month old. We dont’ think we would use a baby club, but a baby pool and play area are a must! We have no idea of where to do, but we would like the option to do a few side trips if possible!!!

    Any suggestions would be sooo appreciated, we are not seasoned travelers and have NO idea where to start!

  12. Sim at #

    Hey ! Love your site !
    We’re going on a family trip to Varadero with two kids ( 8yr old son and 6month old daughter). We were looking into the Memories Beach Resort. Do they have a baby club ? Do you know if they have suites with a closed bedroom for baby to sleep in without disturbing ? Cribs ?
    Also have always wanted to visit Havana, is it worth it with a baby ? What would be the best way to get there and is there anything to do there with the kids ?
    Thank you so much ! 🙂

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Sim!

      Memories Resorts should be able to provide a crib so long as you reserve it in advance. The Memories Resorts websites says they have a Baby Club at all of their resorts in Cuba, but I have never been to a Memories property firsthand to see. Havana is a great day trip from Varadero, but unless your kids like walking around I’m not sure they’ll get much out of it. We manage with ours just by grabbing a coffee or cold drink and sitting in a square or pedestrian area and letting them explore under our watchful eye, but truthfully it was much easier with just a baby in tow who was happy to ride around in a stroller! My recommendation is to hire a taxi with an English-speaking driver, and request a taxi with rear seat belts. That way you can install your car seat for the baby and come and go as you please. Will likely cost as much as paying for an organized tour for all of you–maybe a bit more, but well worth it. Have a great trip!!

  13. Annie at #

    I have two boys and I think it’s time we can do a beach baca. I Have 3.5 year old and a clingy two year old. I definitely want something that has well built entertainment and lots of options for the kids so we can enjoy our time as they are distracted.

    • Corinne at #

      Best of luck, Annie! Have a wonderful trip and let us know if we can help you choose a resort 🙂

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Annie! Any of the resorts on this list should fit the bill. Let me know where you decide!

  14. Aleksandra at #

    Hello and thanks for great info! I am wondering if you know if any of these resorts have a beach restaurant like at Hotel Bella Costa. I really loved having breakfast while feeling the ocean breeze. And having a dinner listening to the waves 🙂

    Also, do the resorts such as Memories typically include the Baby Club as part of the cost and do they have a limit of number of times or hours you drop the kids off?

    Finally do you know which ones actually have shaded kids pool?

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Aleksandra!
      Most resorts have a restaurant or dining option on or near the beach. As far as I know, the Memories Resorts that offer baby clubs include the service without additional cost. My guess it they will have set hours throughout the day. On past trips I noted that the baby club times were usually 10-12 and then 2-5, unless they have nap facilities on-site.

  15. HSS at #

    Hi Corinne!
    What a great website! Thanks so much!
    I’m keen on going to Cuba with my 14 month old. I was thinking of a week in Havana hanging out and a week by the beach. Varadero looks nice, particularly as the drive isn’t too long. I heard good things about Trinidad but that seems like quite a long way. We are interested in somewhere to stay with a pool for the little one, shade, and fun things to explore. baby club not essential as we’d like to spend time together as a family! Do you know of somewhere like this? Cheers!

    • Corinne at #

      Thanks! You are really spoiled for choice when it comes to Varadero, especially if you’re not fussed on having specific baby amenities. Personally I like being close to town to go for a bit of a wander, so the Barcelo Solymar is nice for that.

  16. Lisa at #

    Hi, I’m a single mom and have been thinking of going to Cuba. I can’t find anyone to come with me. Am I crazy to go alone with my 18 month old? Should I stick to Varadero? I adore Trinidad as well and gave friends there who own a Casa, but I think I’ll wait until my daughter is older to attempt that trip.
    Thanks!

  17. Breda collins at #

    Hi we are thinking of travelling to varadero with our ten year old can you recommend a resort that will have kiddies club.
    Thanks

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Breda! Any of these properties also have kids clubs. You have lots to choose from!

  18. Sbeen Ajmal at #

    Hi I have booked travel for my family to Cuba Varadero and Havana. I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter. We want to book a resort in Varadero with a toddler club. I have spent weeks and months trying to find a decent resort. I have read so many bad reviews with the Melia resorts and the ones from this website. Most of the resorts with toddler clubs have bad reviews with service, food, and cleanliness. I am afraid to go to a 5 start hotel that has bed bugs.
    Can you please tell me if you stayed in a decent place in Varadero with a toddler club recently. I’m just stuck and wondering if i should just take the loss on my flights and cancel the trip to Cuba. I’m booked for the last two weeks in December 2017.
    I would appreciate anyone’s help please. I am looking and reading reviews on Trip Advisor and booking.com and reading over 100 of reviews.

    thank you,
    Sbeen

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Sbeen! I replied to your email–I hope you saw it 🙂

  19. Jennifer at #

    We want to visit Varadero with our 3 year old for 6 days, with a kids club,
    which airport do we fly to? Do we book them both separately? and taxi?

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Jennifer! It depends on who you book with (and what you book) but best bet is to fly directly into Varadero and most packages include airport transfers. If not, there are lots of taxis at the Varadero airport. I’m not sure where you’ll be coming from, but your best (and easiest) bet would be to book a package that would include flight, resort, and all transfers.

  20. Jennifer at #

    thank you, I am coming from NYC. jfk airport.

    where can I book a package? I use expedia and I don’t see any.

  21. Mindy at #

    I am looking at Varadero as a possible holiday for myself, my husband and 21 month old this winter, I can’t seem to find much information on recommended vaccine options and schedules for travelling to Cuba with a toddler… any advice?

    Also,should we actually commit to a vacation in Cuba, do we bother taking a car seat? From what i’ve read they are not common or easy to use there and our only venture out of Varadero would be on a shuttle to and from the resort…

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Mindy!
      It is entirely up to you with regard to the car seat. We always brought ours with no regrets. If you do want to venture out and perhaps do a day trip to Havana, you can install your car seat in the taxi and come and go on your own schedule. Taxis in Varadero are much more consistently maintained (with rear seat belts) than some of the less-developed tourist areas.

      You don’t really need much else for vaccinations outside of your regular schedule. Some more info can be found here: https://havebabywilltravel.com/2017/01/31/travel-vaccinations-for-babies-toddlers-young-children/

      Have a great trip!!

  22. Amanda at #

    Hi there! Ive been reading through comments. And love that you suggest Varadero and of course the ride in to Havana! Definitely what we want! Specifically we are looking to book at a child/infant resort. We have a 12 month old and 5 year old. I’m looking for a resort that maybe has a baby club with napping faculities on site? I would love to be able to have he option of leaving my daughter there throughout that time. Also are Cuban resorts private or public beaches usually? Because we would definitely want that private beach!

    Also any have clubs for kids open passed 5pm? (We’ve recently come back from dominican and there kids club was running until 10pm!)

    Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Amanda!
      All beaches in Cuba are public but you won’t find that you’re harassed to buy stuff while on the beach if that’s what you’re concerned about? Occasionally we encounter Cuban families at the beach but they are usually doing what we are doing, which is enjoying the sun and sea with their kids.
      Paradisus Varadero and Melia Peninsula in Varadero both offer baby club services, but I’m not 100% sure about the napping facilities. Some resorts offer a “pajama club” where you can bring the kids after dinner for a bit, and in all cases it’s pretty likely you can hire the staff to watch your children, either via the hotel management or personally making those arrangements. Have a great trip!!

  23. Anna at #

    Hi! We’re headed to Cuba Santa Maria (Grand Memories), in a couple of weeks, with our 5 month old. I’m a little worried about the heat/sun, and mosquitoes. We bought a stroller with an extra large sun shade, so I’m hoping that helps. Also a little nervous for naps since she’s a terrible napper anywhere except her own bed. I was feeling fine about the baby club, but then my sister-in-law, who’s a nurse, made me nervous by talking about how vaccinations aren’t great in a lot of other countries, so she would be nervous about the exposures at a baby club. Any thoughts on that?

    Also, any suggestions on “must-haves” for bringing a 5 month old?

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Anna–don’t fret!
      First off, Cuba’s infant mortality rate is lower than the United States’ so with regard to vaccinations etc. I woudn’t worry. At 5mos. your daughter will have had two sets of shots already and if you’re nursing she’ll be extra protected as well.
      I have been to Cuba in the summer and the mosquitoes aren’t any worse than any other time of year. Sunset time is probably the only time there is a problem and, this is purely anecdotal, but we’ve found that sitting out on a balcony on the second floor or higher we didn’t have any mosquitoes at all.
      There was still a great breeze in Cuba, so the heat/humidity wasn’t any worse than at home and last year the weather was better. July in Cuba was much more tolerable than July in Florida.
      See if you can locate UV swimwear/onsies as you can take her for dips in the sea or pool to cool her off and her skin will still be protected. Mine were terrible for naps outside of their cribs but we all got used to “vacation naps” in the stroller. I actually started looking forward to the walks.
      Best of luck and please let me know how it goes!

  24. Michelle MacMaster at #

    Hi there,
    My name is Michelle and I just booked a trip to Cuba and my family and I are staying in Cayo Sta Maria’s Memories Paraiso. I’m bringing my two boys (5 years and 10 months) and husband with me. We are very novice travelers. This is our first trip as family ever internationally if you may call it that way. The only trip we’ve traveled was within Canada.. Yeah right! While the longest travel I’ve been was in Asia without them of course.

    Here’s some of my questions since reading your informative blog and advice:

    Do I need an infant car seat for my baby even though we have a hotel transfer?
    Is it mandatory to have infant car seat, if we do want to explore outside of the resort?
    Do we need to have docural or any vaccination prior to going to Cuba? Both my children are up to date with their immunization and I am to; however my husband I’m not too sure?…

    Any advice for novice travelers and is Cuba safe to explore? How about the baby clubs, have you use it?

    • Corinne at #

      Hotel transfers are usually by coach bus so a car seat is not necessary. We traveled with a lightweight car seat that could be installed in the back of taxis. That’s how we got around in Cuba but ask around since a lot of taxis in the Cayo Santa Maria area had their rear seat belts cut out.

      Memories resorts are great with kids and your five-year-old may enjoy their kids club. At 10mos. your youngest son is too young but you could probably arrange for one of the kids club staff to babysit privately if you want some one on one time.

      Cuba does not require any vaccinations and so long as your kids are up to date you should be fine. Choosing to get Dukoral or Hep A/B is entirely optional.

      Have a great trip!

  25. Stefano T. at #

    Hi there, love your blog! We are traveling with our 1 years old son at the beginning of March. We are staying in havana for 4 days then moving to relax a bit somewhere else, in a resort. What do you think is the best option in terms of location (and resort) to reach from havana?

    • Corinne at #

      Hi Stefano! Varadero would definitely be the easiest in terms of proximity to Havana. You’ll have lots of options as well depending on your budget and required level of luxury. If you don’t mind something more modest, Cameleon Jibacoa is about halfway between Havana and Varadero and is very laid back.

  26. Tatiana at #

    Hi Corinne,

    Originally we were planning to travel to Mexico witj kids and rethought the destination due the seaweed problem in Mexico. Do you know if there is seaweed on beaches in Cuba .as it is i Mexico and DR now?

    Is November good time to travel to Cuba? Will it be warm there? I went to Varadero by myself 10 year ago in January and it was chilly and water was cold to swim. How is October and November?

    • Corinne at #

      There is always a bit of seaweed on Cuban beaches but nothing overy intrusive. Most resorts rake it up each morning.

  27. Tatiana at #

    Corinne, thank you
    Is November good time to travel to Cuba? Will the water be warm there?

    • Corinne at #

      November can be a bit on the chilly side, but much warmer than we are here in Canada at that time!

  28. Natalia S at #

    It was thanks to this website I booked a resort in Cayo Santa Maria Melia Las Dunas- and it worked out very well! Thanks for the info!!!

    • Corinne at #

      I love hearing this — thanks so much, Natalia!

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