Summary

The author shares a photo story of their memorable and affordable week-long vacation at the Grand Muthu Resort in Cayo Guillermo, Cuba, highlighting the captivating beach, vibrant flowers, enjoyable dining experiences, and the comforting routine of coffee, among other experiences.

Abstract

In November 2021, the author enjoyed an all-inclusive vacation at the Grand Muthu Resort in Cayo Guillermo, Cuba, which marked their return to beach trips after a few years. The trip, which was made possible by the recent lifting of Covid travel restrictions, offered a chance to bask in the warmth and beauty of the Caribbean. The author was particularly moved by the stunning beach with its turquoise sea, the resort's beautiful landscaping featuring hibiscus flowers, and the opportunity to indulge in a lobster lunch on the beach. They also appreciated the simple pleasures of daily coffee breaks and the tranquility of a seaside gazebo. The article emphasizes the visual and sensory delights of the vacation, from the colorful beach bars to the serene moments of reflection by the sea.

Opinions

The author found the beach in Cayo Guillermo to be spectacular and was thrilled upon seeing it for the first time.
The hibiscus flowers at the resort were a favorite of the author, who enjoyed taking moments to appreciate them.
The Lobster Shack (Punta Rasa) was recommended as an excellent off-resort dining option with great value for money.
Coffee in Cuba was described as quite good, and the author cherished their daily coffee routine during the vacation.
The white gazebo by the sea was one of the author's favorite spots, offering a sense of privacy and connection with nature.
The beach bars, particularly the one at Playa Pilar, were seen as cheerful and captivating, enhancing the overall beach experience.

Captivating Colors of Cayo Guillermo

In November of 2021, I took an affordable all-inclusive vacation at the Grand Muthu Resort in Cayo Guillermo, Cuba. This was my first week-long beach trip in a few years, and it was a memorable escape that was easy to fly to (just 3.5 hours from Toronto). Covid travel restrictions had just been lifted to enter Cuba, and I was excited that soon I could travel again (somewhat) freely, feel the warmth of the sunshine, and view the colorful, tropical scenes in person. I’d like to share a brief photo story featuring some colors and experiences that moved me on this easygoing escape.

The Beach

The first view of the beach. The spectacular sand and turquoise sea were gorgeous and bright in Cayo Guillermo. It was a little windy and cloudy upon arriving, but still warm enough that the wind didn’t bring on a deep chill. It is always a thrill when seeing a new beach for the first time. This was a happy moment, as my friend and I finally made it back to the beach, and had the whole week ahead of us.

Fabulous Flowers

I was delighted to see beautiful hibiscus flowers on the multiple daily walks I took at the resort. The resort was beautifully landscaped, and these bright pinky red flowers were my favorite to stop and stare at for a few moments while feeling grateful and content. A few steps away, the bouquet of purple blooms brightened the day. I was in a beautiful place in the world where I felt I had the time to stop and take in these floral delights without distraction.

Lobster Lunch on the Beach

This dining escape was a pleasant surprise to discover. Located just a 10-minute walk from the resort, either trekking through sand (or on the main road), the Lobster Shack (Punta Rasa) quickly got on fellow guests’ radar as the place to go for an excellent value for money off resort meal (or a few). Enjoying this colorful plate of delicious seafood and rice meal, complemented with fresh lime and avocado and a crisp glass of white wine was a highlight of the vacation, and a visual feast.

6 Enjoyable Experiences in Cayo Guillermo

Cayo Guillermo is a quiet beach getaway in Central Cuba in the Jardines Del Rey archipelago. Located about 40 minutes…

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Comfort of Coffee

Coffee is quite good in Cuba, and part of a comforting routine that I have come to appreciate on my all-inclusive vacations. I enjoyed two or three cups a day, including during a mid-afternoon break while taking time for a conversation and maybe a game of cards. Usually a latte or a cappuccino, along with a sweet treat that varied daily. The look of these creamy coffee concoctions with the simple white cups always takes me back to the experience.

Gazebo by the Sea

One of my favorite week’s views was this white gazebo with the thatched roof, and the colorful blue sea in the background. Walking along the path to spend some time in this rustic but charming structure was a highlight. This uncrowded spot seemed like a place not many other guests decided to take the short walk to. It sometimes felt like a private space where you could get lost in and connect with the sea, with the sunny skies or starry nights as the backdrop.

Beach Bars & Beverages

There is something cheery about a colorful beach bar, especially with a friendly vibe and a selection of refreshing drinks. One of my first stops when arriving at the resort was the convenient beach bar at the Grand Muthu which had the most friendly staff and welcoming vibe. A few days later on my afternoon visit to Playa Pilar (a stunning beach about 10 minutes away), the beautiful blue beach bar with hanging bananas and a row of pineapples was cute and captivating.

Beach Bar — Playa Pilar (photo by author)

The colors of Cayo Guillermo — are bright and beautiful alongside the experiences that enhanced this week-long escape.