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The golf cart starts its way down the winding road lined with thick vegetation. Immediately I sigh with relief as I imagine myself trying to walk all this way with my heavy luggage. As the humid air whips my hair, I hear the ocean nearby and then in a matter of seconds the reception building appears in front of me. I have arrived at the Iberostar Ensenachos resort in Santa Maria Cuba.
Grand Village, Iberostar Ensenachos Cayo Santa Maria
The Grand Village reception decor was opulent and white. There were cozy high back chaise loungers scattered throughout the room which was surrounded with large windows. It was unlike anything I have ever seen in Cuba. Clearly, a category above five stars, this section of the Iberostar Ensenachos Cayo Santa Maria resort offered a more luxury accommodation than the rest of the property.
We were introduced to our butler who took our luggage while we made our way to lunch at the beach restaurant. We were lead down a long wooden boardwalk the familiar turquoise blue peaking up ahead as we made our way to sit down for lunch.
Read More: Cuban Luxury at Iberostar Playa Pilar Hotel, Cayo Coco
Grand Village Beach Bar and Restaurant
This restaurant and bar sits by the beach exclusively for the Grand Village section. It was a no-frills snack bar type restaurant. We dined on burgers, french fries, fish, shrimp and even lobster. For dessert, I indulged in a brownie with ice cream.
Iberostar Ensenachos Reviews
After lunch, while waiting for our rooms to be ready, we decided to tour the rest of the resort. As guests of the Grand Village section, we also had access to the other two sections of the resort: family-friendly Park Suites and adult only section Spa Suites. Each section had its own pool and beach area. The Grand Village was farther down the road and more remote and separated than the other two sections which had closer access to the resort’s main building. However, there are a series of bus stops along the way where golf carts travel to pick up clients along the road.
The three areas in the Iberostar Santa Maria resort are: Park Suites, Spa Suites and the Grand Village
Iberostar Ensenachos Park Suites (Families all ages)
This is the only section in the resort for families with small children. Its main pool is where all the action is.
Beside the main pool is a kids club with a beautiful water park just for them. It had a huge pirate ship and many little slides and water games for them to play in.
The park suites beach area is about halfway up the road from the main building. The beach is very long over 2KM of the wide white sand beach and is very impressive.
Iberostar Ensenachos Spa Suites (Adults Only)
The spa suites are located on the other side of the main building of the Ensenachos resort. The photo above is in the spa building, it is the beautiful couples treatment room which has a large soaker in the middle.
The Spa Suite Room at Iberostar Santa Maria
The standard rooms across the resort are very similar to the above, but the difference is that the Spa Suites are located in the quieter Spa area which is adults-only. These rooms also include a spa treatment and access to the quieter Spa Pool.
Also in the Spa building, you will find the resorts fitness room. Iberostar hotels have a great Fit and Fun program which includes the ability to hire trainers to help you with your fitness routine, and other fun activities all focussed on health and wellness.
Mediterranean Restaurant
We had dinner at the Mediterranean restaurant which is part of the main resort. Small shuttle cars came to pick us up from the Grand Village reception and took us down the street to this restaurant.
If you are lucky to get a window seat you will have a spectacular view of the water. Inside there is a small appetizer buffet with salad and nibbles and an a la carte menu of delicious seafood items to choose from.
Cuba Villa Rentals at the Ensenachos Grand Village (Adults Only)
There is a 3KM road separating the Grand Village from the other two sections in Iberostar Ensenachos. The Grand Village is a more private and exclusive section of the resort as a result. Like. The other sections it has its own pool, restaurant and bar off the main building where the special reception area sits.
Grand Village Iberostar Cayo Santa Maria
When the butler walked me over to my villa, I had no idea what to expect. I did not expect it to be so big. I think I walked through it with my mouth hanging open, in shock.
The villa had the following:
- full kitchen
- powder room
- dining room
- living room
- large bedroom
- walk-in-closet
- master bathroom
- private patio with hot tub
The living and dining room was set up much like at home a dining set and living space perfect for relaxing in after the beach. Although there is a kitchen in the suite I never once used it as we had access to all the all-inclusive resort features.
The villa suite’s master bedroom was huge. It had a large bed, chairs, another armoire with a tv and refrigerator and a master bath.
I did love soaking in my private jacuzzi tub after my time on the beach. It was not too hot and located in the villa’s shady patio. The view of the ocean in the distance and sounds of waves crashing as I sat back and relaxed was just a dream.
Read More: A Look Inside the Iberostar Laguna Azul Varadero Review
Other Iberostar Ensenachos Grand Villa Amenities
Iberostar Cayo Santa Maria Grand Village Beach Area
There is a private beach area for residents in the Grand Village area of the resort. This is good as the rest of the resort is 3KM away and would require a long walk in the heat or waiting for the little shuttle cars to get you.
Iberostar Grand Village Suites Pool
The pool was smaller than the other pools at the resort, but this is a smaller and quieter section in general. Of course, you can take a golf cart down to the other larger pools in the resort if you want to. However, I got the feeling the clientele here at the Grand Village liked the separation from the rest of the resort. It was like our own private club.
El Colonial Restaurant
We had breakfast on the patio of the El Colonial, but inside it looked like a lovely gourmet restaurant.
It is located right in the same building as the Grand Village reception and at night many enjoyed its bar and spilled out into the reception area. This was the main place to catch wifi at this area of the resort.
Grand Village Secret Sunset Lookout
Luckily my butler told me about a little secret walkway to catch the sunset. It is located between two Villa buildings and is easily found when you walk around to the back of the Grand Village section. There are a few little benches there where you can sit back and enjoy the spectacular view.
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