Melia Cayo Coco

A large resort from the Spanish Melia chain, this upper-middle-range property features lovely well-manicured grounds studded with palm trees. Guest rooms are housed in cheery colorful bungalows in pastel candy shades; some are built on stilts right over a saltwater lagoon. Interiors of public spaces are fairly predictable and chainlike, yet clean and pleasant. The cavernous, high-ceilinged lobby is bright and airy, with walls of windows letting in sunlight and overlooking greenery outside. Dining spaces range from beachy casual to a more elegant look, plus there are lots of outdoor areas for alfresco dining. Overall, the atmosphere here is classy yet relaxed and thanks to the adult-only policy, it's quiet and serene. The resort generally gets great reviews from past guests (and inspires repeat visits), many of whom particularly note the friendly and attentive staff. Clientele is composed mainly of Europeans and Canadians. 

The hotel is situated on Cayo Coco, an island off Cuba's northern coast and part of the Jardines del Rey chain. It's known as a resort key, populated with lots of all-inclusive properties taking advantage of the beautiful white sand beaches. The resort is situated by the beach and off a main road on the island's north coast that connects many of the surrounding resorts -- though its location at the end of the road and near a small peninsula gives it a private, tucked-away feel. The Jardines del Rey Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Havana is a 50-minute flight from here, or about a six-hour drive.

Decor varies among the handful of different room categories, but spaces are pleasantly appointed and full of natural light thanks to private balconies or terraces. Classic Rooms look a bit dated with their red patterned bedspreads paired with green tile floors and white furnishings, but they're spacious and clean. Higher category rooms like the Suites and Junior Suites feel fresher and more contemporary, pairing floral blue-and-white bedspreads with white furniture and walls for a clean, beachy effect. Suites have separate living rooms and large terraces with sunbeds. Some of the units, like the Grand Premium Rooms and Grand Suites, are housed in bungalows built on stilts right over the water, offering lovely views of the lagoon from their terraces or balconies. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, electric kettles, electronic safes, and ironing facilities, while Wi-Fi is available for a fee.Bathrooms are equipped with walk-in rainfall showers as well as bidets, magnifying mirrors, wall-mounted hairdryers, and individual toiletries. Deluxe Rooms and Suites come with an array of additional perks, like welcome cocktails, late check-outs, and bottles of rum and red wine on arrival.

The hotel has a large freeform outdoor pool that's surrounded by umbrella-shaded loungers and cabanas, with various organized activities during the day as well as scuba diving classes. Guests also have direct access to the beach via a wooden walkway. It's a lovely stretch of shore with azure waters and white sand. A number of water sports are available here, including pedal boating, diving, fishing, windsurfing, and yacht trips. Food at this all-inclusive property generally gets good reviews, and guests can choose from the main buffet restaurant as well as several a la carte restaurants, including Italian and international fare. On-site bars include beach and poolside ones, a lobby piano bar, and a music bar with a dance floor.There's a small fitness center on-site equipped with a moderate selection of machines. Guests seeking to workout outdoors can utilize the tennis or beach volleyball courts. Other amenities include a large game room that offers an array of activities, including ping-pong, billiards, and shooting. A shop sells clothes, souvenirs, and sundries. Evening entertainment includes various shows and performances, though guests note that it's hit or miss. A business center in the lobby offers a computer with internet connection. Wi-Fi costs extra here, as it does throughout Cuba.