Villa Las Brujas

The location is beautiful. I was there in summer 2016, and the hotel was horrible and very dirty. It was about 20 years old and looked like there was no money for maintenance or proper cleaning staff. The restaurant was the same. I’d never go there again.

The marina was good, and I had two great activities there, scuba diving and a motorboat trip. The scuba staff were outstandingly friendly and helpful, and I’ve never had such caring service, from putting on and taking off the gear to getting on and off the boat. The equipment was okay and well maintained. The biosphere seemed in good condition, depending on the lack of industry or mass tourism so far. The motorboat trip was awesome. We went in a guided group, one boat after another, and were allowed to go as fast as the boat could, unlike the boring, strictly regulated self-driving tourist activities everywhere. Taking the boats through the narrow mangrove sounds that way was an outstanding experience.

We went as a group from Las Dunas for a day out on the 75-foot, 80-person Catamaran. For me, it was easily the best use of cuc, with a full day around the keys, a 360-degree view of the S.S. San Pasqual, snorkeling, lobster lunch, and a dolphin visit. The whole group had a fantastic day. If you’re around Santa Maria, pick a nice day and give this excursion a go. You won’t be disappointed.

Visited in December 2016. It was a lovely, quiet hotel with a sea view and a nice beach. The service and food were up to Cuban standard.