By far the nicest property on Cayo Largo, this Sol Meliá-managed hotel outshines the neighboring and similarly priced Sol Pelícano by a mile. The lovely aesthetic of pastel-toned Caribbean-style wooden structures with plantation rails is enhanced by thoughtful landscaping that makes clever use of the natural eroded limestone and foliage.

If we were honeymooners seeking an upscale romantic resort in Cuba, this all-suite all-inclusive at Playa Rincón Francés would be our top choice. It opened in 2005 after protracted negotiations between Jamaica´s Sandals hotel chain and the Cuban government, producing a unique result—profit-sharing for staff (Sandals does not permit tipping). Combined with Sandals´ renowned staff training programs, the result is a level of service a notch above normal for Cuba.

Perhaps our favorite all-inclusive beach resort hotel in the country, this beauty knocked us out the second it opened in December 2005. As if hinting at its exclusivity, it commands the very tip of the Hicacos Peninsula—a superb breeze-swept location just minutes from the Gaviota marina. Here the winds have kicked up sand dunes along the beach, sheltering the hotel grounds and adding a touch of drama to the local coastline.

Here´s a hotel that stole our hearts the moment we entered the lobby of this mammoth and architecturally-inspired hotel, which opened in 2005. The sloping, Mayan ziggurat-style structure—“Wow!”—is approached via a sweeping elevated drive framed by international flags. The cavernous, albeit sparsely furnished, atrium lobby speaks to the hip contemporary vogue, such as brushed stainless steel rails, that infuses this property throughout.

Spain´s Sol Meliá group has its formula well rehearsed by now and the opening of the Paradisus, in late 2005, proves the point. Take a gorgeous beachfront (in this case Playa Rincón Francés), add low-rise units tucked below the palms, grace said units with plantation rails and a sprinkling of thatch, and decorate throughout with Meliá´s trademark sponge-washed Robin´s-eggs blues and tropical fruit pastels with blinding whites for clinical counterpoint.

Opened in June 2006 with the otherwise virginal Playa Ensenachos all to itself, this massive and elegant all-inclusive has a prime location and combines superb facilities with a spectacular beach. It outdoes the rival Meliá on adjacent Cayo Santa María with a broader selection of facilities: more restaurants (including an Oriental option serving sushi and tepanyakki), more pools (three), etc. And even the quality of the food here reaches towards international standards.

A cut above the neighboring and smaller Sol Cayo Santa María, this all-inclusive resort offers a modicum of luxury and is well worth the extra splurge. The setting on a gorgeous beach on a reclusive isle some 30 miles from the mainland tantalizes—you won´t find white sands or waters or purer turquoise anywhere in Cuba.

Adjoining the more upscale Meliá Cayo Coco, at the far east end of the island, this three-star all-inclusive (with a four-star billing) is the only hotel in the area with access to two different beaches: Playa Las Coloradas and Playa Larga. Stylishly contemporary, it has relatively few of the monstrous architectural faux pas typical of Cuban designs. This hotel is a great option for families—at least by day.

Managed by Spain´s Occidental hotel chain, this all-inclusive opened in 2005 at Playa Yuraguanal, a beautiful swathe of white sand and turquoise reef-protected waters a few miles west of Guardalavaca. Sprawling over 27 acres, it is surrounded on three sides by scrub forest good for birding. Architecturally uninspired—it reminds us a Lego creation—it is also a bit gaudy, with an exterior painted in bright yellow and blues.

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