Feb 21 to March 06, 2012
Flight with SunWing was scheduled for 6:15 am. We stayed at the DoubleTree hotel on Dixon Road. A very good deal at 99.00 per night, which included free parking for 14 days and the shuttle to and from the airport. Wake up call was booked and we settled in for a few hours sleep. Shuttle to the airport was painless. Took all of our luggage into Terminal 3 and started to look for the Sunwing counters. Couldn't find them and so we asked a few people and finally a kind staff person said you are in the wrong terminal. Sunwing is in terminal 1 with Air Canada. He gave us directions and off we went. I thought for a moment we were with Judy. It was our 1st experience with the sky train and we enjoyed the experience. We had our luggage on a cart and we were able to use the elevators and take the cart right on the train. It was fast and simple.
Once we got to the right place, check in was quick and easy. They weighed all of the luggage including our carry on. One carry on was 2 k over and she suggested we move things around. I put a few things in my purse (knapsack) and all was well. Makes sense eh, same plane, same weight. With that in mind as soon as we were through security I put it all back in the carry on.
Getting the super elite was really worth the money, just for the separate elite check in and advance seat selection and priority boarding. We booked the 1st row and knew there were no overhead spaces above our seat and needed to get on board so we were able to store our bags immediately.
There was a ½ hour delay due to the manifest having the wrong pilot’s name. They needed to send it back for correction and have it faxed back to the in charge. Smooth flight, champagne was served as well as a hot breakfast.
Arrived at 10:10 am and we were the 1st off the plane and through customs. Luggage was very slow but no problems. The bus was almost full when we got to it. Derek took care of luggage and I got seats on the bus. There were only a few seats left and we were at the back of the bus. Derek came on the bus to say he was going to go to the bank for money. I left our personal bags on the bus and went to tell him, I had money and if he wanted a beer I would get it. We went together to the small bar and ordered a beer and Derek decided to go to the bank anyway. I waited for him at the bar and buses started to leave. I was sure I was keeping an eye on our bus, but when Derek finally got back and looked at the buses, he noted our bus had left. I was sure at that point that Judy was with us. We spoke to a few people and explained that our luggage and personal bags with passports were on the bus. They put us on another bus that was also going to Memories and said not to worry. So, I didn't. I am fully aware that things left on the bus usually disappear, but I was sure a knapsack and a travel bag would be kept. One of the women on our bus was more frantic than I was and couldn't imagine how I could remain so calm. I just said with the communication that happens in Cuba, they probably are already aware and it would be waiting for us. I was a bit scared though. I could picture us having to go to Havana to the Canadian consulate to get permission to leave the country and documentation for the Cuban Customs and Immigration. But we had a beer on the bus and tried to relax and enjoy the ride to the resort. (1 CUC at the airport and 2 on the bus).
When we arrived at the resort and got off the bus, our rep and bus driver were there with our bags. I was so thrilled I hugged the poor guy and Derek tipped them with many thanks. All is well and a lesson learned. Derek thought I should have run in front of the bus and flag it down and kept it there for us. But since I didn't see it leave, that wasn't an option. LOL given Derek's ability to panic he was quite good about the whole episode. Once he told everyone at the airport who would listen he was quite calm. I was impressed.
Several of the bridges are still under repair and there are by passes. We were able to see the Dolphin Aquarium and Sea Lion area from the causeway.
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We were served champagne and juice upon arrival. The check in system was a bit different. They sent us to a hallway where they had set up a large table with envelopes and once you found your envelope and were assigned your room, you gave the number to the bell hop and he marked the bags and loaded them unto a golf cart and trailer. (Derek took a picture), it was impressive. The Diamond Club guests were sent to the Diamond Club lounge off the lobby and were checked in there. Drinks and snacks were offered while you waited. Our names were not in either place and so I asked for the Public Relations person on duty. I had received an email from Eduardo the day we left saying he would upgrade us to Diamond Club and to check in with PR when we arrived. My brain was not in gear; due I'm sure to the lack of sleep, the passport scare and a glass of champagne. A call was made and Ania from PR arrived and informed us that we had been upgraded to Diamond Club, and also to a suite in building #53, one of the ones I requested. We were given special silver bracelets. We were, of course, thrilled and enjoyed some more champagne and beer. Doreen, you know how I love my champagne. Derek gave our room # to the bell hop and we finished our drinks in the beautiful lobby. Once we were calm and collected we made our way to our room. We went through the lobby, which is opened 24 hours, and wandered with our map to the room. We discovered there was a pool with a pretty bridge right beside our building. We were on the 2nd floor halfway down the hall. There was a skylight outside our room and hanging plants and an open area where you could look up and down to the other 2 floors.
The Suite was great. Inside the door was a small hall with a powder room off to the left. Ahead was a large room with a sink, table and chairs, couch, chair, TV, and a side table, a coffee table a fridge and a coffee maker. At the end of this room was a balcony with sliding glass doors with a screen, and a great view of the ocean. We were close enough to hear the sound of the ocean. There were 2 chairs and a little table on the balcony.
The drapes were new and worked very well. It is so nice to experience the newness of a resort. We have been to many and enjoy the discovery as well as the newness of everything.
Off the hall to the right was the large bedroom with a king size bed, a chair, bedside tables and lamps with a ceiling fan. There was a very large luggage/ bench area that was quite useful. There was a desk with 3 large drawers and a fridge. Another TV, and a floor lamp at the end of the desk. The room also had a full-length mirror on the wall that backed onto the bathroom.
The windows in the bedroom were very large, making the room very bright. The windows were also well draped and opened for a fresh night breeze and the sound of the ocean.
Separate AC for each room, which we found quite convenient. There was also a door between the 2 rooms, which we also appreciated at times.
Off the bedroom was a fantastic bathroom with a separate toilet with a door, to allow privacy when you are sharing a bathroom. There is a separate shower, a soaker tub and a quite large sink and vanity area. The open space was very large. Inside the bathroom door, to the right was a walk in closet, with clothes rack, 3 large drawers, the safe and an iron and ironing board. It also had a 2-tiered shoe rack. I think Derek was more excited about that than I was. I was very pleased with the entire setup. There was room to dress in the closet if necessary. All in all, a thrill. I am a Diva when it comes to Hotel rooms. Our room in Turkey was about the size of the bathroom in Cuba.
We unpacked a bit but couldn’t wait to get to the ocean. Our building was the closest to the ocean and so it was a short walk to the beach. There is a path and a bridge, a small building on the way to the beach with flush toilets and a sink. A little wooden bridge over a gully, and then the beach bar, which is very close to the beach. At the end of the walk, there is a designated Diamond Club section of the beach.
The Diamond Club section of the beach is to the left of the walkway and is marked off with pylons. The beach staff that monitored the area. If you are not wearing a silver bracelet they politely explain to people the special beach and show them what area of the beach they may use. There are 2 rows of palapas’ and a surplus of the mesh beach chairs. There is bar service in this area of the beach. The beach is very wide and there is lots of room for everyone. On either side of the Club area there are also palapas’s and plastic chairs. I was very pleased, as the mesh chairs are so much better for my back.
Outside our building there was pool. Quite shallow, at my shoulders in the deepest spot under the bridge. The bridge was very pretty and provided some shade. The chairs were mesh and there were palapas’ all around the pool and a pool bar as well. Beside the pool area was the children’s building and play area with a very large frog fountain. Water flowed from the frog’s mouth and the kids enjoyed running under it. There was also a very shallow splash pool at one end of the area but I never saw it used. Might be a good place to put a chair and stay cool.
There was a book exchange (a cart with books people would drop off books and trade for another). This is always a nice benefit as people often run out of books.
To the right of the pool lay the path to the main areas of the Azul. The auditorium on the right (or across from the west entrance of bldg 52) is very large and comfortable. Derek took several pictures, but I will try to give you a verbal view. The auditorium is a beautiful large stage and the seating is a slight semi circle. I love the set up. It is tiered and all of the seating is in comfortable wicker chairs with cushion and a table for every 2 or 4 chairs. It made for a very comfortable way to watch the show or attend the orientation that was held here. There are 2 bars across the back and table service as well. One of the best set-ups I’ve seen. It was large enough to accommodate everyone who wished to attend.
We went to the buffet for dinner, but as large as it was there were very long line-ups at every station. There were tables available but it looked like a very long wait. We decided we would walk around for awhile and see if it would be quieter later. The Italian Restaurant, across from the buffet was full, so we walked around the lobby and checked out the Diamond Club lounge. Past the Club we found the Gourmet restaurant and they welcomed us to have dinner. It was very quiet, only a few tables occupied. We had a very pleasant lobster dinner. The restaurant has a fixed menu, appetizer, soup, lobster with veg, potato, and rice and dessert. They served a good wine, and we totally enjoyed the dinner. We were entertained by 2 musicians, playing a violin and a base fiddle.
We then had a drink in the lobby and listened to live music there as well.
An early night, sleeping with the bedroom window open and fell asleep to the sound of the ocean waves. Perfect Paradise!!!!!!
The next morning we had a great breakfast at the buffet. It is very well set up. There were several stations for eggs, crepes, and French toast. The set-up for toast was well done. There was a long counter with a toaster at each end, with all of the bread in-between. There were croissants every day and various breads as usual. There was rarely a lineup. At lunch and dinner the table had pizza, hot out of the oven. Seemed to be very popular with all ages.
There was fruit, cereal, milk, yogurt and various meats as per Cuban tradition but there was also a steady supply of crispy bacon for those Canadians who love their bacon. I’m sure they had one chef in the kitchen exclusively cooking bacon, because they would no sooner bring out a tray and people would be there to empty it. There was never a long wait till another tray arrived. It is the fastest service I have ever seen at any Cuban resort.
Orientation:
We went to orientation in the auditorium. The entertainment staff started the session with a song and dance and then the Director General, Eduardo Marron Orozco was introduced and he welcomed everyone to Memories and introduced all of the directors in charge of the various departments. It is one of the things that make Eduardo a very successful and popular General Manager at all of the resorts he has managed. He takes the time to be at orientations and is also seen throughout the resort daily. He invited guests to approach him at any time. We have been at other resorts with him and have always been impressed with his interaction with both staff and guests. He is very familiar with Happy Faces and treats us very well.
The rep informed us that the Memories Azul/Paraiso has 1,386 rooms. It is a very large resort but does not give the impression of a huge complex. It is well designed and very easy to get around. It does not seem to be a long walk to get anywhere. It helped that we were in the center of the Azul.
The rep hours are 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00pm to 5:00 pm. It makes sense as Sunwing has the entire resort and so all guests must be serviced by Sunwing reps. There were lineups most of the time. They had a desk at both resorts, with 2 reps at each. It was clear they were making every attempt to service clients.
The rep mentioned the ban on seashells and coral being taken from Cuba, as well as the usual departure info, rum and cigar allowances.
He explained the Diamond Club lounge concierge. Members could use the lounge and make all reservations there. The lounge was very comfortable, with couches and chairs and tables. They served coffee, tea, juice and snacks all day. There was also bar service. Very comfortable while you wait to make reservations. An aside, while we were there one day one of the clients was taking a very long time and we found out later, he was attempting to make reservations for 27 people AND he wanted them all at one table. Ya right.
Everyone else made reservations in the auditorium where 2 tables were set up. It prevented the normal long lineups in the lobby area.
Bars:
Lobby Bars 24 hours
Grill Snack Bars 24 hours
Pool Bars 9:00 to 18:00 (6pm)
Beach Bars 9:00 to 18:00 (6pm)
Theatre Bars 17:30 (5:30) to 23:00 (11pm)
Buffet Restaurants
Breakfast 7:00 to 10:30
Lunch 12:30 to 15:00 (3pm)
Dinner 18:30 (6:30pm) to 22:00 (10pm)
Grills
Continental Breakfast 09:00to 11:30
Lunch 12:30 to 18:00 (4pm)
Snacks 24 hours
A la Carte Restaurants:
Dinner 18:30 (6:30pm) to 22:00 (10pm)
Reservations made from 9:00am to 15:00 (3pm)
Dress code required
Menus; Italian, in the main building,
Mediterranean, /Caribean Tex-Mex, at the Paraiso pool
Asian Fusion, Steakhouse, at the Azul main pool
Gourmet, in the main building.
Room service 8:00 to 22:00 (10pm)
Mini bar replenished according to consumption. This included the usual, large bottle of water, 2 beer and 2 soft drinks.
Part two:
A few more things we learned at the orientation;
Bank: there is a bank in the Azul lobby and you need your passport to exchange money but not to get change if you already have CUCs. It is open 9 to 5 and is usually very busy in the am.
Reservations for dinner can be made from 10 to 5 in the theatre.
He spoke about excursions and I will list them if there are any new ones. A big disappointment for us was the catamaran. There is no longer the 1/2 day or full day snorkeling trips with lunch on board. They all go to the Dolphin center and all meals are now at the center.(Since we choose not to attend the dolphin center, we cannot go snorkeling. We have so many fond memories of our snorkeling trips.) The price is $99.00. There is only 1 stop for snorkeling, a short visit to an island, and them to the aquarium. The boat carries 70 people. I miss the smaller ones.
down. This grill at night was the Tex Mex on one side of the restaurant, and Caribbean on the other. Both were very good.
Both Grills at each resort often has lobster and crab meat. One grill at Azul was Asian Fusion and the other was steak.
The lobby bar at Azul is quite large and although very busy before dinner there was always comfortable chairs to be had. It is sectioned and provides table service. There were different musicians each night and all were excellent. The wine was good. Champagne was available most times. They ran out if it was busy.
There were 3 pools. The one outside our building was the smallest and we enjoyed it. It was never busy busy. The Azul infinity pool on the hill was in front of the 2 Azul Grills. It had a bar, however, we never used it. The pool was beautiful and very busy. The setting was beautiful as you could see the ocean. The Paraiso pool was also well appointed and well laid out it was busy but there was always chairs and never seemed to be crowded. There were shaded areas, sunny areas, quiet areas, something for everyone. The 2 Paraiso grills were located at one end of the pool. Seating inside and out, covered and not covered.
The Italian Restaurant hosted the special lunch for return guests and we received an invitation. We attended and sat with Eduardo and his lovely wife Rosita. They sat at our table and joined all of the discussions. Both of them are very experienced hoteliers. We enjoyed a 4 course lunch, artichoke, cream of tomato soup, steak with rice and potatoes and gravy as well as cake for desert. Lunch lasted about 1 1/2 hours. He thanked everyone for returning to Memories and suggested we recommend it to friends and I am happy to do so.
He commented that deep pools were no longer being built. It takes too much chlorine and maintenance. All of the pools are deep enough to swim but not to dive. 160 centimeters maximum.
There is a towel exchange at every pool.
There are 8 a la carte restaurants between Azul and Paraiso, available to everyone. Diamond Club guests are allowed 5 reservations per week and 4 for others. Although, it was noted, due to the crowds and lineups at the buffets, people are encouraged to go to the a la carte restaurants. We did so on most nights. The buffets were also very noisy. It is a lot of people talking and laughing. We found the lineups quite long, so we avoided the buffets at night. We were always able to get a table at the a la cartes.
Derek and I enjoyed our room very much. It was a special treat. There was a nutty rum cake on our 1st night, along with a bottle of rum. We had turn down service each night with chocolates on the pillow.
We discovered that Eduardo enjoys peanut butter and chocolate( the real stuff, not milk chocolate). Any Happy Face who has some space in their luggage would bring some joy if they managed to slip some of either in the suitcase.
There are CD players in the rooms.
We talked with the Sunwing reps and they are very excited about the expansion Sunwing is doing. There are direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Ottawa and soon Halifax.
Additional Details:
Chairs throughout the resort are very comfortable. They are wood and upholstered.
Each lobby has an area with a thatched roof off the lobby.
There is a pool table at the Steak House Grill on the Azul side.
Room doors have under door sweeps, keeps out all creatures large and small.
Restaurants are:
Mediterranean
Italian
Gourmet (lobster)
Tex Mex
Asian Fusion
Steak House
Caribbean
Buffets
The tower at Pueblo (shopping area) has 76 steps to the top. Great views!
There are buses that go from all of the resorts to the pueblo as well as to the small shopping area near the Melia and Melia Las Dunas. The bonus is that if you want to go to any of the resorts you can take the bus to them. It is 1 CUC for each trip. We found it very handy. We also walked to several and then took the bus back to our resort.
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