Here is the start of my report.
Getting there and Flight:
We took a van taxi from Cobourg for the first time and it worked out
quite well. A stop at Tim’s and we were on our way. Arrived at the
airport with piles of luggage. Judy and I spent Thursday and Friday
repacking and resorting suitcases in order to get the right number and
weight in each. We had the bathroom scales set up in the foyer and kept
weighing suitcases until we got it right.
We arrived at the airport with 11 bags. We had a quick check in and they
insisted on weighing our carry on first, as it needs to be checked if
it is too heavy or too large. I was okay. Transat rules are any number
of suitcases as long as the total weight is not I=over and each case is
not over a certain weight. It worked out well for us as we had 3 cases
medical supplies and a sports bag.
We were traveling club class and in addition to double the weight you
can pre-board and we did so. While everyone else is boarding we were
served champagne and orange juice. Very relaxing, especially for someone
like me who loves champagne.
The flight was turbulent and so it slowed the flight and meant seat
belts were on for a good part of the trip and service was halted a few
times. Breakfast was eventually served and although we don’t recall what
it was we enjoyed the meals both ways. Drinks were served during the
entire flight. Very early morning to benefit but they were available.
Airport
We arrived and due to our club seats were the first off the plane and
through immigration. No problems. The luggage was tagged “Priority” and
so some of them came off immediately. Ken and Thea and Judy were out and
on the first bus. A few of ours arrived but then there was a hold up.
Derek had agreed to claim all of the medical supply suitcases so only
one of us would be held up. The staff were moving the suitcases
throughout the space at the airport rather than just on either side of
the conveyor belt. Derek was identifying our bags and a porter was
bringing them out to me near the door. At some point I started to worry
as everyone had left and I was still waiting for 2 suitcases. I went to
ask Derek if he knew what the problem was and he was no longer there.
The suitcases were sitting all alone and Derek was at customs with all
of the medical supplies spread over the desk. I grabbed the suitcases
and someone to help me and finally got outside. By then the 1st bus was
leaving and the next 2 were full. Judy saved the day. She was waiting
with a cold beer. We found the last bus as we knew Derek would likely be
the last guy out. ( He wasn’t, but I’ll let him tell you about that).
Check in on the bus, before we left the airport:
There is no longer a police escort but local vehicles were pretty good
about allowing the bus to pass. Made a stop in Remidios for Geri to use
the facilities in the local bar. Arrived safe and sound to music dancing
and a rum punch. Judy did not know and did not ask if it had rum in it
and so she took the drink and drank it down, got a surprised look on her
face and then asked, is there alcohol in here? Ken and Thea were
waiting in the lobby bar for us to join them. They had been there for 1
hour.
Miscellaneous---
While we were on the bus to Santa Clara, etc the guide was very
informative. He showed us the Dolphin pen being built along the
causeway. They expect it will be finished this summer. They will have a
Swim with the Dolphins program. It is closer to the island than the
mainland.
He also explained in great detail that there will not be a causeway
built from Santa Maria to Cayo Guilliermo as planned. They have done
ecological studies and found it would be destructive to the marine life.
It is the deepest water and even with the bridges they did on the Santa
Maria causeway it would not work. The good news is they have decided to
expand the airport in Santa Clara. We saw evidence of work underway at
the airport. No time frame for completion.
They have done studies of the marine life and spawning habits on the
Santa Maria , (award winning ) causeway and determined that they have in
fact increased. Due somewhat to the new shelter the causeway provides.
Weather:
We had a great vacation in spite of the bad weather. There were 3 cold
fronts while we were there. It gave us a lot of time to visit with
friends and to enjoy the spa. We have never been to Cuba when it has
been so cold. I used to bring some warm clothing, just in case but I
stopped because I never used them. I sure wished I had some with me this
time. I had brought a soft cotton pant suit for a friend and I ended up
wearing it for several days before I gave it to her. I wore the jeans
and jacket I wore down to Cuba and home for a few days as well.
Even so, I got burned and I peeled and I got sun blisters, so when the
sun was out it was hot and powerful. I am home with only a slight tan,
(Derek is really brown) and a lot of peeling.
The Spa:
The spa was a godsend, as we could go there to get warmed up. Our
package included the water journey once a week and it was included each
time you had a massage. We had several massages. They had a special for
Valentine’s Day and it was a great success. They had more than 400
people through the spa in one day. They offered a 25% discount for
couples massage. This included ½ hour or 1 hour massage and the water
journey. More on that later.
There are some changes at the resort and I will detail them all when I get a moment.
Adventure at Customs on Departure Day:
I had an interesting experience on our exit from Cuba this time. As you
know we have always asked them to stamp our passport as we arrive and
leave Cuba. We like to have that reminder of our visit. We found it
interesting in the past that the immigration people almost always asked
us if it was our 1st time in Cuba. With all of the stamps in the book
they would know it was not and we figured they were just asking out of
courtesy, chit chat or perhaps to see if we would be telling the truth.
Since we get new passports every 5 to 6 years we do not have all of our
trips in one book. This year, they did not ask as I arrived but on
departure, they asked how many times I had been to Cuba. I answered
35-40 and the officer then called out to someone else to join him in the
booth. It was a tight squeeze, I can tell you. They then proceeded to
ask me why I came to Cuba so often, how many times I had been to Cayo
Santa Maria, where else in Cuba I had visited, and did I ever leave the
resort. They then asked if I left the resort on this trip and where I
went and how long I stayed and if I visited friends in Santa Clara. When
I said I had not, they asked if I had friends in Cuba. I said I had
many friends at the resort but did not see them outside of the resort.
They asked if I was traveling alone and when I responded I was not they
asked if I had a husband. They asked what I did for a job and I said I
was retired and thay wanted to know what job I retired from. Well it is
always fun to explain to someone here in Canada what my job was, let
alone to someone who doesn't understand the language or the issue I deal
with. I made an attempt with the short version, "I worked for the
Government" Doing what job? I replied "Senior Review Officer,
investigating pay equity complaints" Blank!! So they asked me to write
down my job title on part of a form they produced and seemed to be
satisfied with that. I imagine there were some discussions about that
after I left. Perhaps in the future it would be a good idea to not ask
to have the stamp and to answer the question, yes I have been to Cuba
many times. I am sure they have it in the computer. I guess we have been
there (Santa Maria) 6 times in 4 years. Interesting. Judy thought they
were going to keep me and was very jealous.
More later...
Geri
================================================================
The Meliá CSM Spa: Personal "Water Journey & Massages" Experience.
Photos of the Melia CSM SPA.
"It is time I told you all about our spa experience. We enjoyed the spa
very much. It was even more enjoyable since it was cold and wet for a
lot of the time.
It was lovely to see the staff again and we couldn’t wait to experience the whole water journey and get a massage from Roberto.
Judy and I decided to be the first. We arrived and were welcomed with
open arms. Maria, (reception) Beatrice (who works in the beauty salon)
and Carlos (reception) remembered us and were happy to see us. Once the
paper work was completed we were escorted to the locker room. There are
lockers, washrooms and showers. Slippers, towels and amenities are
provided. There is an option of having your shower in the outdoors. It
is a small private area where you can have your shower in the sunshine.
Once you have changed and showered, you are then escorted to the dry
sauna. It is very hot and there are wood benches where you can sit or
lie down for 15 minutes. The attendant then comes and escorts you to the
showers for a cool shower prior to going into the steam sauna which is
very dark and all tiled with marble. It also is very hot and there is a
thin layer of water on the floor that keeps the marble cool.
15 minutes later you are then escorted to the shower again to cool off
and there is a private small jacuzzi tub to relax in. It looks outdoors
and is painted in pastels and is very relaxing. Water (to drink) is
offered at each stage.
Near the area is a sensation shower. I used it each time. It is a 3
headed shower, (very large shower heads) in a tiled area and it is quite
a treat.
Then you are escorted to the Jacuzzi outdoors. (there are pictures we
have already put on the forum) Again water is offered and you can stay
here as long as you wish, Then if you wish to stay longer you can pull
up a lounger and sit by the pool in the sun and just
reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelax .
The water journey is separated, that is men on one side and women on the
other. As are the Jacuzzis. Once back at the pool you are reunited.
While we were there all guests could do the water journey once a week
without charge. Also, it was included if you booked a massage.
Then comes the massage.There are 4 buildings, where the staff work their
magic. We chose Roberto for our 1st massage. The rooms are tranquil,
with soft music and the sound of the ocean playing while every part of
your body and mind relax and float away. You could stay at the pool when
you were finished or the staff escorted you again to the locker rooms
to change.
We found that once we were finished we were very warm and could face any cool temperatures that came our way.
Derek and I went for couples massage twice and really enjoyed it. They
put 2 tables in the same room, side by side and you have your choice of
massage staff and type of massage. I always enjoy the relaxing massage
but it was fun to listen to Derek get the shiatsu massage. A lot of
slapping and some groaning and some giggles while the foot thing was
happening.
Derek must have enjoyed it a lot as he talked Ken and Thea into going
and we went a second time. Judy, well, I think she was there every day,
but don’t quote me on that. If she wasn’t with me I was asked where she
was and when she was coming.
I think I may have missed a few days but not many. I would recommend
that everyone go a few times a week. It adds to the delight of the
resort and gets out all of the kinks from lounging all day on plastic
chairs.
Valentine’s day was so busy there were more than 400 towels used. The staff were pleased that guests were enjoying the spa.
The water journey is included with all massages and they range from
30.00 to 60.00. The water journey on it's own I think was $25.00 but I
will check in the brochure when I have a minute. 1 hour couples massage
is $120.00 and they had a special on Valentine's day of 90.00.
You could make a great day and have your hair done, a manicure,
pedicure, water journey and a massage. You would have to have someone
carry you back to your room but you would be relaxed.
Geri"
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