SHOULD YOU RISK IT.. (CUBAN RESORTS 2024 ) HOLIDAY or SURVIVOR.. CAYO COCO SANTA MARIA VARADERO 

A very wise man once told me " Love Cuba for what it is and not what I wish it could be. " If you follow that simple rule you will never be disappointed and will return again and again. Thank you wise man.

Well said, I love Cuba I have been going there for 15 years and love it. And when someone tells me that they don't like I answer good more place for me and others.

"If you booked it for Sun, Fun in the Beach and that's why you booked Cuba!👍." Love it.

Great video! Excellent attitude and perspective. I've been to Cuba 7 times, among several other southern destinations, and I've learned a lot about my own privilege. There have been times where I was disappointed in the food but only because I went to a 5-star and paid quite a bit more. The irony, is that when I go to the lower star hotels in Cuba I end up having a better time and even like the food more. It shows that enjoyment is largely about positive mindset and flexible expectation. And as you say in your video, it's about putting entitlement aside. Love what you said about the Cuban people and their struggles. Thanks!

Absolutely awesome video Mike!! You nailed it. People need to do their research, and respect and appreciate Cuba for what it offers…not what it doesn’t. 🇨🇦 ❤🇨🇺

Buddy I’m going to Cuba tomorrow night for the sixth time in one year the caribe tomorrow for the fifth straight time I go for the beach the staff and rum of course not picky on food there more selection there than in your fridge at home and for the price you pay it’s basically cheaper than a night out in Toronto or Montreal complainers are just all round complainers in general lol

I love Cuba. Have been going there since 1980 at least twice a year. (November and end of March for 10-14 days). Cuba is my second home. I have been to other countries even Thailand for 6 weeks in 2014. Was at Memories Caribe in November for 14 days and will be going in March. VIVA Cuba!

I went to Grande Paredon resort in Cayo Paredon, Cuba. It was good for families. Good value.

Made 22 visit to, Cuba in 14 years and I LOVE Cuba no matter their little problems.. I am a beach man.. And all the rest is accessory.. But the warm welcome from Cubans is just awesome... Cheers 🤗👌

Mike love your videos, been watching them on my lazy weekend mornings the past few weeks. This video is a great segway into watching any of your resort reviews in Cuba. Keep them coming! You are a fantastic ambassador to this wonderful country! The Cuban people love us Canadians!

We have been to Cuba about 9 times Love it .Yes a few shortages but never have I ever gone hungry or thirsty.

I’ve been to Punta Cana, Arub and Cayman Island, the resorts are nice, however, the beach in Cuba is the best in my opinion! Its more laid back and I find it more relaxing. i tell my family or friends that visits Cuba that if youre looking for a fun in the sun and beach, then Cuba is a place to go. But if u want nice high end resorts where you want everything down to the toilet paper, then its not for you. I hate ppl complain about Cuba because of shortage of food or condiments!

Having a fridge in the room in Cuba was a life saver!!!! Plz don’t get rid of the fridge!!!!! Take it back!!!! I need somewhere to put my food like bacon or sausages they are vacuum sealed and packaged for travel won’t spoil if you freeze and wrap them then place in the fridge once you arrive at the hotel.The fridge comes in handy if you think abt it. Bring ramen… you’re welcome 😉

I love, but absolutely love, the way that you have expressed the Cuban situation and it is needed that all the good people of the world, who would like Cuba to have all they need for a good vacation, put pressure on the United States Government to end, once and for all times, the “Embargo” unfairly imposed on Cuba. Like you put it: it is squeezing the Cuban people, making it very difficult for visitors to the independent and sovereign island, like the viewers, to fully enjoy Cuba.

I'm fine with inconsistencies, but I'm not fine with cockroaches in the buffets, bed bugs, or food safety issues. Can you comment on these things? Thanks.

I am at work now but will be watching the vid as soon as I get home

I go to Cuba for the beaches and they are some of the BEST in the world. I have always had a fantastic time in Cuba. If you love to eat maybe skip Cuba and go on a foodies trip. If you love to sit in your hotel room all day maybe skip Cuba.

Love the videos, find them very informative with what to really expect. Especially if you have already been there and enjoyed it, and understand your perspective and looking at why your going. Research is also key , I don't understand how someone doesn't , .that's how I found this channel, so many people I know who have previously been here are saying don't go ... but we are , its about the beautiful beaches, we can deal with all the rest. Thinking Sol Cayo Santa Maria, that looks like quiete the beach walk beach based on one of your previous videos. Although I must say the Memories Cayo Largo is def on the list too for the future, again based on tyour channels review. Really looking foward to walking of the plane and smelling that amazing scent of the ocean and not worrying about too much else. Appreciate the reviews/insight, will def continue to watch , we love this country, so find it very helpful. Enjoy the upcoming Thailand trip.

OMG Mike this is your BEST video yet. You had my wife and I in stitches with your opening segment. We go to the lowest star rating resorts in the heart of Varadero to 5 star luxe in Cayo Santa Maria and all ratings in between as we understand what we are getting into. Best tip I have for ppl who need specific things is to bring it with you. We always dedicate 1 suitcase to things we need while on the ground like TP, PB, ketchup salt packs, chips, chocolate, butter cubes, cup o noodles lol. We leave everything behind when we leave from any food that's left to phone chargers, sandals, clothes, we purge it all to all the workers. Our absolute fav is Memories Flamenco - we try to go once per year there, 1 time to Varadero and 1 more trip to another Caribbean destination for the food :) Cuba is the best for peace and the people are soo friendly compared to other destinations where they are pushy and demanding. Keep up the great work and supporting the ppl of Cuba we cannot wait for your view of Thailand. You ROCK Mike \m/ :D \m/

I could not agree with you one million percent !! Don't believe those negative reviews, once you book relax and be happy you booked something.

Love it

We brought ketchup chili flakes and lots of tips. I left back the ketchup, snacks and candies, medicines like Tylenol and Advil, the hotel staff appreciated that so much ❤

Great video. If you go to Cuba, take 100 one dollar U.S. bills for tips. Take little items to give a away...learn 20 spanish words. You can exchange your Canadian money for Cuban pesos at your resort with hotel employees but be discreet.

Yes I rather enjoy the beach 5-10 times over going to one of the expensive places

Great video Mike, very funny beginning and had my kids and I laughing. We will always have Cuba as our favourite destination spot. For the reasons you mentioned the vacation can't be beat for our family of four who love to travel. ♥️🇨🇺

Great video Mike!! Going in Feb and can not wait!!! This will be # 7 and love it!!!

Hahaha Great video Mike So true

Great video Mike and good to share your experiences and the reality of the world we live in now. Its good to visit countries like this as it gives people a reality check in terms of just how entitlement plays in our day to day lives. We went to the Daquri back in Dec 2011 and had a great time and fortunately at that time didnt go without too much. We had a friend there by the name of Willie and he was part of the entertainment staff. We lost touch with him a long time ago but he was a great person and so grateful for the stuff we left behind with him. Keep up the amazing work your doing!

“No white wine, oh no what did I get myself into “ lol best line yet , we Love Cuba , especially the people and the beaches, you just can’t find a better deal than this beautiful country, sure it can have issues but so can anywhere else but those Cuban beaches , come on, tough to beat, especially for the price !! Anyway Mike , great Vid.

Love your videos. Just went to cuba over xmas and had a great time. We don't care much about posh crap, we just want to have good weather, good people and as long as we have basic amenities were good. We LOVE cuba, the people, the weather, the price unbelievable. I know people who warned me said the food was bad (NOT) saw reviews of rude people (NOT) Love the people, Love the place, Love the price. Keep up the great wrk and thanks .

Went to memories cayo largo this new years. It was my very first time going on a all inclusive vacation. After lots of research including your videos Before booking I had such a good time. Im very glad i came across your videos they gave me a realistic set of expectations. And with those realistic expectations me and my wife had a amazing time.

Love iiiit!!! I always wonder how people just CAN'T live without ketchup for 7 days...I mean, come on! I'm heading to Melia Jardines Del Rey and the reviews are 50/50. Some people live a real nightmare and some people live the best life. I love your videos, and how you always show the ocean in the back ground! I can't wait to be there!! I'm from Quebec/Canada and it is so cold and it is snowing every freaking day!❤

I always say go have fun love it or learn from it. Another thing it say is it sit on the exact same blue and white chair on the exact same white sand beach looking at the exact same koolaid blue water drinking the exact same drink out the exact same bubba mug now did I pay $10,000? or did I pay $1000? Some places just have fancy names or fancy destinations but in the end they are almost the same

Another great video! I laugh at all the negative comments on fb feeds and shake my head! I love Cuba! ❤

You are so right, I come to cuba to enjoy the sun, sand, beach, not others things, each time i am there handle to garden workers with 20 dollars bill, 50 dollar bill, they just opened their eyes bigger and looking at me and look around and i said to them I was in your shoes once I was living the communist country, and was hope they understand what i was saying.I have been in cuba for over 20 plus years, so far not any problems of losing things yet.I enjoy your video very much.

Bruh!!! BEST VIDEO, this was seriously your best one, and I am pinning it for anyone that bad talks Cuba. WEnt last year, for exactly the reason you mentioned, budget. However I DID do my research before picking the resort for us. Aside from my wife freaking out about the coffee (rolling my eyes, she's european, and a coffee snob, it wasnt that bad), we had a blast, and we LEARNED from this trip. We are leaving soon to go back, and packed coffee, hot sauce/spices, and tumblers, and we are all set. Looking forward to have a blast. So yes, as you said things can go wrong, trust me they did on our last trip, but we rolled with the punches and loved it. My wife "survived" the coffee issue, and full disclosure, she is perimenauposal and has no patience, and we still had a BLAST. So any naysayers, the problem is NOT Cuba, it is most likely you.

Gracias MIKE !! Thank you again my Friend !! you make me laugh we love you Guys. cheers !!

Well said Mike! Excellent "Survivor" video -- you nailed it! 👍 Yes, I read reviews and watch videos to get an idea. But I try to always experience something myself and make up my own mind. Listening to (entitled) people's "horror" stories/complaints about Cuba deprived me of years of going and enjoying it.

Hey Mike...Great video as always calling it like it is. Good info for the moaners/ groaners & a heads up for Cuba newbies considering a vacation there. Go with the flow. Agree completely. Love Cuba & your informative videos. Thanks.

Another great informative video Mike. I Love Cuba. I never have a problem with the food. The Beaches in CSM and CC are the best in the world.

Read reviews with a critical eye. Compare experiences with others at that resort and nearby resorts. Check out the most recent reviews and decide for yourself if what they are saying sounds reasonable and relatively accurate. My 2 cents.

Well said! Critical info for first timers to Cuba.

Thankyou for your video's your positive attitude is very refreshing and your videos are very informative 👌 iv been to cuba 4 times and in a week will be my fifth cant wait!i love cuba and iv never gone there looking for white wine or ketchup or bacon 😂😂😂what i have gone for is like you said it ..the beach..the sand..the sunshine!!!

I agree 💯 , I went there for the first time last year , and we didn't Lack anything we had the best time, the locals amazing People , beautiful place . Have you been at Iberostar playa Alameda ? . I love your videos . Thank you 🙏🙏

Well said, Mike!! Do you mind sharing where you book your hotels to Cuba? Direct through the hotels or is there a specific agency? I am weighing my options between Sunwing, Solways, BooktoCuba, etc. and would love any input. TIA!!

You don't look old enough to be this wise

It is reality. We went to Varadero Feb 2020, I am glad I didn’t take my daughter, she is picky. I was born in Jamaica and loved the food. Canadians are spoiled. You can’t go to a tropical country and not expect flies and mosquitoes

I really, really appreciate this video. I have been quite frustrated with a lot of reviews I have been seeing. A lot of people aren't seeing the forest for the trees. Complaints about flies and mosquitos? Like there aren't insects EVERYWHERE on earth. Super excited to get back to those beaches in April!

LOVE YOUR HONESTY!!!! And Passion about the beautiful people in Cuba and the lives these poor folks live. You’d Never know it from them , because they don’t complain . Love Cubans!!! Great job Mike continue to tell the story , and spread the word about this beautiful Country

I’ve been watching your videos and guess what, I booked 1 week in Apr because we’re missing so much Cuba🙂 we do go for the beach, the music, the atmosphere & the people, so we sure can’t wait to get there!❤

Love your honest video, always look forward to them. My husband and I are like minded like you regarding Cuba. We have yet to starve on a vacation and the main reason we go is to relax and to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. Do I choose Cuba for the price? you bet. But because of that we are able to get away more than once a year and enjoy the sun and beach. Keep on doing what you are doing. People do need to be educated about Cuba. And for those who like to complain, seriously do your research and maybe Cuba isn't for you.

i freaking love love love this video… you nailed this one… we have met you in Cuba at memories caribe…we ❤ Cuba

Mike I booked a trip with my wife to Cuba in Cayo Santa Maria . Literally on your recommendation of your 2023 favourite place to go. I have to say an absolute THANK YOU!!!!! We couldn’t have been more thrilled to have gone to Ensenachos!!!!!! Literally the only thing they ran out of was tomatoe juice one day only . You were dead on , on everything you said. We had fresh eggs every morning, full buffet breads fruits everything!! Thank you for everything you recommended Cheers!!! D&L from Port Franks Ont.

Great video Mike, it’s almost kinda ridiculous that you need to explain some of these things to people…but I suppose that common sense & a bit of humility isn’t that common 🤷‍♂️. Looking forward to signing your book at Flamenco in a couple of weeks ! 🍻

I'm Canadian and I'm not a picky eater at all looking at Cuba for a 2 week vacation. Never see Cuba want to go to Havana but probably stay in Varadero.

Bottom line you get what you pay for.

Los Cactos, Varadero 100%

I don’t live in luxury. It is the very first time my husband and I will go to the south (usually go on a few days the east coast as it’s cheaper as a family and I am from Montreal) and we are in our 40s. I think it won’t be as bad for me, because I already live simple, so it won’t make that much of a change LOL! We will bring ketchup (the one thing my husband can’t live without) and salt and pepper. The only thing that I will miss is lava hot showers. So I hope that in July, when I go to the Caribe (we got a free diamond club upgrade), I will just have fun and relax, taking a break from my healthcare job and spend quality time with my husband.

I luv cuba

Love your video's! Cuba is our happy place! Can't wait for our next trip!😁

Correct I go to Cuba for the Sea Sun and Sand

Great talk, last year we were in cayo coco, and two days in they had hotdogs by the pool, well people went crazy getting three or four hotdogs, after a day or so I realized that they always have hotdogs at the buffet, and lots of buns, so I could have a hotdog anytime, I think sometimes we get excited when they have things we have in Canada . Never had a bad visit in Cuba, like you I enjoy what they have, I don’t give a rats A$$ about what they don’t have, your videos are a must for anyone thinking about Cuba,

I know exactly what you mean about entitlement. I was reading reviews and one guy gave the resort 1 star because they didn't have french fries all week 😂

I was at the Barlovento last October, Talked to a cuban and his wife who where invited for 1 week by an old Canadian lady who was also there with them. Here is what he told me: Our friend (the lady) offered us 1 week at the resort. This is paradise for us, we eat a lot because tomorrow is the last day and we go back to our home in Varadero, no food, no nothing...we are starving. Man I cryed ! all Cubans on the resort where eating like a mountain of food in their plate....and for us, Canadians, found there was not much variety in that same buffet every day....think about it !

Yup, people are so entitled if they expect electricity, water, toilet paper on vacation. You nailed it, Mike! Seriously though, people can have concerns and don't deserve you dismissing them as entitled or complainers. I agree though that Cuba has the best beaches and you are very safe travelling there. The Cuban people are hard working and are making the best out of harsh conditions of their economy. Just list the problems and benefits of Cuba and leave it at that without insulting your viewers perhaps.

Great video, love cuba and don't want it to change to much. We are at Melia las Dunas now. Things are fantastic.

Love this video!! I wish more people would understand this. #42 to Cayo Largo next month for us.

Thank you for saying this. I love Cuba and the people, that's why we go. Oh no, they didn't have xxxx who cares?

Omg that s hilarious .i live in nova scotia and i just went without water for a wk 😂

love your channel honest reviews

You lucky bas#%***. Anyway….My wife and I have been going to Cuba for 11 years now, except for two years of Covid. For six of those years we stayed at a small beautiful resort half way between Havana, and Varadero. Called Starfish Jibacoa. Formerly Villa Tropico. Note the name, Star(fish). Ah ? Ah ? Anyway. We fell in love with the place. It is old and was somewhat run down, because during covid, they opened it up to local Cubans and they kinda gave up caring for the place. Now, however, it sold to Blue diamond resorts, and for the last two years, they have been doing extensive renovations. My wife and I speculate they are transforming the resort from a 3 star to a 5 star. Which, unfortunately my end our annual visit there. I think you should check out the reviews and book a stay before it gets out of reach. We are going Feb first for a week, and can’t wait to see how much more changes have been made. Just one more thing. You don’t go to Cuba for the food. But everything else is the best. Thanks for the videos.

Sir!! You tempt me! Food is such an important part of vacation for me but also I'm so far away from a picky eater. I just want 2 weeks without a care in the world

I had a high expectation before my first trip to 🇨🇺, but when I arrived there I had a huge surprise. It was better than I expected. Grandmemories varadero is awesome , and the staffs deserve our respect.

Important to note in Cuba. The experience can change and change quick. My family and I are at this exact resort right now. Actually I’m pretty sure we just one room down from where you guys stayed. No toilet paper. Next to No food outside of pork and rice. We are nervous that even drinkable water is becoming scarce. Definitely the best beach in the country however.

Excellent video Mike, Well said 👍

I away say to my wife, as long as you go and not expect anything your going to have an amazing time. Love cuba and we are flying out tommrow to cayo coco. As long as its got a beach im happy. I'll let you know how awesome it is when we get back.

Cuba is what you get when you order Mexico from WISH. Cuba is a huge step down from Mexico

You are far more polite than I would be....we also have friends from and in Cuba. We are fully aware of the horrendous challenges faced by the amazing Cuban people. No bacon? Really? No white wine? Give your head a shake...Cubans can't even get aspirin - forced blackouts - 3 eggs per month, when they are available....We bring 2 extra suitcases with needed items as well as some of the "luxury" items not available to Cubans. We don't go to Cuba for food/wine; we go for the amazing scenery and the wonderful people.

Loved your intro - I had a great laugh 😂! What you are continuing telling people is true! Know what you are going for and change your mindset from abundance to being chill with whatever…. If you can’t do that then pick another destination.

I didn’t have bacon at home for almost a year saving to go 😅n a trip so who needs bacon haha

You can pack food. Great video.

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!! absolutely loved it. lol You rock, dude!

Great video! I agree, it's only been recently I've been able to afford vacations down South, and it's easy to forget it's a PRIVILEGE. I'm curious though, about your thoughts on visiting Cuba in April or May? Is the weather too poor then? Just wondering as I've heard after April is the "rainy season". Thanks!

Mike I really like and appreciate your matter of fact videos!! I don't think I have missed one of them. We are coming on our first trip to Cuba in February to Mystique Casa Perla. Both of us are really looking forward to seeing part of Cuba and plan on taking future holidays in various parts of the Country. Having worked overseas off and on for over 40 years I understand the concept of shortages of goods. One thing I do know is I would rather have a power outage at + 25C than we were facing last week here at -45C LOL. Take care and we look forward to future videos.

Ok, so where do I find deals at $699 to CUBA?

Well, when my family gets food poisoning because the food is reused over and over again that is the last time I book Cuba. This was our last year in Cuba after 12 years. It wasn't bacon. It was the dirty beach while the staff was chasing tourists for tips, it was no hot water or no water at all for 7 days, infestation of flies inside the buffet, towels or bedding not changed for 7 days, breakfast, lunch and dinner were the same items reused with flies eggs on it. These were my determinants.

Maaaaaaan! You 100% hit the nail on the head. Great video!

Love this, We love Cuba and the people are wonderful. How can anyone complain when the prices are so great. Warm People, Beautiful beaches, Sunshine, and to be honest, I never have a problem with the food. I really believe, some people just like to complain. They try so hard to please us. I have gone to CUBA for years and never find the food bad. In fact I find they have plenty to choice from. I also think the ones who complain will do the same thing anywhere they go. Thankyou for your wonderful videos.

Excellent breakdown of what the expectations should be Fish! I’ve been there a ton of times and I absolutely LOVE CUBA!

Just stated watching your videos and have enjoyed them a lot. We've been to Cuba often and really appreciate all the different resort info. We have our favorite resort in Varadero but we get adventurous every couple years to try new places and these reviews will help!. Thanks Mike!

I love yours videos and the way you address the issue down there . But on my view point Cuba is unbelievable

Can you bring snacks with you just in case ?

I think you need to come to Santa Maria Feb 10-17 lol! I absolutely can’t wait to get there and unwind with some amazing people we meet! The worst part is the trip from Kingston to Toronto!!

Thailand sounds exciting. I would love to do a trip like that or to India one day. I appreciate how realistic you are in your description of Cuba. I'm taking my kids and one of their friends next month and I'm only able to do that because it's the cheapest I've found. I plan on doing a number of excursions and have a great time. I don't really care what the resort looks like or the food so much because we won't be there most of the time.

Hello sir That’s nice acting at the start. This was the perfect video sir People just need to know that Cuba is like a jeep you have to liken it. I don’t even read any reviews when I book

Every thing you say, we say. We get Cuba ( we call it CUBADA). We’ve booked Friday in Trinidad, for fun $495 all in!! Wish us luck!! Ps 3rd Cuban trip in the last 8 months. Thx for great videos!!

Perfect video! Most people don't understand that even with shortages, you are well fed compared to Cubans.

Great video, many many people should watch this. Keep up the great work.

Your perspective is awesome thanks for the video!!! Going for my second time in April and just reminds me to ignore the reviews and remember why I'm going...beach and sun!!!

Sad but true! Great video. Everyone needs to go to Cuba. See and experience the beauty yourself! Life is what you make it. Enjoy the adventure. 😊