Paradisus Rio De Oro Hotel
Truly a Honeymooner's Paradise

by Habeeb Salloum

I was sitting in a bar at the luxurious Paradisus Rio de Oro Hotel when I began a conversation with a couple sitting next to me.  They told me that they were Canadian and had come to the hotel for their honeymoon.  When they found out that I had just arrived they began to tell me about the many excellent attributes of the hotel.  Marge, the new bride, summed well all this saying, “Everything here is fantastic!  It’s a magical place!  For us it’s a romantic getaway, an ideal place for our honeymoon.” You will see!  It’s an amazing resort.”

Photos courtesy Habeeb Salloum

In the ensuing days, after exploring the hotel and its surroundings, I found that Marge was not exaggerating.  A paradise-like holiday abode set in a truly spectacular setting, privileged by nature it stands in the midst of meticulously landscaped gardens.  A bungalow-style structure, the hotel consists of charming two-story blocks of rooms with separate terraces across from one of the most striking coral reefs in the world.

Located in an environment of great natural richness, 5 minutes from the well-known Guardalavaca beach, 60 minutes from Holguin, the provincial capital of the state of Holguin in Eastern Cuba, Paradisus Rio de Oro is the flagship of the Sol Meliá group of hotels.  It is perched above a low, rocky cliff overlooking the deep blue waters of Playa Esmeralda.  Noted for its fine white sands, the Playa is part of the Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park- a splendid natural tropical landscape with an aquarium whose main attraction is swimming among dolphins.     

A fabulous 5-star ‘ultra all-inclusive’ resort of 300 rooms, Paradisus Rio de Oro, widely known for its spacious accommodations, excellent food and drinks and impeccable service, offers, besides luxurious accommodations, three secluded beaches and a very friendly staff.  Above all, it is an ideal man-made Eden, for newlyweds, couples and anyone else seeking the finer things in life and who want to pamper themselves in a tropical atmosphere of deep serenity.

Numerous vacationers have asserted that Paradisus Rio de Oro is probably Cuba's best beach hotel.  A retreat exclusively for adults par excellence, it caters, to a great extent, to wedding parties and honeymooners.  Free Weddings, Wedding a la Carte, Vow Renewals and All-Inclusive excellent Honeymoon Packages are offered to couples amid the luxury and comfort of one of the most magnificent hotels in the Caribbean.

A couple’s honeymoon begins when they enter the reception area, with its small tropical lake set lined with palm trees and statues, which continue throughout the decor of the hotel and on into the restaurants. The very friendly staff always smiling and cheerful makes the couple comfortable as soon as they enter the hotel.  Upon arrival the couple are offered a welcome cocktail with sparkling wine and they will find in their room a fruit basket, bottle of wine and flowers.  The day following their arrival, they are served a honeymoon breakfast in the room and in the evening they will enjoy a romantic honeymoon dinner.

The hotel also has a honeymoon package, usually with hefty discounts, for lovers seeking a romantic getaway.  If couples have their wedding ceremony in the hotel, after tying the knot they can plant a commemorative palm tree with a plaque saying ‘they were married here in this hotel’ – some come back every year to see how much the tree has grown.

There is much to see and do at the hotel and in the surrounding area.  Scuba diving, snorkelling on the coral reef, windsurfing or sailing on a catamaran are all available if couples and others staying at the hotel are enamoured with the sea.  The beaches with their white sand and tranquil blue water are fantastic.  For relaxation in style, the hotel has an amazing/excellent spa with its own beach cove and glass-bottomed massage tables.

For the evening, one can take in a disco, karaoke or cabaret show, or just sit back and enjoy a stunning sunset accompanied by an exotic cocktail, or enjoy a romantic evening lulled by the soothing melody of this world-class tropical resort.  In between, there is excellent food to be enjoyed, some of the best served at any resort.  Dining is pure pleasure and there are all types of food that cater to every taste.  From sumptuous buffets and tasty fresh seafood to the dishes on the menu of a world-class Japanese restaurant and much more, it is hard for a visitor to decide with so many selections.

For couples that wish to pamper themselves, spending their honeymoon in Paradisus Rio de Oro, surrounded by comfort and luxury, is a great choice.  It will be a dream holiday, perfect for those who want to take advantage of a free wedding and its side benefits.  It will be a memorable holiday in the sun.  In the words of a guest who had just left the Paradisus Rio de Oro: “I loved my stay!  Ask for something and one of the staff will do her/his best to get it for you. This hotel is a fantastic place!”

continued on page 2: If You Go