Set on a ribbon of soft, white sand, the Brisas Covarrubias Resort in Holguin delivers an all-inclusive vacation on the most beautiful stretch of beach in Cuba, where the water is so crystal clear it shimmers like a mirror in the sun. And the neighboring coral reef, which is accessible during low tide, brings extra beauty to the hotel’s surroundings.
Because the resort is secluded, you can be assured of a peaceful and relaxing time, with a fitness center, pedal boats, Spanish lessons, dancing lessons, and scuba lessons in the pool, all at your disposal. Depending on which package you choose for your vacation, there is also an opportunity for upgrades and luxury services.
Accommodations offer one king bed or two ¾ beds, which is another way of saying a small double bed (15 cm smaller in width than a regular double). This can be uncomfortable if you’re having to share.
The rooms are clean, bright, and unexpectedly large, with tile floors as one would expect in the Caribbean. All said, however, they’re relatively basic, with some furniture and amenities in unfortunate disrepair. Cable TV leaves a lot to be desired, and hot showers are a gamble.
Among the resort’s 26 buildings, Brisas Covarrubias boasts 180 guest rooms, each averaging 2-4 guests. So this particular hotel can feel quite crowded during peak season. It becomes obvious at the hotel’s one and only pool, given the number of sunbathers gathered around. And again it’s noticed at the buffet during mealtime, taking into account the number of people standing in line. The wait might not be quite so terrible if the food was outstanding. Unfortunately, it’s not. It lacks variety and taste. On the plus side, there is a second restaurant that serves a la carte, so it’s possible to go elsewhere if you’re not willing to wait.
Four bars are also available if you’d prefer your meals in liquid form. 🙂
PROS: Affordable, secluded, and quiet, with beautiful grounds and views.
CONS: In need of updates and repairs, and a better buffet. Food definitely needs improvement.
At the end of the day, you can’t beat the location or the sheer beauty of the surroundings. However, the resort itself is in need of some improvement. Consequently, the 3.5-star rating for Brisas Covarrubias is questionable. It’s more along the lines of 2.5 — 3.0. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make the best of it and have a good time, especially if you’re looking for an affordable destination.