04/19/2025
๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ค๐ข ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐๐ง๐ฎ โ ๐พ๐๐ฎ๐ค ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐
Grab a mojito, friends โ this is a long one!
Yesterday was my last day in beautiful Cayo Santa Maria, and Iโm finally ready to spill all the tea on my stay at One Gallery. This is my honest, unfiltered review based on my very first trip to Cuba. I came with basic expectations, barley told anyone I was a travel agent (so, no special treatment!), and even had clients staying here too, so Iโll include their feedback later as well!
1. ๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐ โ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐
I flew with Transat and as always, it was a pleasure. Flight times werenโt ideal (hello, night travel), but the late departure day made up for it! I upgraded to Option Plus for $168 CAD roundtrip and let me tell you โ worth every penny.
Hereโs what that included:
Early seat selection (yes to exit rows!)
One extra checked bag
A comfort kit (blanket, eye mask, earbuds)
One alcoholic drink + snack from the bistro menu
Exclusive check-in counter (my fav โ I hate lines)
Priority boarding and baggage handling
Once in Cuba, immigration was quick and we were on our way to the resort within 40ish minutes. The drive is about 90 minutes, but One Gallery is one of the first stops in the area. Check-in was busy (I think family and mobility priority check-ins should be at all resorts!), but the front desk staff worked quickly and efficiently, given there was only a few working.
2. ๐ด๐ ๐น๐๐๐ โ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
I was pleasantly surprised! My room was more spacious than I expected, with a beautiful view and super central โ close to the pool and buffet, which is exactly what I prefer.
For those who prefer quiet or early bedtimes, Iโd recommend one of the further-out bungalows. Oceanview rooms come with butler service, and mine was AMAZING โ super helpful with general info, booking massages, and a la carte dining.
3. ๐ป๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐
This is a spacious property with 621 rooms, 4 pools (one for kids, one quiet), 3 restaurants, and 9 bars.
Itโs only 2 years old and still growing. I could see them adding more dining options or maybe even a disco or adults-only section next door someday. The design gives major Old Miami vibes with fun, vibrant art throughout. Itโs easy to navigate and explore!
Accessibility note: I wouldnโt recommend it for wheelchair users, not because of the property, but due to the location. The transfers are long and accessible transportation is very limited (and expensive).
4. ๐ป๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐
STUNNING. I totally get it now โ everyone who told me about Cuban beaches was right! I spent hours walking and relaxing. Tons of loungers, space, and no one on top of each other. Included activities like parasailing and paddle boats looked super fun, too.
5. ๐ป๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐
10/10. The staff made this trip! From the housekeepers to the bartenders to the entertainment team โ everyone was kind, fun, and welcoming.
Special shoutouts to:
Pool bar crew: Kept me hydrated and happy
Housekeeper: Sweetest soul who left adorable daily towel art
Cigar Lounge staff: Amazing drinks, excellent service + chill vibes
Entertainment team: High energy and made every day fun!
6. ๐ป๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐
โ ๐ณ๐๐โ๐ ๐ป๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐
Okay โ I came with LOW expectations (as most people do with Cuba). Iโm basic with food but do enjoy quality eats. That said โ I didnโt starve and was pleasantly surprised.
Hereโs the real talk:
Omelette station at breakfast? YES.
Pasta bar at lunch/dinner? Also yes.
Cuban Night on Thursday? SO good.
Lunch Win- The grill next to the 24 hour snack bar is amazing!
The buffet is smaller, so go early or later to avoid the lines.
Coffee? Not it. Kinda does the job, but I was dreaming of better brews.
I brought my own snacks (and tequila, Diet Pepsi, and Red Bull โ essential!), but barely touched them.
Pro tip: Plain crackers saved me on hangover mornings LOL.
7. ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
Always something happening! I loved the Pink Party and Neon Party (which happens at night around and IN the pool โ such a vibe!).
Shows are hit or miss โ I only saw one and it was just okay, but I heard the Michael Jackson tribute was great. Check the lobby sign or scan the QR code to stay updated. Honestly, I just asked around and went with the flow!
8. ๐ถ๐๐-๐น๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐
Mondays = Carnival at the Plaza and Iโm kicking myself for missing it โ heard it was incredible!
The same plaza roughly 30 min away is a fun stop anydayโ great drinks, food, souvenirs, and you can walk to two neighboring resorts.You can take a return bus for $5 or grab a cab ($25 USD) and ride back in style in a pink vintage car.
I also went to the smaller plaza next door (quick shuttle ride) for massages โ yes, twice โ and both were 10/10!
๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ก ๐๐๐ค๐ช๐๐๐ฉ๐จ
This trip was AMAZING. I finally understand the Cuba love โ the beaches, the people, and the value are unbeatable. I met so many lovely people (many of them return guests), and Iโm already planning to come back โ maybe with my mom and maybe to explore other resorts in the area.
If youโre flying direct from Halifax, $1300 CAD per person double occupancy outside of peak holiday weeks is a great value in my opinion.
๐พ๐๐ ๐ฐโ๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐:
Couples & friends who donโt mind being around kids
Solo female travelers (I felt totally safe!)
Families with older kids (12+) who donโt need constant entertainment. There is a kids club that's smaller, located next to to the theater as well.
If food is your top priority, this is not your dream destination โ but if you go in with an open mind, you maybe pleasantly surprised!
๐ป๐๐๐:
Hit up the cigar lounge, amazing cocktails and vibes
Donโt miss the food stations at the buffet
Bring USD in small bills and CAD for the rest
Have lunch at the Grill by the pool when it first opens! So yummy and no crowds most days!
Pack your essentials (for me: tequila, Diet Pepsi, Red Bull, and snacks)
Be respectful โ the staff work HARD and deserve our kindness.
Stay curious, grateful, and kind! This is a third-world country, and these amazing humans work long hours in conditions we could never imagine. Letโs appreciate the privilege of travel โ we get to visit these stunning places, then go back to all our North American comforts. English is also NOT their first language DUH ๐ but many speak amazing English. Brush up on your Spanish or learn the basics and talk slowly.
All in all, this week shifted my opinions and outlook on Cuba so much! Thank you, One Gallery, for a fabulous week. I canโt wait to return โค๏ธ
Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Brea Hindy- MacsTravel, Travel Service, 78 Wallace Street, Alliston, ON.
