Be Live Adults Only Los Cactus

Despite being a sizable resort of 270 rooms, Hotel Los Cactus has an intimate feel, and nowhere is that more apparent than the lobby. Past a three-tiered fountain and striped porch swing marking the entrance, the light and airy lobby is illuminated by skylights that give the space abundant sunlight. Wooden armchairs and couches with cushy teal upholstery provide seating. Toward the back, ivy vines cascade down the white walls from planters. Repeat guests linger at the lobby bar to indulge in chummy chit-chat with the staff. From the lobby, the resort unfolds onto meandering paths lined with greenery, but its relatively compact size means it doesn’t have the massive sprawl of others.

Another detail that separates Hotel Los Cactus from the resort pack is its emphasis on local culture. The grounds are landscaped with a wide variety of indigenous plants from the purple leaves of sweet potatoes to 30 varieties of orchids, and humming birds can be seen flitting about. The bar is adorned with traditional unfinished pottery, and the staff is always busy whacking open coconuts for guests or roasting pigs on a spit near the beach.

The resort’s pool is a lively scene with music playing (a mix that ranges from sax to thumping house music) and a pool basketball net to one side. But those seeking a peaceful atmosphere need only duck down to the beach and its quiet zone, where ocean waves are the dominant sound. Clients tend to be couples from young honeymooners to older retirees making use of the nearby golf course. Some families with older teens do come to the resort, but children under 12 are not allowed at this adult-only property.

Hotel Los Cactus is located right on the beachfront in Varadero, often consider Cuba’s loveliest beach. The nearby Varadero Golf Club is a major draw and just five minutes away by car. The town of Varadero is an 11-minute taxi ride away. There guests can enjoy restaurants, the local artisanal market, and nightlife such as the popular Beatles Bar, which hosts a variety of musicians. Havana is a little under two hours away by car, and the city’s José Martí International Airport is 10 minutes farther.

While rooms don’t have the same elegance as the lobby, the decor’s bold colors keeps things cheery. Rooms are adorned with photos of orchids from the grounds, another nod to the resort's indigenous plants. In Junior Suites, kelly-green curtains and yellow walls brighten the dark wood furniture. In Suites, the colors lean toward pale yellow and lime green. But in all rooms, old-fashioned bedspreads with graphic ‘80s patterns make the rooms feel a bit dated. All rooms have balconies furnished with white plastic chairs and tables. Amenities include minibars stocked with free drinks, coffeemakers with coffee supplies, safes, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, air-conditioning, and writing desks. Some rooms include DVD players. Suites have separate sitting rooms with sofa beds and include two flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms' look is basic, with broad white tiles, but marbled vanities with ample counter space add a note of elegance. Most bathrooms have shower/tub combos, but a handful have walk-in showers; some also include bidets. Hairdryers and individual toiletries come standard.

Views are either of the pool or the garden, and while edges of the ocean can be caught here and there, none have full ocean views. The “J Block” group of rooms also known as “Pool View” are considered by many guests as being the most desirable. And some guests warn that rooms close to the disco can be noisy.

Unsurprisingly, the beach is the resort’s star attraction. It's divided into two zones, one festive area pumping out music and drinks, the other a quiet zone with guests dozing in the sun. Loungers and palapa umbrellas dot the white sands facing the aquamarine waters of the entire stretch. Security on the beach ensures guests safety and privacy, and towel service is available. Nonmotorized watersports are included in the rate, such as catamarans. Kiosks by the beach sell various artisanal goods such as sun hats, hammocks, crocheted dresses, and leather sandals. Wedding services are available, and ceremonies often take place on the beach or in the resort's gazebo.

Another spot to take a dip is the resort's lively pool and three separate hot tubs. They're ringed by blue-and-white plastic loungers, and plenty of patio furniture provides more poolside seating. Pergolas give shady spots, though sun umbrellas aren't easy to come by. Beach or poolside massages are available as well.

The resort's main buffet restaurant provides all meals. And three other a la carte restaurants serve dinner including Cuban, Italian, and barbecue. Seven bars are also on-site, including bars by the beach and pool. There's also a coffee bar serving 32 variations of coffee (and coffee cocktails) -- another nod to Cuban culture. Guests give the food mixed reviews, though it seems on par if not better than other resorts in the area.

A variety of activities are on hand to save guests from boredom, such as darts, chess, tennis and basketball, ping-pong, and volleyball. The gym provides more ways to break a sweat with modern cardio and weight-lifting machines and free weights in an attractive space with lofty pitched ceilings and tall windows, but the space lacks air-conditioning.

Events are ongoing including live music on most nights and spectacles like a “Desert Night” with belly dancing and kabobs. Thematic get-togethers for guests like “pajama parties” and the on-site disco add to the lively atmosphere, as does the Piano Bar.

Car rental and tour desks are available in the lobby. Wi-Fi is also available in the lobby, though it's often spotty or down all together. Guests can purchase an hourly card from reception. (On our visit, cards were 2 Cuc each.)