Iberostar Selection Holguín Review: Dreamy Beaches, Cuban Realities

To save on the package deal, we chose to depart from Pearson airport in Toronto instead of Montreal. Luckily, we had access to a family condo before the flight, which helped reduce costs. For most travelers, though, it’s important to factor in the added expenses of an overnight stay and meals. Still, the savings were absolutely worth it: almost $3,000 less for our family of four. Our flight with Air Transat went smoothly. It remains a solid option for charter-style vacation travel. A nice surprise: even though only one of our sons was still eligible for the Kids Club program (for kids under 12), all four of us boarded with priority.

Upon arrival at Holguín’s small but functional airport, we purchased a CubacelTUR tourist SIM card — seemingly the only option available locally. It’s a physical card that needs to be inserted into your phone, so a tip: don’t lose your original SIM card while traveling! The basic plan we chose included 4 GB of data, 20 voice minutes, and 20 SMS for 7 days, at a cost of 14 USD. It was enough to stay minimally connected, especially in combination with the hotel Wi-Fi… which, as we soon discovered, would be anything but reliable. The ride from the airport to the hotel takes about an hour — just enough time to ease into the Cuban rhythm.

The resort’s white buildings give it a clean and elegant look. The grounds are expansive, with golf-cart-style shuttles available to get around… when they show up, that is. The service was inconsistent. Our late-night arrival (around 10:30 p.m.) meant the buffet was closed, so we had to make do with a snack bar offering a limited menu: burgers or grilled cheese.

We had booked a family double room, which turned out to be two adjoining rooms connected by an interior door — a great surprise. This layout gave us plenty of space and comfort as a family of four: two bathrooms, two showers, and more room to breathe. The room wasn’t luxurious, but it was clean and functional. The patio door, however, was quite difficult to open and lock, which wasn’t ideal.

As is typical in Cuba, the tap water isn’t drinkable. Two bottles of water were delivered daily, but instead of sealed plastic bottles, they were reusable glass bottles manually refilled — a more environmentally friendly approach, but with no clear indication of where the water came from. It’s a small detail, but one that may give some travelers pause. A few additional touches would also have been welcome, like tissues or a more generous supply of toilet paper, which came sparingly.

One night, a power outage plunged the whole site into darkness — no air conditioning until the middle of the night. The next morning, there was no running water. Frustrating, but you learn to roll with it. In the evenings, the resort is generally quiet. Aside from a few traditional dance performances, there wasn’t much entertainment. If you’re looking for nightlife and energy, this might feel underwhelming. But for those who value peace and quiet, it could be just right.

Look closely, and you’ll notice that many parts of the resort are showing their age. A central fountain that didn’t work all week, broken lights along pathways that made walking back to the room potentially hazardous (we had to use our phone flashlights at times), and broken wooden slats on the cabana beds by the pool. Even outdoor electrical boxes were left exposed to the elements and within reach of guests — a concerning safety oversight.

The biggest disappointment for our boys was the state of the water play structure. Prominently featured on the resort’s website, it looked like a highlight for older kids. In person, it was closed off and clearly falling apart. A lost opportunity. The basketball court, too, looked unsafe with rusted-out elements.

Then there were the little things that almost became comical: two pool tables available to guests, but only one cue stick to share between them. These small oversights speak volumes about the lack of maintenance. While the resort carries the Iberostar name, it is managed by the Cuban government. This public management model may help explain the limited investment choices when it comes to maintenance and repair.

The main buffet was our daily go-to, but the offerings grew repetitive. Pork every day, beef only once, and the same three fruits served again and again. Made-to-order stations like omelets in the morning or fried rice in the evening came with long lines and a good dose of patience. Adding to that, drinks weren’t self-serve — you had to wait for a server to come by for even a simple glass of water, juice, wine, or beer. And more often than not, the wait was long enough that we’d finish half our meal before anyone stopped at our table. Since the buffet only opened at specific hours, there wasn’t much available between meals either, aside from a beachside snack bar offering basic fare like burgers and fries.

That said, we did enjoy a Cuban-style roast pig on the beach one afternoon. It was a great atmosphere with music and dancing that brought guests together. Unfortunately, the meat wasn’t fully cooked when they first served it, so we had to wait another 90 minutes before enjoying a proper bite. A festive idea that needed better execution.

À la carte dining was hit-or-miss. On our first night, all the reservation slots were already taken — even though the restaurants looked half-empty. It quickly became clear that food and staffing were tightly matched to reservations. Thankfully, an Air Transat agent on-site helped us secure the three dinners included in our package.

The Japanese restaurant, Sake, was by far the most disappointing. There was no real show cooking: the chef simply ignited a flame to fry the rice and tossed small pieces of omelet into guests’ mouths. No onion train, no spatula tricks, no jokes — nothing of what you’d expect from a teppanyaki-style experience.

The two other restaurants — Azly Profundo (Mediterranean) and Oleo (Gourmet) — served good food, but in portions so small that many couples (ourselves included) returned to the buffet afterward. A shame, because the quality was there, just not the quantity.

The beaches definitely elevated the overall experience, as you would expect in Cuba. The small private beach was calm, shaded, and ideal for families. The shallow water allowed kids to play safely, and the open space was perfect for throwing a ball or frisbee.

Later in the week, we discovered the large beach, accessible via a charming wooded path dotted with wild cacti and crossed by a wooden bridge. The sand was soft and golden, and the turquoise water crystal clear. Kayaks, pedal boats, and a four-person catamaran were all included. Our favorite activity? The catamaran, hands down. We did it twice, tossing bits of bread into the water to attract schools of colorful fish — a magical experience.

Comfort-wise, the beach chairs left much to be desired: no cushions, many broken or stuck in one position, forcing you to move often to avoid back pain. What was more surprising, though, was the complete lack of proper restrooms for guests at the large beach. The only option was a staff washroom — poorly maintained, without toilet paper, and clearly not intended for visitors. Considering the beach is a good walk from the rooms and that most guests stay there for several hours at a time, it’s a basic convenience that felt noticeably absent.

The combined basketball and soccer court made our kids happy at first. The lines were there, and the space was inviting. But the concrete surface, full sun exposure, and lack of shade made it hard to enjoy for more than a few minutes. Several rusty or broken features made it feel a bit unsafe.

The main pool was a welcome spot to unwind. Even during spring break, there were enough loungers without having to play the 7 a.m. reservation game. Music played throughout the day, creating a pleasant vibe. The activity board listed yoga, aquagym, beach volleyball, water volleyball, and more, but in practice, we only saw a few aquagym sessions — led by an instructor who was clearly still learning the ropes.

We would have appreciated more non-sporting activities too, like painting classes, Spanish lessons, or crafts, which are common at other resorts. Aside from a couple of dance sessions by the pool (which felt improvised), not much else was offered.

That said, the resort does offer large green areas perfect for kicking a ball, tossing a frisbee, or simply having fun as a family.

One of the most meaningful parts of our trip happened outside the resort. Recommended by other guests, we booked a horse-drawn carriage ride with Ismel, a local guide. The carriage was simple, seating four, and drawn by a single horse. It took us through the nearby countryside for a gentle but eye-opening glimpse into real Cuban life.

Ismel was kind and talkative, sharing insights into local life and working conditions. He showed us the modest housing blocks where resort workers live — starkly different from the tourist-facing facilities. These government-provided apartments are tied to employment: if a worker quits or is dismissed, they lose the right to stay. After several years of service, some workers can earn the right to own or be granted their units.

Next, we visited a small family-run farm, where we were warmly welcomed. Chickens, pigs, cats, and dogs roamed freely, delighting our kids (though those less fond of animals might find it a bit much). We were served incredibly flavorful fresh fruits, including several types of bananas, and enjoyed a mini tasting while learning about the varieties. It left us wondering why such quality produce wasn’t served at the resort.

Our first stop was a small local craft market. We picked up a few inexpensive souvenirs — some broke within days of returning home, but supporting the artisans was the goal more than the keepsakes.

👉 You’ll find more stories like this in the Destinations – Cuba section.