Sanctuary At Grand Memories Cayo Santa Maria Hotel Review & Tour Cuba

[@leighcameron1899]

There is something very relaxed and comforting about the way you present yourself.

[@Finding-Fish]

Thanks Leigh!!!! I appreciate it

[@CECVIO]

Thanks Mike Fisher for your review. I am here for 7 days. Will be leaving for Toronto on Monday - December 2nd, 2024. Sanctuary at Grand Memories at Santa Maria is awesome. First time to an Adults Only Resort. This is my 5th trip to Cuba. Have been to Varadero and Cayo Guillermo.

[@matthewsemenuk8953]

I just got back from my first fantastic one week get-a-way to Memories Flamenco Cuba. The trip beat all my low expectations and I will definitely be returning to Cayo Coco in the near future. It was really cool to meet so many new friends there too, including the man, the myth, the ledged himself, Mike Fisher. Watching his videos really did help me to prepare and what to expect when in Cuba. I even mentioned to him that he did a great job at not sugar coating anything in his videos. Cuba does seem to be having some supply issues currently, but that didn't stop me from packing some things I wanted like some gatorade that doubled as a refillable containers and I made sure to bring ketchup among much more (all liquids in sealable plastic bags as a tip from the videos). Thanks for making these videos Finding Fish family. They really helped my first resort vacation to Cuba, to be a great one!!

[@Finding-Fish]

Matthew it was great meeting you!!! I’m so happy you, like many others had a fantastic time!!!! I’m happy for you!!!! Truly!!!! Thanks for watching Finding Fish!!! Jenny and I absolutely appreciate it!!!! And it was my pleasure!!!! See you on a beach one day my Friend

[@ramonabreu6433]

Cuban people don't have coffee fish or food

[@LolaPop-h2h]

@@ramonabreu6433 Cuban people dont have coffe and food? Hmmm, cuban people are not skinny in my opinio, they look fine to me, some even overweight! 😂

[@jefftaylor2041]

Just booked for $635 seven days, can’t go wrong beach alone is priceless!!!

[@Finding-Fish]

Amazing here now Fantastic time!!! Great deal Jeff

[@opinionmatters7119]

Beach at the sanctuary is nice. Very clean.

[@Finding-Fish]

It really is! THAT BEACH IS IN THE TOP 5 of ALL CUBAN BEACHES VIDEO OUT THIS FALL

[@juliadeal1683]

Fantastic content. Really well done! My husband and i love a good walk around the resort. Keep up the great work.

[@Finding-Fish]

Thank you!!!

[@amogus6482]

Great video!! Only been home two weeks and I miss it already. Thanks for capturing the great views, Mike. And, again, it was so nice meeting you there - Gail

[@Finding-Fish]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ShoutOutToMyExLM]

Currently at sanctuary after watching your video on it and we absolutely love it. The beach Is phenomenal. We didn’t come to Cuba for the food but we were pleasantly surprised with the choices. Would definitely return

[@Finding-Fish]

That’s absolutely amazing!!! I happy for you

[@Rysiek-wv4yp]

Well, you did not go to Cuba for the food, so why you came to Cuba for.....for beer 🍺?? Let me tell you something, food is essential for every human, this resort sux regarding food. Many people complain about this resort. I don't trust this Finding Fish Mike ! Just another repeater looking for upgrades and swag! He is bull shitting people lile you about many resorts! I unsubscribed him for good!

[@tadysaczkowski1837]

Thank you for your great videos on Cuba very educational .We travel extensively and have been all over the Caribbean Islands, as well as all over Cuba. And more specifically, we have been all over Cuba more than 80 times over the many many years. And I must say, out of the many resorts we have been to, the Paradisus Los Cayos . in Cayo Santa maria If you are going that way try it the royal section.Maybe my wife and I will bump into the both of you . Take care

[@hobbyist888hifi]

Man, you got me hooked of your Cuba series videos. Looking forward to your video release Saturday morning🎉. Love it 🇨🇺☕️👍

[@Finding-Fish]

Thank you very much every Saturday for the next 6 weeks Thanks for watching

[@SamuelParkash]

Great video dude Me too I love Cuba Thanks for posting Keep up the good work❤

[@Finding-Fish]

Thanks for watching

[@mambicubano7303]

Il y a quelques années, j'y étais avec ma femme et je jure que c'était merveilleux, la nourriture, le service, la plage, la chambre, tout était incroyable et la gestion de cet établissement était très professionnelle.

[@Finding-Fish]

tout était absolument incroyable il y a 2 semaines, beaucoup d'amusement

[@mariasologiuc7764]

Well done,thank you!

[@Finding-Fish]

Thanks for watching

[@budeweiser1968]

Great video, wish I was there. Cheers.

[@Finding-Fish]

Next time!

[@HiddenJackpots]

This is actually where I stayed last time I was in Cuba (2015 😯) I recognize everything! The jellyfish were bad when I went and I got stung a few times but it was like a mosquito bite for a couple minutes and then gone. I remember the buffet, we always had the same server and we tipped good. They always brought a bottle of champagne and put it in our beach bag so we could take it for the day and then the last 2 days they brought out plates of lobster like BIG plates of lobster

[@Finding-Fish]

I had a pretty good time

[@tomb9658]

Valentin Perla Blanca has a much better lobby bar based on some videos I've watched. The ocean here and pool look good though.

[@jenniferfisher4912]

Yes!!! Agreed! We LOVE that Lobby Bar🩷

[@ebonywade4633]

I'm headed here in just over a month, can't wait!

[@alimony812]

How was the vacation ?

[@ebonywade4633]

We absolutely loved it!! I can't imagine complaining at this place at those incredible prices! If you go hungry, you are either just incredibly picky or unwilling to try anything new. We will be going back at least once a year from now on.

[@ToniasUnpluggedLifeVlog]

Cayo Santa Maria is my favorite beach. Yes the ride is a bit long but once you get to the resort it’s beautiful

[@Finding-Fish]

Absolutely!!! Beautiful place to be Tonia!!! I hope all is well with you and your family!!

[@jimlofaro5695]

agree.

[@Champpe5654]

I am from cuba …love your videos. You have done a great job describing hotels and showing them. I go myself to los cayos a lot and kudos to you being a white guy in cuba! I travel a Lot inside cuba and los cayos are the best of the best besides Havana the capital. Varadero is ok…los cayos are the best. Either cayó coco or cayó Santa Maria. Try to go to Paradisus los cayos in cayó Santa Maria and hotel Kepimski in cayó Guillermo. This one is not all inclusive ..all is separate but is well worth it.

[@Finding-Fish]

Hey Jose!!! Thanks for your comment!!! And thank you for your suggestion!!! I absolutely love Cayo -Coco and Santa Maria!!! Absolutely paradise!!! Thanks for sharing your country with Me!!!! Thank you!!!!! Mike

[@Champpe5654]

@@Finding-Fish paradisus los cayos love it ….this is in cayó Santa Maria and Kepimski is in cayó coco. Go when you can. For this hotels you don’t need an agent to book them ….you do it directly on their website. In cuba the more prepare you go the better time you have. Take all kind of medicines, mosquito repellent, sun cream and a flash light. I be in paradisus end of July. Trip advisor shows you the best pictures for any hotel in cuba before you go. I always go there to see the hotels before I go.

[@Rysiek-wv4yp]

@@Champpe5654 overall Cuba sucks! The food is disguasting, many people have a stomack problem when they return back to Canada! This youtuber is a looser, not telling the truth about many resort! He is looking for free upgrates and swag!

[@Rysiek-wv4yp]

⁠@@Champpe5654 Sorry your Cuba is not the best place to visit! The food is gross, poverty, communism etc...

[@mmarus]

The beach is the main reason we are returning .... Last year we had a very rough start, my wife being eastern european is ... umm particular about her coffee, so she was kinda grumpy, however once they figured out the coffee situation, the rest was ok. We had issues with our room which was corrected. Lessons learned, our next trip in Jan we will be bringing nesspresso and hot sauce! 😅😅

[@Finding-Fish]

Totally

[@nadaadecirr]

I was at Memories and this year I want to go to Sanctuary, the beach in Cayo Santa Maria is the best

[@Finding-Fish]

I’m here now

[@slybel1570]

We just booked for 14days in March 2025. thanks for the Vid!

[@Finding-Fish]

Have fun!!!🤩

[@grechiasebring]

Is the beach at memories still washed out? Thx need this info...keep hearing beaches constantly change...thx

[@Finding-Fish]

The beach is absolutely beautiful I was there last week Beach video out soon

[@vaneh6982]

I miss Santa Maria, best beaches..Was this the old Hotel Cayo Santa Maria?

[@Finding-Fish]

I don’t know !!! But I loved it

[@cuongdo9958]

Very very nice. Can you compare the beach here and the beach at Starfish Cayo Coco pleae ? Thanks you.

[@kirkgraham3012]

Thanks Mike! I can't wait to be back in CSM in November

[@Finding-Fish]

It was a really nice time

[@cind3913]

Thinking about going in November.. have u been before in November? How's the weather?

[@Nicolebedine]

@@cind3913 same i am planning to go november 22, any idea if there jelly fish?

[@cind3913]

@@Nicolebedine we will see u there ..we r going on the 20. I think it all depends on the season. I haven't heard of anyone seeing any lately so hopefully we will be lucky and not see any!

[@Nicolebedine]

Omg excited!! ​@@cind3913

[@heather2087]

We've been to both Valentin Perla Blanca and Sanctuary Cayo Santa Maria. Love both the beaches but Valentine wasn't ready for us when we went there. It was a soft opening and they defo weren't ready. It is a beautiful resort though and we will need to return to change our opinion. You can't get the beauty of these beaches anywhere in the world for the price we pay for Cuba. That's why we keep going back. We're headed back to Cuba in November, Mexican cruise in Feb and Antigua in June. We're going to the yacht club in Antigua based on your video review. 🙂 Hoping to fit in a couple more trips but life / work keeps getting in the way. Can you recommend anywhere else within a 5 hour flight of Toronto?

[@Finding-Fish]

Amazing, go the Zelmas Kitchen, and a cross the road there a few sweet watering holes, I think happy hour starts a 4-7 $2.00 USD DRINKS

[@GLORY77-77]

Any recommendations how to avoid/beat mosquitos and gengenes bites? They could be very agresive

[@Finding-Fish]

Lots of bug spray

[@GLORY77-77]

Other tips?

[@yvanar-sp3rz]

Hey thanks for these informative vlogs on cuba . any advice on a good hurricane prediction online link for cuba ?

[@Finding-Fish]

National Hurricane Network

[@yvanar-sp3rz]

@@Finding-Fish thanks 👍

[@RaffiSivas]

Hi Mike, we’re planning of going to CSM for the end of April or beginning of May with 2 other couples. We’re debating between the Paradisus Los Cayos (newer 4.5 stars resort) vs Royalton CSM (adults only with butler 5 stars hotel). Interesting thing I learned is Guests staying at Royalton can have full access to all services and facilities at Memories and Sanctuary. My questions for you is: which resort will be better between Paradisus and Royalton considering our priorities in order of importance : beach, food, drinks, room and entertainment quality?

[@Finding-Fish]

I’ve always heard great things about Royalton!!!! And beautiful beach!!! Best Beach in Cuba is filmed there!!! Right in front of the Royalton!!! Check it out

[@RaffiSivas]

@@Finding-FishThank you very much. We love all your videos and honest reviews of Cuba.

[@frankgalfusz962]

Great video, as always Mike!! I just got back from Memories Caribe and had a good time. Flies were a bit of a concern, but, for the price I have no complaints! I could do Grand Memories, Cayo Santa Maria for $575 for 7 days! Is this a "no-brainer" !? How would you compare the flies and mosquitoes to Memories Caribe? I am not fussy, and, would gladly do Caribe again. Thanks!

[@Finding-Fish]

OMG $575!!!!! Absolutely amazing

[@frankgalfusz962]

@@Finding-Fish yeah, $625 minus a $50 Sunwing voucher for filling in a survey about my Memories Caribe trip. Insane price.

[@jeanchiappetta5719]

can't decide on the sanctuary in Santa Maria or the sanctuary in Holguin , which would you think is the better , ive been to CSM and Holguin before but not these resorts , again love your videos

[@Finding-Fish]

Ask yourself!!! Beaches??? Food? Accommodation? And what order!!! Sanctuary had a far better beach!!!! It had a beach bar and hopefully still has beach food!!! The buffet is small the food quality was good And the accommodation was good!! Holguin the beach was nice Great buffet nice pools and good restaurants choices bit long bus ride And the beach is not as nice as Santa Maria

[@jeanchiappetta5719]

Thank you 😊

[@alexhakimi7642]

Hey Mike What’s the best resort for a family to go to in Santa Maria? We were thinking to book Grand Sirenis or Grand Aston Cayo Las brujas. Any recommendation? Thank you

[@Finding-Fish]

I haven’t been to those resorts!!! So I can’t comment on that, I will be back in Santa Maria in the future

[@konradlewandowski1575]

I noticed when booking it has no diamond club, does that mean that everything is available on resort ?

[@Finding-Fish]

Totally!!!!

[@walterkhatchadourian852]

Thank you this is a great video. We’ve decided to go there at the end of October. Is there anything to do outside the resort? Is there a town to go to and are the mosquitoes as bad as Cayo Coco It would be great if you could get back to us. Thank you.

[@Finding-Fish]

Yes bring bug spray, there is a market there!!! Just as at front desk and they will take you there for free

[@dcouzo]

What a shame! Everything for the tourist and nothing for my family there. Go out from the tourist area and make a real video with all the poor people living in a misery 😢

[@nirmalak1646]

Is the water in Santa Maria shallow like in guillermo?

[@Finding-Fish]

yes, mostly!!!!! Mike

[@mambicubano7303]

Je me souviens que ma belle-fille et son mari étaient au Royanton, et nous avons passé un meilleur moment qu'eux et ils nous ont permis d'être avec eux pour la journée à l'hôtel et à la plage, qui d'ailleurs est l'une des le meilleur de tout Cayó Santamaría

[@davidp6942]

Concerned about the walking distance from the Sanctuary to the dining area and to the beach. seems like alot of walking. Please comment

[@Finding-Fish]

walking Distances Sanctuary!! This is one of the Smallest Resorts in Santa Maria!!! Like 2 minutes!! I show it in the video!!! In show it inn the Food video If you think it to big please don't go to Santa Maria!!!!! Because the other resorts are massive

[@5minprojects817]

Good enough ... do they not have any water sport stuff? Kayaks etc. It doesn't seem like there's much to do but idk.

[@Finding-Fish]

yes, but you just have to walk to the Grand Memories part!!! Mike

[@contactjoshf]

I've been watching a bunch of your Cuba vids. I'm very easy to please...like you, by the looks of your videos. I was hoping on your recommendation between Sanctuary at Grand Memories, or Memories Carbide. Just looking for a nice beach, and cool atmosphere. Any input would be greatly appreciated. We are heading out from Toronto March 6th

[@Finding-Fish]

Well if you want a great beach with a short Bus ride(Caribe) Sanctuary has a wonderful long beach but long Bus ride.... Mike

[@contactjoshf]

@Finding-Fish Thank you so very much Mike! We are having such a great time here at Caribe! You rock!!! Stay safe, and keep up the fantastic work you do... Josh.

[@user-kk4jt7ds3p]

Did you like the Sanctuary at Grand Memories in Santa Maria or Varadero better?

[@Finding-Fish]

Santa Maria has a beautiful beach!!!! Check out the Video But Sanctuary Varadero has better food selection and In my personal opinion

[@SunsetbeachX9]

👏👏👏🏝️🏝️🏝️🏝️🏝️🏝️✈️

[@janjacko1079]

Is there some possibility to fly there from Havana or Varadero? Or how did you move ?

[@Finding-Fish]

I actually don’t know

[@user-sf5fk6ox4c]

Do you tip every time you order a drink ?

[@Finding-Fish]

Not every time!!! Maybe 🤔 if order 1 I tip If I order 2 at the same place I don’t!!! But if I’m there for awhile I will tip a few times

[@user-sf5fk6ox4c]

@@Finding-Fish Thank you for responding!

[@user-xs9835]

Is it always windy there? Planning to go in April.

[@Finding-Fish]

Can be!!! It’s an island in the ocean facing the open sea 🌊

[@JavierGonzalez-ss1sg]

Which Resorts do you think have the most beautiful beaches in Cuba ?

[@Finding-Fish]

Flamenco Caribe Ensenachos Perla Blanca

[@shaunsmith3625]

How many times have you been to Cuba?

[@jenniferfisher4912]

I think this is Mike’s 31st time!

[@Finding-Fish]

This is my 32 trip

[@armandoalvarezfleites1873]

It’s unfortunate that people are unwilling to look a little deeper than the beach and the resort. While beautiful you are paying to enrich the pockets of the Cuban government. You can do this in many places where the pollination of the country is not being oppressed by their government. You advertising and paying to maintain the Cuban people oppressed.

[@gwauii3050]

*Going there this weekend! Thankful for your videos* Please advise if i should bring a bunch of loonies and twoonies or American bills for tipping! I have a capital one Mastercard and im hearing they dont accept that since its an american-based card. So just relying on cash.....

[@Finding-Fish]

take $5-$10 and buy them from the Cubans, give a 5 or 10 and ask for change!!! and yes some credit cards don't work great!!!

[@JonathonPlaku613]

Heading to this exact spot in February, fly out of Toronto and will actually get there about the exact same time you did! Is there anything to do there during the night as I really won’t want to sleep upon arrival?

[@Finding-Fish]

I think the Disco and Market will be opened

[@natc2725]

How is the disco? @@Finding-Fish

[@lianna4686]

How was your trip?

[@JonathonPlaku613]

@@lianna4686 it was amazing!

[@jeffw7996]

So I’m heading there on Saturday? Any tips I should know any ideas for excursions or should I expect to just relax on the beach… $605 for 7 days couldn’t pass it up

[@Finding-Fish]

I’m in Holguin right now, It’s very hot so excursions a challenge The water will be excellent!!!! Enjoy You got a fantastic deal

[@gman8962]

Any windsurfing equipment available?

[@Finding-Fish]

i'm not sure at this resort but many resort do have equipment

[@gman8962]

I'm not finding any,seems resorts are getting rid of them. Maybe a liability? @@Finding-Fish

[@JimmyIngratta]

Is there a shortage of alcohols an beer in cuba?

[@Finding-Fish]

I haven’t run out Beer!!! Or any alcohol when I was there!!! Once in awhile we ran out of White Wine but it was restocked

[@jenniferfisher4912]

Today- it’s going to be a GOOD day!!!!

[@mavericksim1878]

Hi Mike! You paid $725? By yourself in the room package? Jenny didnt came with you on this trip? How far do you you have to walk to the beach till the water gets to your neck? Between Sanctuary and Valentin Perla Blanca, which one is the better beach for you? Any other beach in Cuba that is better than these two? Thank you! Maverick

[@Finding-Fish]

$725!!! Just for me!!! They do single occupancy until November!!! No Jenny didn’t come!!! The beach at Sanctuary was absolutely gorgeous!!! You’d have to go out 100 yards or so to get to your neck!!! Valentine has a better lobby bar!!!! 100 percent

[@mavericksim1878]

@@Finding-Fishso you prefer the beach in Sanctuary over Valentin? Any other beach in Cuba that is better than Valentin and Sanctuary or something that can compete. Thank you for your reply!

[@delbertsaa6774]

How much x drinks ( alcohol ) and how many days is this package vacation ? Ah must say the video is spectacular

[@downtownbrown756]

What were the exact dates you were there? From when until when?

[@foodguymiller]

Do they take American I dollar bills

[@Finding-Fish]

Always!!!!

[@miozotirosilloloftjc8979]

BELLAS LAS PLAYAS DE MI PAIS||!

[@Finding-Fish]

sí lo son, mejor del mundo

[@lucluc7063]

If you want hot food this is not the place to go . My dad was there in april the buffet was cold even the dish that was supposed to be hot. I was there in octobre and the same thing even the a la card restaurant.

[@Finding-Fish]

thanks for the INFO!!!

[@Datmk1cab]

Hey im looking to go at the exact same place in december im wondering how far is the beach and can you snorkel and body surf?

[@Finding-Fish]

the beach goes for 3.5 km and you could body surf further down by Royalton

[@mariasologiuc7764]

One question,please tell me canadian dollars are good for tips?Thank you!

[@Finding-Fish]

Yep Only paper Money!!!!! bring 5-10

[@barbarab8182]

Hi, where would you recommend going in January that is the warmest, except Santiago (I have been there and am not crazy about sea color and sand:)) and Trinidad.? Thank you!

[@reviewsbyChase]

This hotel have disco?

[@Finding-Fish]

I believe there’s a disco at the Market

[@lucernec3101]

which airlines do you use to crack open these jewels

[@Finding-Fish]

its the timing!!! i just wait for the deals

[@Tiaryo444]

Does the wifi work all around the resort

[@Finding-Fish]

No not great

[@CeciliaSousa-b7m]

You forgot to find the fish :P

[@malitman]

How's the WiFi

[@Finding-Fish]

It's OK Slow!!! if it was better I would consider staying longer!!!

[@RR-xu5xk]

Tripadvisor review. "I'm dumbfounded as to how this place has 4.5 stars its definitely not! I'm just going to say it as it is....I was hesitant on going here as alot of the negative reviews were concerning, thought oh what a bunch of whiners/ Karen's, chose to think positive because there's so many great reviews!! Well I went and am home now and here's my take.... Absolutely beautiful beach, best beach I've ever been on, but thats pretty much were it ends for me..... Instead of me writing everything here that we experienced, I will just say 95 % of the negative reviews are true! I will include pictures of the lovely pillows they had on our bed and matress cover!"

[@Finding-Fish]

You do what you have to do!!! I never read a review!!! I get on planes and see for myself!!!why would you put any faith into TripAdvisor!!!! Who’s actually writing a review, why are they writing it in the first place!!! When it come to Star ratings!!!! That’s laughable!!!!

[@Finding-Fish]

Have you travelled there yourself??? Do you travel often would be my first question. Your basing this off of what someone else is saying!! It’s the Internet!!! You should watch my Survivor Video!!! Best of Luck

[@puppetken]

Have you ever caught Dengue Fever?

[@Finding-Fish]

NO!!! YOU?

[@puppetken]

Yes, @@Finding-Fish

[@billcurtis689]

POOR HOTEL . FOOD WAS TERRIBLE QHEN WE VISITED

[@Finding-Fish]

When was that Bill

[@ivanmontenegro2881]

everything is old looking for the price at least make it much decent looking it looks dirty looking

[@Finding-Fish]

Yup if you don’t like it don’t go!!!! That’s why I make videos!!! Didn’t cost you anything!!

[@ramonabreu6433]

Cuban people don't have coffee

[@ramonabreu6433]

Yeah and the cuba people are not can eat fish how can you help a dictator

[@Finding-Fish]

We actually try and help the people

[@delbertsaa6774]

Mr Ramon , you will buy food drinks and eat things that inevitably are made in another countries and CANT blame the whole World x that

[@delbertsaa6774]

Ramona donde vive usted ??

[@ramonabreu6433]

@@delbertsaa6774 gracias a dios no en cuba dónde todo es prohibido al pueblo pude escapar

[@ramonabreu6433]

@@delbertsaa6774 you make deals with a dictator government