Among Palm Trees, History, and Flavor: Meliá Celebrates 35 Years in Cuba

At the beautiful Habana Café inside the Meliá Cohiba, Maite Artieda, Communications Director of Meliá Cuba, proudly shared her experience during our interview for Orbita Popular: "Being part of this great family and helping to create authentic experiences, both in heritage cities and resort destinations, is a true privilege." Since joining the company eight years ago, she has witnessed the growth of a brand that has skillfully adapted to changing times and diversified its offerings. What began as a small collection of properties now boasts a strong presence across various provinces, from Havana to the keys and natural destinations like Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and more recently, Trinidad.

Photo: Orbita Popular — Habana Café at the Meliá Cohiba Hotel

Renewal and Innovation Across the Island

Meliá continues to invest in the renovation of its facilities. Major upgrades are underway at properties such as Meliá Varadero, Sol Palmeras, and Meliá Las Antillas, with a focus on room improvements. Meanwhile, Meliá Habana and Meliá Cayo Coco are undergoing modernization of common areas and dining spaces—all aimed at enhancing the guest experience.

Meliá Habana: A Tropical Oasis in the Heart of the Capital

One of the brand’s flagship properties, Meliá Habana, hosted international journalists during FITCuba. The hotel left a strong impression, particularly for its expansive 2,700 m² swimming pool and its lush tropical setting in the middle of Havana.

“It’s like an urban resort—beach vibes in the heart of Havana,” remarks Maite Artieda. This unique duality allows guests to explore the cultural richness of the capital by day and unwind in a serene, palm-lined oasis by night.

The hotel boasts 397 rooms, including 100 The Level (Royal Floor) rooms, 4 suites, 12 junior suites, and standard rooms offering city or sea views. The Level experience includes a private reception, VIP buffet/bar, and exclusive amenities. A complimentary shuttle service takes guests to Old Havana, with the last return trip scheduled around 8:00 p.m., just in time for the famous Cañonazo ceremony.

Artieda also highlighted the company’s multi-brand strategy: “Each of our brands is tailored to a specific audience. Paradisus focuses on nature and family experiences, while Meliá Internacional has a more refined, upscale profile. We always strive to align the experience with the traveler’s motivation.”

Culinary Excellence at the Core

Gastronomy plays a central role in Meliá’s philosophy. The brand has become a culinary reference point in the Cuban hospitality industry.

A shining example was the presence of Peruvian chef Carlos Vicente Ramírez at Meliá Cohiba, where he crafted a refined celebratory menu: Salmorejo Cordobés to start, followed by a shrimp and potato salad, and a main course of pork tenderloin in charcuterie sauce with pumpkin-carrot purée—an experience guests praised as unforgettable.

At Meliá Habana, visitors can enjoy innovative concepts like Plaza Costa Habana, a vibrant outdoor area with food trucks, live music, and signature cocktails. Dining options include renowned restaurants like La Piazza (Italian), MED (Mediterranean), and the on-site Japanese venue.

Thanks to its own importer, MESOL, Meliá ensures consistent access to high-quality ingredients—even amid complex circumstances.

Looking ahead, Maite Artieda reaffirmed the brand’s close ties with Canada, which will be the guest of honor at FITCuba 2026: “We always welcome Canada with open arms. We’re honored that so many Canadians continue to choose us.”

Meliá Trinidad Península: Elegance by the Sea

During the press trip, journalists had the chance to visit Meliá Trinidad Península Hotel, a property they had seen under construction in 2023. General Manager Juan Pereira warmly welcomed the press and gave a guided tour of the resort. “Meliá Trinidad Península is a five-star-plus hotel. That extra star is for the charm of Trinidad—colorful houses, cheerful people, and the feeling of living a fairytale”, said Pereira.

This recent addition to the Meliá portfolio sits oceanfront, just minutes from UNESCO World Heritage-listed Trinidad. The resort blends modern architecture with its natural surroundings, nestled between mountains and a peaceful beach. One of the most magical moments came at sunset—when the golden sky over the bay cast a breathtaking glow, leaving the crowd in stunned silence.

A Sustainable Caribbean Experience

Meliá Trinidad Península stands out for its strong eco-conscious approach:

Generates its own electricity with 1,500 solar panels
Heats water using 250 additional panels
Collects rainwater from rooftops for garden irrigation

The resort offers The Level Adults Only, a premium experience for travelers seeking exclusivity, privacy, and personalized attention. This includes a private pool, lounge, restaurant, and upgraded in-room amenities like outdoor hot tubs and panoramic views.

In addition, the hotel is gearing up for a very special event:

“Los Van Van” in Concert – August 30, 2025.

Guests are invited to dress in white and enjoy an unforgettable all-inclusive evening with music, raffles,

and surprises all in the relaxed luxury that defines this five-star resort.

More details at: melia.com – Concert offer

Final Stop: Meliá Internacional Varadero

The last part of the press trip brought the group to Meliá Internacional Varadero, a modern five-star resort known for its contemporary design, prime beachfront location, and culinary variety. boasting over 20 restaurants and 15 bars.

This resort is a favorite among Canadian travelers, who praise its high-quality service, ample food and drink availability, and one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba.

The resort also features The Level, offering ocean-view rooms, private pools and dining, and access to less crowded areas of the beach—a highly rated option for those seeking a VIP experience.